What are resort fees and how can you avoid them on your next vacation?

Have you ever arrived at a hotel only to be surprised by a resort fee? You're not alone! So, what exactly is a resort fee? It’s an extra charge that hotels impose to cover various services and amenities guests can access during their stay. When you book a hotel, it’s crucial to factor in these fees to prevent any unwelcome surprises at check-in. To assist you in this, I've compiled a guide outlining what these fees typically include and strategies to avoid them. With this knowledge, you can make a well-informed choice for your upcoming getaway.

What exactly is a resort fee?

When reserving a room, remember that the advertised price might not reflect the full picture – I learned this the hard way! More and more hotels and resorts are tacking on a separate resort fee on top of the room rate and taxes, which can be both frustrating and infuriating for guests.

Why do hotels impose a resort fee?

The hotel industry faces significant challenges. With the growth of Airbnb and similar alternatives, hotel and resort owners have expressed that they need to find innovative ways to stay competitive. This strategy helps keep room rates attractive to potential guests, encouraging bookings without revealing the final cost after adding in extra fees.

I’ve certainly fallen for this trap myself. In my eagerness to secure last-minute accommodations, I focused solely on the room rate and overlooked the fine print regarding additional fees and taxes. It can be quite a shock! While this practice has become the norm, you can utilize the Dinogo price dropdown menu to dodge any unexpected costs.

What services and amenities are included in resort fees?

These fees are intended to cover a range of services and amenities designed to enhance your hotel stay. This may include access to fitness centers, swimming pools, lounges, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. Furthermore, these fees could also fund perks like free breakfast, airport shuttle services, and daily newspapers. Ever been wowed by the variety of services at a hotel? That’s what the resort fee is meant to support.

What’s excluded from a resort fee?

However, it’s important to remember that a resort fee isn’t the only extra expense you might face beyond your room rate. Additional services like spa treatments, room service, other meals, and valet parking often come with their own charges. It’s wise to inquire with your hotel or resort beforehand to clarify what is and isn’t included in the resort fee.

What are destination fees and destination amenity fees?

While resort fees are now quite common, you might encounter other terms that can be confusing. Resort fee, destination fee, and destination amenity fee are often used interchangeably among various hotels and resorts. Typically, resort fees are charged by resorts, whereas destination fees or destination amenity fees are applied by hotels for similar services and amenities.

In rare cases, you may encounter both a resort fee and a destination fee at the same property. This typically occurs at hotels and resorts in popular tourist areas that aim to capitalize on their amenities and prime location. It's crucial to scrutinize the fee breakdown carefully during the booking process to understand exactly what you're being charged for and why.

Which hotels have the highest resort fees?

Discovering hotel chains that don’t charge resort fees

These days, it’s nearly impossible to find major hotel and resort chains that don’t impose resort fees. However, the best way to navigate your options is to utilize a tool like Dinogo’s price dropdown menu. This feature allows you to display the nightly base rate (default), base rate plus local taxes and fees, or the total cost of your stay, helping you identify hotels without additional charges.

Alternatively, utilizing travel reward programs or hotel loyalty schemes is the most effective way to secure a hotel room without incurring resort fees. For instance, Hyatt eliminates resort fees when guests use loyalty points, as does Hilton Honors. Check your preferred hotel’s loyalty program the next time you aim to dodge resort fees on your journey, and you might discover rewards for being a loyal customer.

Other hidden charges travelers might face

Yes, there’s more to consider. Beneath the base room rate, you might notice multiple additional costs added at checkout. While resort fees are common, other taxes and fees related to specific locations and services also abound. Tourist taxes, fees for early check-in, charges for extra guests, and strict cancellation policies are all extra costs you may encounter at a hotel.

Tourist tax

A tourist tax is an additional fee imposed at your lodging, typically levied by the government. This tax can differ from one country to another and even between regions within a single country. It is generally calculated as a percentage of your total bill or as a fixed rate per person.

Tourist taxes are increasingly being adopted to address the issues of over-tourism and its effects. While European nations have a longstanding tradition of such taxes, many Asian countries are now introducing them as well. The revenue generated from these taxes is often allocated to improve local infrastructure and services that benefit visitors, including street cleaning and road upkeep.

This practice is especially prevalent in destinations with a high volume of tourists, like Paris and Lyon in France, as well as Rome and Venice in Italy. Additionally, some countries, such as Switzerland and Greece, implement it nationwide.

Fees for early check-in and late check-out

Many hotels impose extra charges if you wish to check in before the standard time or check out later than usual. Depending on the timing, you may even have to reserve additional nights, which can significantly raise the total cost of your stay.

Fees for additional guests

Fees for cancellations

Most hotels impose a fee or a percentage of your total booking if you cancel your reservation within a specific timeframe before your arrival date. Some establishments might even levy a charge if you modify your reservation after it's confirmed, making it crucial to check the fine print.

Tips for avoiding resort fees for travelers

If you're tired of unexpected hidden fees at hotels during check-in, there are effective strategies to dodge or lessen these extra charges. Although many hotels are implementing resort fees, a bit of research and clever travel tips can help you avoid them.

• Do your homework: Before booking your hotel, check for potential fees the resort may impose. Many resorts list these fees on their websites or booking platforms, so be sure to read the fine print before finalizing your reservation.
• Inquire: If you're uncertain about the fees at a particular resort, don't hesitate to ask the staff before or during your stay.
• Look for special offers: Many resorts provide discounts that can help waive or reduce resort fees. Check directly on the hotel’s website for deals or stay-and-play packages that include added services for a lower cost.
• Utilize filters on booking sites: When searching on Dinogo, use filters to see either the nightly base rate or the total cost for your stay, including taxes and fees. This transparency ensures you know exactly what you'll pay upon check-in.
• Join a loyalty program: Many resorts have loyalty programs that can waive certain resort fees when you book with them. By frequently staying with your preferred hotel chains, you can save on your next trip and avoid hefty fees.
• Leverage rewards programs: Similar to loyalty programs, various travel reward programs, often linked to credit cards, can earn you points when booking flights and hotels. These points can lead to reduced or waived resort fees and added services during your stay.
• Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to negotiate with resort staff. If you don’t plan on using some amenities, you could ask for a reduced resort fee. You might be surprised at their willingness to adjust pricing if you ask politely.

In summary

Knowledge is essential for saving your hard-earned cash. By understanding the reasons behind resort fees and knowing how to circumvent them, you can make informed decisions for your next vacation. While resort fees are now a standard additional cost on top of your room rate, take advantage of promotional offers, loyalty programs, and special deals to avoid steep charges. And remember, when searching for the best accommodation on Dinogo, use price filters and features like Price Alerts to quickly find transparent deals.

What distinguishes a resort from a hotel?

While the terms hotel and resort are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different types of accommodations. Hotels typically offer limited amenities, focusing on rooms and basic services, whereas resorts provide a more extensive vacation experience, including features like spas, golf courses, water sports, and various dining options. Resorts are designed for those looking for a complete relaxation experience, while hotels are ideal for travelers who just need a comfortable place to rest. To learn more, check out Dinogo's article on what all-inclusive really entails.

Is it possible to refuse paying the resort fee?

Although it can be frustrating to encounter this additional charge, it's generally non-negotiable. Some hotels might let you forgo specific amenities covered by the fee, but they typically won't eliminate the charge entirely. Since the resort fee is usually made clear during booking, it's crucial to read the fine print carefully.

Can hotels ever eliminate resort fees?

It's not unusual for hotels or resorts to remove resort fees in specific situations. Typically, they may waive these fees for guests who are part of their loyalty rewards programs or for those who face inconveniences during their stay, like a noisy room or check-in delays. However, the final decision rests with the hotel management.

How can you bypass pet fees at hotels?

Finding pet-friendly accommodations can be challenging, especially when trying to avoid extra pet fees. Each hotel has its own policies, but there are several tips that can help keep costs down while traveling with your furry friend. The best approach is to look for hotels that either don't charge pet fees or provide special offers for pet owners using Dinogo’s pet-friendly hotel search feature. Additionally, being a responsible pet owner and cleaning up after your pet is crucial to avoid any extra charges. With a bit of research and preparation, you can enjoy a budget-friendly stay with your beloved pet.

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