Resort fees are becoming increasingly common in the hospitality industry. These fees, usually charged per night, can range from a few dollars to over $100.
But what is the point of a resort fee? Is it just another way for hotels to make more money? In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of resort fees and why they exist.
What is a Resort Fee?
A resort fee is an additional charge that hotels and resorts add on top of their nightly room rate. This fee covers various amenities and services that the hotel provides to its guests. The amount charged for a resort fee varies depending on the hotel or resort and can include things like pool access, fitness center usage, internet access, parking, housekeeping service, and more.
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels charge resort fees for several reasons:
1. To Cover the Cost of Amenities: Resort fees are intended to cover the cost of amenities and services that guests may use during their stay.
These can include things like pool towels, fitness center equipment maintenance, or Wi-Fi access throughout the property. By charging a resort fee, hotels can cover these costs without increasing their room rates.
2. To Increase Revenue: While covering costs is one reason for charging a resort fee, another reason is to increase revenue. Hotels may use this fee as an opportunity to increase profits by adding services that guests may not necessarily want or need.
3. To Simplify Billing: Charging a resort fee allows hotels to simplify billing by including all charges in one lump sum at checkout instead of itemizing each service separately.
The Pros and Cons of Resort Fees
While there are some benefits to charging resort fees for both hotels and guests, there are also some downsides:
Pros:
- Allows hotels to offer amenities without increasing room rates
- Simplifies billing for guests
- Can help hotels increase revenue
Cons:
- Gives the impression of hidden fees and can lead to distrust among guests
- Guests may feel like they are paying for amenities they don’t use or want
- Guests may not be aware of the resort fee until they check out, which can lead to surprise charges and negative reviews
The Future of Resort Fees
Resort fees have become a controversial topic in the hospitality industry, with some states even considering legislation to ban them. However, as long as hotels continue to see benefits from charging these fees, it’s unlikely that they’ll go away anytime soon.
In conclusion, resort fees are an additional charge that many hotels and resorts add on top of their nightly room rate. These fees cover various amenities and services that guests may use during their stay.
While there are pros and cons to charging resort fees, they are likely here to stay for the foreseeable future. As a guest, it’s important to be aware of these fees when booking a hotel so that you can budget accordingly and avoid any surprise charges at checkout.