Does TLA Cover Resort Fees?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning to book a hotel for your next vacation? If so, you may be wondering if the advertised price includes the resort fees.

Resort fees are additional charges that hotels add on top of their base rates to cover amenities such as gym access, Wi-Fi, and pool usage. In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not TLA covers resort fees.

What is TLA?

TLA stands for Travelers’ Lodging Allowance. It is a per diem allowance provided by the US government to federal employees who are traveling away from home for work-related purposes. The TLA covers expenses such as lodging, meals, and incidental expenses.

Does TLA Cover Resort Fees?

The short answer is no. According to the Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), “Reimbursement for lodging expenses does not include payment of hotel service charges or other fees assessed against transient guests in addition to the announced room rate.” This means that resort fees are not included in the TLA allowance and cannot be reimbursed by the government.

Why Doesn’t TLA Cover Resort Fees?

The purpose of TLA is to provide federal employees with a daily allowance that covers necessary travel expenses while on official business. Resort fees are considered optional charges for amenities that may or may not be used by the traveler. Therefore, they are not deemed necessary expenses and are not covered by TLA.

How Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees?

If you’re looking to avoid paying resort fees during your next hotel stay, here are some tips:

  • Look for hotels that do not charge resort fees.
  • Ask if the hotel can waive the resort fee if you don’t plan on using any of the amenities.
  • Use loyalty points or rewards to offset the cost of resort fees.
  • Book through a travel agent who may be able to negotiate a lower rate that includes resort fees.

The Bottom Line

While TLA covers many expenses related to lodging, meals, and incidental expenses during official travel, it does not cover resort fees. If you’re planning a trip and want to avoid paying these additional charges, do your research and explore alternative options before booking your hotel. By taking these steps, you can save money and make the most of your travel allowance.