Are you tired of paying resort fees on top of your already expensive hotel room? These fees, also known as destination fees or amenity fees, can add up to a significant amount and leave you wondering if you can say no to them.
What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that hotels and resorts add to your bill for amenities that they claim enhance your stay. These amenities may include access to the hotel’s fitness center, pool, spa, Wi-Fi, parking, or even a daily newspaper. The fees are usually charged per night and can range from a few dollars to over $50.
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels justify resort fees by claiming that they provide guests with additional services and amenities that are not included in the base room rate. They say these added amenities enhance the guest experience and make their stay more enjoyable.
However, many guests feel that these additional charges are unnecessary and unfair. They argue that these amenities should be included in the base room rate and that charging extra for them is a hidden fee that is not transparent.
- Can You Say No to Resort Fees?
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to get out of paying resort fees. Most hotels require you to pay them when you check in or check out, and they may even charge them on a daily basis.
Some hotels may waive resort fees if you’re a member of their loyalty program or if you book directly with them instead of through a third-party booking site. However, this is not always the case.
How to Avoid Paying Resort Fees
If you’re looking for ways to avoid paying resort fees altogether, there are a few things you can do:
- Stay at Non-Resort Properties: Look for hotels that don’t charge resort fees. These may include budget hotels, smaller boutique hotels, or vacation rentals.
- Book Through a Travel Agent: Some travel agents have access to exclusive rates that don’t include resort fees.
- Negotiate With the Hotel: If you’re a frequent traveler or staying for an extended period, try negotiating with the hotel to waive the resort fee.
The Bottom Line
Resort fees are an additional charge that hotels and resorts add to your bill for amenities that they claim enhance your stay. While it’s not easy to avoid paying them, there are ways to reduce or eliminate them. Do your research before booking your next hotel stay and consider staying at properties that don’t charge resort fees.