Navigating the Maze of Hotel Resort Fees

Understanding Resort Fees

Resort fees, also known as facility or amenity fees, are additional charges that hotels impose on top of the advertised room rate. These fees are meant to cover a bundle of services that were traditionally included in the room rate, such as access to the gym, pool, or business center. However, the rise of resort fees has become a contentious issue in the hospitality industry, with many guests feeling blindsided by these hidden costs upon check-in.

For example, a seemingly great deal on a hotel room at Treasure Island in Las Vegas can come with an unexpected twist: a mandatory resort fee of $20 per night. This fee includes a variety of services:

• High-speed internet access in the room
• Local and toll-free phone calls
• Daily local newspaper
• Fitness center access
• Admission to a nightclub (on select days)
• VIP viewing for a specific show
• Printed airline boarding passes
• Limited copies, faxes, and notary services
• A credit for a future stay

The frustration for many guests lies in the fact that these fees are compulsory, regardless of whether the services are used. Moreover, some hotels offer these amenities without resort fees, making the additional cost seem arbitrary.

The Deceptive Side of Resort Fees

A study by the New York University School of Professional Studies found that U.S. hotels collected approximately $2.93 billion in resort and other ancillary fees in 2018, a figure that has likely grown since then. This demonstrates the significant revenue stream that resort fees represent for hotels.

The issue of transparency arises when booking through third-party websites like Priceline or Hotwire, where the resort fee may not be disclosed until after a non-refundable reservation is made. This lack of upfront disclosure can lead to consumer frustration and the feeling of being misled.

Strategies to Avoid Resort Fees

While it seems that resort fees are here to stay, there are strategies travelers can employ to avoid or reduce these costs:

1. Book Directly: Some hotels waive resort fees for guests who book directly through their website or reservation line.
2. Join Loyalty Programs: Hotel loyalty members sometimes enjoy waived or reduced resort fees as part of their membership perks.
3. Negotiate at Check-In: If you don't plan to use the services covered by the resort fee, you can try negotiating with the front desk to have the fee removed or reduced.
4. Choose Fee-Free Hotels: Research hotels that do not charge resort fees. Websites like Kayak and ResortFeeChecker can help identify such properties.
5. Dispute the Fee: If the fee was not disclosed before booking, you may have grounds to dispute the charge with the hotel or through your credit card company.

For a comprehensive list of Las Vegas resort fees, travelers can refer to resources like the Las Vegas Resort Fee List at HotelDealsRevealed.com.

In Conclusion

Resort fees are a growing trend in the hotel industry, often catching guests off guard and adding unexpected costs to their stay. By understanding why these fees are charged and how to avoid them, travelers can better budget for their trips and avoid unpleasant surprises. Always read the fine print and consider all potential fees when comparing hotel rates to ensure a truly great deal.