If you are planning a vacation or a business trip, you may come across the term “resort fee”. This fee is added to your hotel bill and is meant to cover various amenities and services that the hotel offers.
However, many people wonder if this fee is optional or mandatory. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about resort fees and whether they are optional or not.
What is a Resort Fee
A resort fee is an additional charge that hotels add to your bill for the amenities and services they provide. These fees can vary from hotel to hotel, but typically they cover things like Wi-Fi access, gym access, pool access, and even local phone calls. The idea behind these fees is that they allow hotels to offer lower room rates while still providing guests with all the amenities they need during their stay.
Are Resort Fees Optional
No, unfortunately resort fees are not optional. When you book a room at a hotel that charges a resort fee, you will be required to pay it along with your room rate. This means that even if you do not plan on using any of the amenities covered by the fee, you will still be required to pay it.
Why Are Resort Fees Not Optional
Hotels justify resort fees by claiming that they help them keep room rates lower for guests who do not use the amenities covered by the fee. By charging everyone a flat rate for these amenities, hotels can keep their base room rates lower than they would be otherwise.
Another reason why resort fees are mandatory is because hotels are required by law to disclose all mandatory fees associated with booking a room. If resorts made these fees optional it would make it extremely difficult for consumers to compare prices between different hotels and make informed decisions about where to stay.
How Much Do Resort Fees Cost
The cost of resort fees can vary widely depending on the hotel and the amenities covered. Some hotels may charge as little as $10 per night while others may charge upwards of $50 or more. It’s important to note that resort fees are typically not included in the advertised room rate, so you will need to factor them in when comparing prices between different hotels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resort fees are not optional and are mandatory for all guests who book a room at a hotel that charges them. While they can be annoying, they do allow hotels to offer lower base room rates while still providing guests with all the amenities they need during their stay. Just make sure to factor in these fees when comparing prices between different hotels so you can make an informed decision about where to stay.