Resort Fees Explained And How to Avoid Paying Them
Resort fees have become one of the most frustrating and debated aspects of modern travel, quietly inflating hotel bills and catching many travelers off guard. These mandatory fees, which are referred to as “amenity fees” or “destination fees,” are added to your nightly rate and can range anywhere from $10 to $50 or more per night. What adds to the annoyance of resort fees is their lack of clarity. They’re usually buried in the fine print or only revealed at checkout, leaving guests feeling deceived and powerless.
Originally, resort fees were meant to cover costs for things like Wi-Fi, gym access, pool usage, and shuttle services. But now they’re widely seen as a way for hotels to promote deceptively low rates while still raking in extra cash. It doesn’t matter if you’re at a posh resort in Las Vegas or a beachfront hotel in Florida—these sneaky fees are likely to be there. As travelers become more informed and demand better transparency, the conversation around resort fees is heating up, leading to calls for regulation and consumer protection. Knowing what resort fees are, why they exist, and, most importantly, how to dodge them is essential for anyone looking to travel smarter and save some cash.
Book Hotels That Don’t Charge Resort Fees
Choosing hotels that do not charge any fees at all is one of the easiest ways to avoid those annoying resort fees. Plenty of budget-friendly hotel chains, charming boutique inns, and motels offer straightforward pricing without any hidden surprises. When you’re on the hunt for a place to stay, make sure to filter your search to exclude properties that impose fees, or check out the hotel’s website. This proactive approach helps you avoid any unwelcome surprises when it’s time to pay the bill.
Use Hotel Loyalty Programs
If you often stay at major hotel chains, signing up for their rewards programs can be a smart move to avoid resort fees. Reduced fees, complimentary upgrades, and free amenities are common perks for elite members of programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt. While achieving elite status may require some effort, the long-term savings and benefits—especially regarding those resort fees—can add up.
Call Ahead and Negotiate
Before you hit that “book now” button, it’s a good idea to call the hotel directly and ask about any resort fees. If you’re not planning to use amenities like the gym, pool, or shuttle service, don’t hesitate to ask for a waiver. Not every hotel will agree, but some might be willing to waive those fees for guests who express their concerns or show loyalty. This tactic tends to work particularly well with smaller or independently owned hotels that have more flexibility in their pricing.
Book Through Travel Agents
Travel agents often have the inside scoop on exclusive discounts and can negotiate on your behalf to get those pesky resort fees waived. Plus, if you book vacation packages through trusted sites, you might find that fees are included or even waived altogether. To steer clear of any surprises, it’s always a good idea to double-check whether those fees are part of your reservation before you hit that confirm button.
Use Points or Rewards for Your Stay
When it comes to redeeming hotel points or travel rewards, you might just find yourself off the hook for resort fees. Some loyalty programs let you book “all-inclusive” stays that cover those extra costs, while others might have special promotions that waive fees for reward bookings. If you have a lot of points, you can save money on your vacation by using them wisely.
Stay at Non-Resort Properties
Luxury resorts, beachfront hotels, and popular tourist destinations typically charge resort fees. Consider staying in non-resort accommodations like business hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals to avoid these costs. These alternatives often provide great value and clear pricing, so you won’t have to worry about hidden fees.
Bottom Line
In the world of travel today, resort fees have become a common hurdle for many hotel guests—but they don’t have to be a given. You can save your hard-earned money and make better decisions about where to stay by understanding these fees and taking smart actions to avoid them. Through loyalty programs, booking with reputable agents, or simply selecting hotels that are upfront about their costs, every traveler can avoid these sneaky charges. Resort fees might be the norm, but with a little planning and awareness, they don’t have to tag along on your adventures.
