Are you tired of being charged a resort fee when staying at a hotel or resort? You’re not alone.
Many travelers feel frustrated with these extra charges, especially when they’re not disclosed upfront. In this article, we’ll show you how to refuse a resort fee.
What is a Resort Fee?
A resort fee is an additional charge that hotels and resorts add to your bill on top of the room rate. The fee is supposed to cover amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, fitness center use, and other perks that are part of the hotel experience. However, some guests feel that these fees are unjustified and are just another way for hotels to increase their revenue.
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels argue that resort fees help them cover the cost of providing amenities and services that many guests expect as part of their stay. They also claim that advertising a low room rate helps them attract more guests who are searching for affordable options.
How Can You Refuse a Resort Fee?
If you don’t want to pay a resort fee, there are several ways you can try to avoid it:
1. Negotiate with the Hotel
Call the hotel before booking your reservation and ask if they can waive the resort fee or offer you a discount on it. If you have elite status with their loyalty program or if you’re celebrating a special occasion, mention it as well.
2. Use Points
If you’re staying at a hotel chain where you have points or rewards saved up, see if you can redeem them for your stay instead of paying cash.
3. Book Directly
Booking directly through the hotel’s website may give you more leverage in negotiating any fees or extras.
4. Check Your Bill
When you check out, review your bill line by line to ensure that you weren’t charged for any services or amenities that you didn’t use.
5. Dispute the Charge
If you were charged a resort fee without your knowledge or consent, dispute the charge with your credit card company.
The Bottom Line
Resort fees can be frustrating, but they’re often part of the hotel experience. If you don’t want to pay them, try negotiating with the hotel before booking or using points to cover the cost. And always review your bill carefully to make sure you weren’t charged for anything you didn’t use.