If you are planning a trip to New York City, you may have heard about the infamous resort fee that hotels often charge. This fee can add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of your stay, so it’s important to know if it’s something you need to budget for. In this article, we will explore whether all NYC hotels charge a resort fee or not.
What is a Resort Fee?
Firstly, let’s define what a resort fee is. A resort fee is an additional charge that hotels add onto your bill on top of your room rate. This fee is meant to cover the cost of amenities and services provided by the hotel, such as Wi-Fi, pool access, gym access, and other perks.
Do All NYC Hotels Charge a Resort Fee?
The short answer is no – not all NYC hotels charge a resort fee. However, many do. In fact, according to recent research by HotelPlanner.com, around 90% of hotels in New York City charge some sort of mandatory or optional fee in addition to their room rate.
Mandatory Fees
Mandatory fees are charges that you must pay in order to stay at the hotel. These fees are typically disclosed upfront when booking your room online or over the phone. According to HotelPlanner.com’s research, around 75% of NYC hotels charge mandatory fees.
These fees can vary widely depending on the hotel and its amenities. Some common mandatory fees include:
- Resort fees (for access to amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool access, gym access)
- Parking fees
- Housekeeping fees
- Energy surcharges
- “Destination” or “occupancy” taxes
It’s important to note that mandatory fees are typically subject to additional taxes and fees.
Optional Fees
Optional fees are charges that you can choose to pay in order to access additional amenities or services. These fees are typically not disclosed upfront when booking your room, and may be presented to you at check-in or during your stay.com’s research, around 60% of NYC hotels charge optional fees.
Some common optional fees include:
- Early check-in/late check-out fees
- Bellhop or baggage handling fees
- In-room safe fees
- Newspaper delivery fees
- Mini-bar restocking fees
How to Avoid Resort Fees in NYC Hotels
If you’re looking to save money on your trip to NYC, there are ways to avoid paying resort fees at hotels. Here are a few tips:
- Research hotels before booking: Look for hotels that do not charge mandatory resort fees. Websites like Expedia and Kayak allow you to filter your search results by properties that do not charge resort fees.
- Join the hotel loyalty program: Some hotel loyalty programs offer perks like waived resort fees for members.
- Negotiate with the hotel: If you’re booking directly with the hotel, try negotiating the resort fee down or waiving it altogether. This may work better if you’re booking during a slow season.
- Book alternative accommodations: Consider staying in an Airbnb or vacation rental instead of a traditional hotel.
In Conclusion
Not all NYC hotels charge resort fees, but many do. It’s important to research a hotel’s fee policies before booking, and be aware of any mandatory or optional charges that may apply. By following the tips above, you can avoid paying unnecessary resort fees and save money on your next trip to the Big Apple.