When you book a hotel room, you may be surprised to find an additional charge on your bill called a “resort fee.” This fee can range from a few dollars to over $50 per night and is intended to cover the cost of amenities and services offered by the hotel. However, many travelers are left wondering whether it’s legal for hotels to charge this fee.
The Legality of Resort Fees
The short answer is yes, it is legal for hotels to charge resort fees. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows hotels to charge mandatory fees in addition to their advertised room rate as long as they are properly disclosed before booking. This means that hotels must clearly state the existence and amount of the resort fee on their website and any third-party booking sites.
The Reasoning Behind Resort Fees
Hotels argue that resort fees are necessary because they cover additional expenses beyond the room rate, such as access to fitness centers, pools, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. These fees also help hotels offset the costs of providing these services without increasing their overall room rates. Additionally, some hotels claim that charging a separate resort fee allows them to list lower prices on travel websites in order to appear more competitive.
However, critics argue that resort fees are deceptive and unfair because they make it difficult for travelers to compare prices between different hotels. Additionally, some consumers feel that they are being charged for amenities that they may not even use.
- How Resort Fees Can Affect Your Travel Budget
It’s important for travelers to be aware of resort fees when budgeting for their trip. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re staying at a hotel for multiple nights. Make sure you read the fine print before booking your hotel room so you know exactly what you’ll be charged.
How to Avoid Resort Fees
While it may be difficult to avoid resort fees altogether, there are a few strategies you can use to minimize your costs:
- Look for hotels that don’t charge resort fees. While this may be difficult in some destinations, it’s worth doing your research to find hotels that offer transparent pricing.
- Join loyalty programs.
Some hotel chains waive resort fees for members of their loyalty programs.
- Negotiate with the hotel. If you’re booking directly with the hotel, ask if they can waive the resort fee or offer you a discount.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while resort fees may seem unfair to some travelers, they are legal as long as they are properly disclosed before booking. To avoid any surprises on your bill, make sure you read the fine print and factor in the cost of resort fees when budgeting for your trip.