Do I Get My Resort Fee Back?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a vacation and looking for the perfect resort to stay in? Before you book, it’s important to understand the concept of resort fees. But what exactly are resort fees, and do you get them back?

What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees, also known as amenity fees or destination fees, are additional charges that hotels and resorts add to your daily room rate. These fees cover various amenities and services provided by the hotel, such as Wi-Fi access, pool towels, fitness center access, and more.

Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels charge resort fees to cover expenses for services that were once included in the room rate but now come at an extra cost. In other words, resort fees allow hotels to advertise lower room rates while still earning revenue from additional charges.

Can You Get Your Resort Fee Back?
The short answer is no; you cannot get your resort fee back once you’ve paid it. However, some hotels may offer a refund if you dispute the fee with the front desk before checking out.

How Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees?
It’s possible to avoid paying resort fees by choosing a hotel that doesn’t charge them or by booking directly with the hotel instead of using a third-party booking site. Some credit cards also offer perks like waived resort fees for cardholders.

The Bottom Line
Resort fees may seem like an annoying additional expense when booking a hotel or resort stay. Unfortunately, they’re not refundable once paid. The best way to avoid these extra charges is by doing your research before booking and choosing a hotel that doesn’t charge resort fees or offers them as part of their package deals.