Resort fees are mandatory "daily surcharges" that hotels add to the base room rate, typically ranging from $25 to $60 per night. These fees supposedly cover amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, and gym use, though you must pay them even if you don't use these services. In 2026, there has been a significant legal push toward "all-in pricing," with many U.S. states and the FTC requiring hotels to disclose these fees upfront rather than hiding them until the final checkout screen. However, you generally cannot "opt out" of paying them unless you are a high-tier member of a loyalty program (like World of Hyatt, which waives resort fees on award stays). If you find a resort fee was not disclosed at the time of booking, you can politely contest it at the front desk or via your credit card company. To avoid them entirely, look for "urban hotels" or boutique properties that explicitly market themselves as "No Resort Fee" establishments.