Hotel Charges at Resorts: Understanding Fees and Strategies to Evade Them
In the world of travel, one cost that has become a common fixture in hotel bills is the resort fee. Also known as amenity or destination fees, these charges can range from under $10 per day to over $100, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to a week-long vacation bill.
Despite pushback from travelers, resort fees remain a part of the hotel industry. They are mandatory charges, not included in the base room rate, and cover amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, gym access, pool use, and other on-site services.
However, there are ways for travelers to avoid or minimize these fees.
- Choose Hotels Without Resort Fees
Some hotel brands, such as Drury Hotels, Ovolo Hotels, and Disney-owned resorts, do not charge resort fees. These brands include all fees in their displayed room rates and often offer added perks like free breakfast, Wi-Fi, or parking without extra charges.
- Use Award Points or Loyalty Programs
Many hotels, including Hyatt and Hilton, waive resort fees on stays booked with points. This can be a great option for those who have accumulated a substantial number of points through their travels.
- Look for No Resort Fee Policies
Some hotels and chains publicly advertise no resort fee policies. For example, Resorts World Las Vegas and Sahara Las Vegas have recently eliminated resort fees to attract guests.
- Check for Explicit Disclosures
When searching online, it's important to check if the hotel listing explicitly shows no resort or hidden fees. Sometimes, booking platforms may not list resort fees upfront, so confirming directly with the hotel or through reviews can help avoid surprises.
- Negotiate with the Hotel
When booking a hotel, consider calling the hotel after booking to request the removal of resort fees. Some hotels may accommodate such requests upon inquiry. Elite status with a hotel can offer waived resort fees as a perk, and it can't hurt to ask the hotel to waive the fees even if it's not a listed perk.
It's worth noting that the disclosure of resort fees can be tricky. Hyatt, for instance, notes the fees before selecting a room, but the disclosure isn't always highlighted, making it easy to miss. The IHG resort fee disclosure is hard to find and doesn't appear until right before you're ready to book.
By being aware of resort fees and employing these strategies, travelers can make informed decisions and keep these additional costs to a minimum. Sharing experiences with resort fees, including whether or not they were able to get them waived, can also help others navigate this aspect of travel.
- In the realm of news and lifestyle, stories about how to mitigate resort fees when traveling are gaining traction.
- For those who enjoy home-and-garden content, researching hotels that do not charge resort fees can be a useful strategy for future vacation planning.
- In the business sector, understanding the intricacies of resort fees and the strategies to avoid them can prove beneficial for budget-conscious travelers.
