When it comes to booking a hotel stay, the price you see advertised may not always be the full amount you end up paying. Many hotels have started charging resort fees, which are added on top of the base room rate and can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night. These fees are meant to cover amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, and gym facilities, but they can quickly add up.
One hotel chain that is known for its resort fees is Hilton. However, many travelers have wondered if Hilton ever waives these fees. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not Hilton hotels waive resort fees and what you can do to avoid paying them.
What Are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that hotels levy on top of their room rates. They’re meant to cover the cost of amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, and fitness centers. Some hotels also include things like bottled water or phone calls in their resort fee.
The problem with resort fees is that they’re often not included in the initial advertised price of a hotel stay. This means that travelers may be surprised by an extra charge when they check out of the hotel.
Do Hilton Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Yes, most Hilton hotels do charge resort fees. These fees vary depending on the location and specific hotel, but they can range from $10-$50 per night.
Does Hilton Ever Waive Resort Fees?
While it’s rare for Hilton to completely waive resort fees, there are some circumstances where they may be willing to work with guests on reducing or eliminating them.
If you’re a loyal Hilton Honors member with a high status level (like Diamond or Gold), you may be able to get your resort fee waived as a perk of your membership. It’s also worth noting that some Hilton properties offer packages that include waived resort fees as part of the deal.
Another way to potentially avoid resort fees is to book your stay using Hilton Honors points. Some hotels will waive resort fees for guests who book their stays using points rather than cash.
How Can You Avoid Resort Fees?
If you’re not able to get your resort fee waived through Hilton, there are a few other strategies you can use to avoid paying them:
- Look for hotels that don’t charge resort fees in the first place.
- Book directly with the hotel rather than using a third-party booking site, as these sites may not include resort fees in their advertised rates.
- Ask for a waiver or reduction of the resort fee when you check in. While it’s not guaranteed, some hotels may be willing to work with guests on this.
The Bottom Line
While Hilton does typically charge resort fees, there are some ways to potentially avoid them or get them waived. By being strategic about how and where you book your hotel stays, you can ensure that you’re not hit with unexpected charges when it’s time to check out.