Have you ever booked a hotel room and been surprised by an additional charge called a resort fee? If you have, you may be wondering if you can get this fee back. In this article, we will explore what resort fees are, why hotels charge them, and whether or not you can get them refunded.
What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are daily charges that hotels add to your bill for amenities and services that they offer. These fees can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night and can include items like pool access, gym use, Wi-Fi, and even bottled water in your room. Often these fees are not disclosed upfront when booking your room, which can come as an unpleasant surprise when checking out.
Why do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels charge resort fees as a way to cover the cost of amenities and services they offer without increasing the base price of the room. This allows them to keep their advertised room rates competitive while still generating revenue from guests who use their facilities.
Can You Get Resort Fees Back?
The answer to this question depends on the hotel’s policy regarding resort fees. Some hotels may allow guests to opt-out of paying resort fees if they do not plan on using any of the included amenities or services. However, this is not a common practice.
If you were not aware of the resort fee before booking your room or were misled regarding its inclusion in the advertised rate, you may be able to dispute the charge with the hotel or credit card company. In some cases, if you have proof that the fee was not disclosed upfront or was misrepresented in any way, you may be able to get it refunded.
Tips for Avoiding Resort Fees
If you want to avoid paying resort fees altogether, there are a few things you can do:
- Research hotels before booking to find ones that do not charge resort fees.
- Book directly with the hotel and ask about resort fees before confirming your reservation.
- Join loyalty programs or book through travel agents who have negotiated rates that may exclude resort fees.
Conclusion
Resort fees can be an unexpected and frustrating expense when checking out of a hotel. While it is not common to get them refunded, it is worth exploring your options if you feel you were misled or unaware of the fee before booking. By doing your research beforehand, you may be able to avoid these fees altogether and enjoy a stress-free vacation.