If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel or resort, you may have noticed an additional fee tacked onto your bill called a resort fee. This fee is becoming increasingly common in the hospitality industry, but many travelers are left wondering what exactly it covers and whether they can get it back when they check out.
What is a Resort Fee?
A resort fee is an extra charge that is added to your hotel bill on top of the room rate. It’s typically a daily charge and can range from a few dollars to over $50 per day. The purpose of the resort fee is to cover various amenities and services that the hotel offers, such as Wi-Fi access, pool and fitness center use, local phone calls, and even beach chairs and towels.
Do You Get the Resort Fee Back When You Check Out?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Resort fees are non-refundable and are not included in the room rate that you pay when you make your reservation. This means that even if you don’t use any of the amenities or services covered by the resort fee, you still have to pay it.
Why Do Hotels Charge a Resort Fee?
Hotels charge resort fees for a few reasons. First, it allows them to advertise lower room rates while still making up for some of their costs.
Second, it helps cover expenses related to maintaining and updating their facilities and services. Finally, it can be an additional source of revenue for hotels during slow periods or off-seasons.
How Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees?
While there’s no way to get your resort fee back once you’ve paid it, there are ways to avoid paying it in the first place.
- Book Directly with the Hotel: Some hotels waive their resort fees if you book directly with them instead of through third-party booking sites.
- Join the Hotel Loyalty Program: Some hotels waive resort fees for members of their loyalty programs or for guests who book a certain number of nights.
- Negotiate with the Hotel: If you’re staying for an extended period or booking multiple rooms, you may be able to negotiate a lower or waived resort fee with the hotel.
- Choose a Different Hotel: If the resort fee is a deal-breaker for you, consider staying at a hotel that doesn’t charge one.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while resort fees may be frustrating and seem like an unnecessary expense, they have become ubiquitous in today’s hospitality industry. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get your resort fee back when you check out. However, by using some of the tips mentioned above, you may be able to avoid paying it altogether.