Resort fees are a common source of frustration for travelers. These fees, sometimes referred to as “amenity fees,” are charged by hotels and resorts to cover the cost of services like pool access, Wi-Fi, and gym use.
While these amenities may seem like they should be included in the cost of your stay, many hotels tack on additional fees to cover these expenses. If you’re looking to save money on your next hotel stay, here are some tips on how to get out of paying resort fees.
Research Before You Book
One of the easiest ways to avoid paying resort fees is to do your research before you book your hotel. Many hotels will list their resort fees on their website or during the booking process, so make sure you read all the fine print before you hit “confirm.” If a hotel doesn’t disclose its resort fee upfront, it’s worth reaching out to ask if they have one and how much it is.
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Another way to avoid paying resort fees is by joining hotel loyalty programs. Some loyalty programs offer perks like free Wi-Fi and waived resort fees for members. While it may require some extra effort on your part to sign up for these programs, the savings can be significant.
Complain Politely
If you’ve already booked a hotel and discover that they charge a resort fee, don’t panic! You still have options.
One approach is to politely complain about the fee at check-in or when making your reservation. It’s possible that the hotel staff will waive the fee if they feel that it’s causing dissatisfaction with their guests.
Request Waivers For Unused Amenities
If you’re not planning on using any of the amenities covered by the resort fee, ask if it can be waived or reduced. For example, if you won’t be using the gym or pool during your stay, you can request that the corresponding fees be waived.
- Be clear about what amenities you won’t be using
- Present a reasonable argument for why the fee should be waived
- Be polite and professional when making your request
Negotiate With Management
If all else fails, try negotiating with hotel management. Explain why you feel that the resort fee is unfair or unreasonable, and provide examples of other hotels that don’t charge these fees. If you’re a regular customer or have a particularly large group staying at the hotel, this may give you some leverage in your negotiations.
In conclusion, while resort fees may seem like an unavoidable expense when booking a hotel, there are ways to avoid paying them. By doing your research ahead of time, joining loyalty programs, complaining politely, requesting waivers for unused amenities and negotiating with management, you can save money on your next hotel stay. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy all the amenities of your hotel without breaking the bank.