Do Diamond Members Pay Resort Fees?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a Diamond member with a hotel or resort chain, you may be wondering whether or not you have to pay resort fees. After all, as a loyal member of the program, shouldn’t you be exempt from these additional charges

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward.

What are Resort Fees

Resort fees are additional charges that hotels and resorts add to your bill on top of the nightly rate. These fees cover amenities and services like access to the pool or gym, Wi-Fi, and parking. They can add up quickly and significantly increase the overall cost of your stay.

How Do Diamond Members Work

Diamond members are part of a loyalty program offered by various hotel and resort chains. These members typically earn points for every stay they book with the company. These points can then be redeemed for free nights or other rewards.

Do Diamond Members Get Resort Fee Waivers

The answer to this question varies depending on the hotel or resort chain in question. Some companies will waive resort fees for their top-tier loyalty members like Diamond members. However, others do not offer this perk.

Examples of Resorts Where Diamond Members Get Resort Fee Waivers

  • Hilton Honors: Hilton Honors offers complimentary resort fees for all Diamond members.
  • Marriott Bonvoy: Marriott Bonvoy offers complimentary resort fees for all Elite members, including those at the highest tier (Titanium and Ambassador).

Examples of Resorts Where Diamond Members Don’t Get Resort Fee Waivers:

  • MGM Resorts: MGM Resorts does not waive resort fees for their loyalty program members, including those at the highest tier (NOIR).
  • Caesars Rewards: Caesars Rewards does not waive resort fees for their loyalty program members, including those at the highest tier (Seven Stars).

Conclusion

As a Diamond member, you may or may not be exempt from resort fees depending on the hotel or resort chain you’re staying with. It’s important to check with the specific company to see if they offer this perk. If they do not, you may want to consider using your loyalty points to book a free stay instead of paying for the additional fees.

By understanding how resort fees work and whether or not Diamond members are exempt from them, you can make informed decisions about where to stay and how to use your loyalty points.