In recent years, resort fees have become a controversial topic in the travel industry. These fees, also known as destination fees or amenity fees, are charges that hotels and resorts add on top of the advertised room rates. The question arises – is resort fee legal?
What is a Resort Fee?
A resort fee is a mandatory charge that hotels and resorts add to the nightly room rate. This fee covers amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool access, gym facilities, and other services. The idea behind these fees is to provide guests with added value during their stay.
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels use resort fees as a way to increase revenue without raising their advertised room rates. By adding these mandatory charges, hotels can advertise lower room prices while still making up for lost revenue from discounted rooms.
Are Resort Fees Legal?
The legality of resort fees is a controversial issue. Some argue that they are deceptive and violate consumer protection laws. Others argue that they are legal as long as they are disclosed upfront.
In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters to 22 hotel operators about their use of drip pricing tactics with resort fees. Drip pricing is the practice of advertising one price upfront and then adding additional charges later in the booking process. The FTC warned that this practice could be considered deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act.
Several state attorneys general have also taken action against hotels for their use of resort fees. In 2019, the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against Marriott International for failing to disclose its resort fees upfront.
How Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees?
If you want to avoid paying resort fees during your travels, there are several options available:
- Look for hotels that do not charge resort fees
- Book your stay using reward points or loyalty programs
- Negotiate with the hotel directly to waive the fees
- Use a travel agent to find hotels that do not charge resort fees
The Bottom Line
Whether or not resort fees are legal is a controversial issue that is still being debated. As a consumer, it’s important to be aware of these fees before booking your hotel stay.
Do your research and look for hotels that do not charge resort fees or negotiate with the hotel directly to try and avoid them. By being informed and proactive, you can avoid paying unnecessary charges during your travels.