Do Hotels Ever Waive Resort Fees?

By Anna Duncan

Are you tired of paying resort fees when you book a hotel? You’re not alone.

Resort fees have become a common practice in the hotel industry, and many travelers are wondering if there’s any way to avoid them. In this article, we’ll explore whether hotels ever waive resort fees and what you can do to try to get them waived.

What are Resort Fees?

Resort fees, also known as destination fees or amenity fees, are additional charges that hotels add to your bill on top of the room rate. These fees are meant to cover the cost of extra amenities and services that the hotel provides, such as pool access, gym facilities, Wi-Fi, and parking.

Do Hotels Ever Waive Resort Fees?

The short answer is yes, some hotels may waive resort fees in certain situations. However, it’s important to note that this is not a common practice. Most hotels will require you to pay the resort fee regardless of whether you use the amenities or not.

Some hotels may waive the resort fee if you’re a frequent guest or a member of their loyalty program. Others may waive the fee if there’s an issue with your room or if you experienced poor service during your stay. However, these cases are few and far between.

How Can You Try to Get Resort Fees Waived?

If you’re determined to try to get your resort fees waived, there are a few things you can do:

  • Call ahead: Before booking your stay, call the hotel and ask if they ever waive resort fees for any reason.
  • Negotiate: When checking in at the hotel, politely ask if there’s any way they can waive or reduce your resort fee.
  • Complain: If you experience any issues during your stay, such as a broken air conditioning unit or poor service, let the hotel staff know. They may be willing to waive the resort fee as a gesture of goodwill.
  • Join a loyalty program: As mentioned earlier, some hotels may waive resort fees for members of their loyalty program. Sign up for the program before booking your stay to increase your chances of getting the fee waived.

Final Thoughts

While it’s possible for hotels to waive resort fees in certain situations, it’s not something that you should count on. Most hotels have strict policies in place regarding these fees and will require you to pay them regardless of whether you use the amenities or not. However, by calling ahead, negotiating, complaining if necessary, and joining a loyalty program, you may be able to increase your chances of getting the resort fee waived.