Can You Refuse to Pay Resort Fees in New York?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a trip to New York and wondering about the resort fees? If so, you’re not alone!

Many travelers are curious about these fees and whether they can refuse to pay them. In this article, we’ll explore what resort fees are, why hotels charge them, and whether you can opt-out of paying them.

What are Resort Fees?

Resort fees, also known as destination fees or amenity fees, are extra charges that hotels add to your bill. They cover things like pool access, gym use, Wi-Fi, and other amenities that the hotel offers. These fees vary in price and can range from a few dollars per day to over $50 per day.

Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?

Hotels charge resort fees as a way to increase their revenue. In some cases, these fees may be used to offset the cost of providing amenities such as Wi-Fi or pool access. However, many travelers feel that these fees are simply a way for hotels to make more money without being transparent about their pricing.

Can You Refuse to Pay Resort Fees in New York?

The short answer is no; most hotels in New York require guests to pay resort fees. These charges are often mandatory and cannot be waived unless you have elite status with the hotel’s loyalty program.

However, there are some exceptions. If you booked your stay through a third-party website or travel agent, you may be able to negotiate with the hotel or get the fee waived altogether. Additionally, if the hotel failed to disclose the resort fee at the time of booking or made it difficult for you to find this information on their website, you may be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company.

Conclusion

While resort fees can be frustrating for travelers who want transparent pricing from hotels, they are generally mandatory in New York. However, by booking through a third-party website or disputing the charge with your credit card company, you may be able to avoid paying these fees. Keep in mind that many hotels will require you to pay resort fees regardless of how you booked your stay and that refusing to pay these fees may result in additional charges or even eviction from the hotel.

  • Remember that resort fees are extra charges that hotels add to your bill for amenities like pool access and Wi-Fi.
  • Hotels charge these fees as a way to increase revenue, though travelers may feel they lack transparency.
  • In most cases, resort fees are mandatory in New York and cannot be waived unless you have elite status with the hotel’s loyalty program.
  • However, there are some exceptions: third-party bookings and disputes with credit card companies can sometimes result in waived or reduced resort fees.

So next time you book a hotel in New York, make sure to check if there are any resort fees and factor them into your budget accordingly.