How Do I Avoid Resort Fees in Orlando?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you might be surprised to find that many hotels in the area charge resort fees on top of their regular room rates. These fees can add up quickly and take a bite out of your vacation budget. Fortunately, there are some ways to avoid resort fees and keep your costs down.

What Are Resort Fees?

Resort fees are additional charges that hotels add onto their room rates. They’re supposed to cover the cost of amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, and pool access. However, some hotels use resort fees as a way to make extra money without raising their advertised room rates.

How Can I Avoid Resort Fees?

One way to avoid resort fees is to stay at a hotel that doesn’t charge them. You can do this by searching for “resort fee-free” hotels in Orlando or by calling hotels directly and asking if they charge resort fees.

If you can’t find a fee-free hotel or if you prefer to stay at a hotel that charges resort fees, there are still some ways to avoid paying them:

1. Book Directly with the Hotel

Some online travel agencies include resort fees in their advertised prices, but hotels may offer lower rates if you book directly with them. When booking directly with the hotel, ask if they have any promotions or discounts available that could help reduce your costs.

2. Join the Hotel’s Loyalty Program

Many hotel loyalty programs offer perks like waived resort fees for members. If you plan on staying at a specific hotel chain frequently, it might be worth signing up for their loyalty program.

3. Use Points or Rewards

If you have points or rewards from a credit card or travel program, consider using them to pay for your hotel stay. Some programs allow you to redeem points for free nights or discounts on resort fees.

4. Negotiate with the Hotel

If you’re booking a large group or staying for an extended period, you might be able to negotiate with the hotel to waive resort fees or offer a discount.

Conclusion

Resort fees can be an unwelcome surprise for travelers, but there are ways to avoid them. By doing your research, booking directly with hotels, and exploring loyalty programs and rewards, you can keep your vacation costs down and enjoy all that Orlando has to offer.