Are you planning a vacation to a resort? Then, you might have come across the term “Resort Fee.”
It’s a mandatory fee that resorts charge their guests for using their amenities and services. But, do you get the Resort Fee back? Let’s find out!
What is Resort Fee?
Resort Fee is also known as a daily destination fee or amenity fee. It’s an additional charge that resorts levy on top of your room tariff. The Resort Fee covers the cost of using the resort amenities such as swimming pools, gym, spa, Wi-Fi, shuttle service, and other facilities.
Do You Get the Resort Fee Back?
No, you don’t get the Resort Fee back. It’s a non-refundable fee that you have to pay regardless of whether you use the resort amenities or not. The Resort Fee is charged per night per room basis and can range from $10 to $50 or more depending on the resort’s location and amenities.
Why Do Resorts Charge Resort Fees?
Resorts charge Resort Fees for various reasons such as:
- To cover the cost of maintaining and upgrading their facilities.
- To offset commission fees paid to online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Booking.com.
- To increase their revenue without raising room rates.
How to Avoid Paying Resort Fees?
It’s difficult to avoid paying Resort Fees when booking a room at a resort. However, some hotels offer packages that include free amenities such as breakfast or parking in lieu of Resort Fees.
Another way to avoid paying Resort Fees is by booking directly with the hotel instead of third-party OTAs. Some hotels waive off Resort Fees for loyalty program members or if you book directly with them.
The Bottom Line
Resort Fees are an additional charge that resorts levy on their guests for using their amenities. Unfortunately, you don’t get the Resort Fee back as it’s a non-refundable fee. However, you can try to avoid paying Resort Fees by booking directly with the hotel or looking for packages that offer free amenities in lieu of Resort Fees.
In conclusion, it’s essential to factor in the cost of Resort Fees when planning your vacation budget. Don’t let resort fees take you by surprise and ruin your vacation mood!