What is the deal with resort fees?

Resort fees are usually charged to cover amenities like Wi-Fi and gym access, but they're not optional. You have no choice but to pay them even if you choose not to use the amenities they cover.



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You cannot simply refuse to pay resort fees, but — just as some hotel employees are occasionally empowered to compensate you — the employee might have authority to remove your resort fee. Just understand that this is the exception, not the norm. And while it doesn't hurt to ask, it helps to ask nicely.

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Of course, we're talking about resort fees—those universally hated fees that hotels and resorts charge in destinations like Hawaii and Las Vegas. Resort fees are usually charged to cover amenities like Wi-Fi and gym access, but they're not optional.

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Resort fees are generally not refundable, though there may be some exceptions depending on the resort. It is essential to check with the resort directly to find out their refund policy. Most resorts do not offer refunds for their resort fees, but there may be some exceptions depending on the particular hotel.

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Resort fees, which can also be called destination fees, are an additional amount of money charged by hotels or resorts for specific amenities. The resort fee amount varies by property and location, but the fixed amount is typically charged on a daily basis, so it can set you back quite a lot of money.

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Currently, hotel resort fees can be viewed as illegal based on existing state consumer protection laws. Numerous bodies have authority on this issue in the United States, including the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, the Federal Trade Commission, and the National Association of Attorneys General.

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The fee was a way for hotels to pay for all these extra amenities without having to add to the base prices consumers see when they search for hotels. In other words, hotels would appear cheaper in internet searches, making them appear more competitive in price while offering a more robust experience once guests arrive.

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New York State law is very clear on this. Hotels are currently getting sued over alleging their resort fee pays for internet services (hint: it does not). You legally can and should refuse to pay any hotel resort fee. For more information on how to do that, visit here.

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If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot pay for your hotel stay, the best course of action is to communicate with the hotel management. Explain your situation and work with them to come up with a solution. Many hotels are willing to work with guests to find a payment plan or alternative solution.

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Yes, you can often negotiate hotel prices. Directly call the hotel for potentially lower rates, ask about any discounts or package deals, be flexible with dates or room type, negotiate for longer stays, and ask if they can match lower prices found elsewhere. Always be polite and patient during negotiations.

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How to beat Las Vegas resort fees
  1. Stay at a hotel that doesn't charge resort fees. ...
  2. Use points to book your room. ...
  3. Use your elite hotel status. ...
  4. See if you can get resort fees comped. ...
  5. Ask the desk clerk or manager to waive the fee. ...
  6. Dispute the charge with your credit card.


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If a stay in a hotel for less than a month you can be locked out of your room if you do not pay the daily rate or if you break some rule of the hotel. On the other hand, it is an entirely different game if you stay for a month or more. In this case you become a tenant and the tenant/landlord law applies.

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Each hotel will have its own specific hold amount, generally $50-$200, on top of your room rate (including taxes and fees). While the hotel won't officially charge you until after you check out, the issuer will put aside the hold amount in the interim to ensure you are able to cover a potential charge.

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Check-In and Check-Out Charges These charges can include room service, minibar purchases, or damages to the room. The hold is usually released within a few days after check-out, once the hotel has verified that no additional charges were incurred.

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However, it is important to note that hotels cannot track individual guest water usage on a per-guest basis. This is because water meters are typically installed at the property level rather than at the individual room level.

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Some hotels provide full refunds even if you cancel just a day in advance. Others may keep a percentage of your room rate if you cancel on short notice. But if the hotel's written rules indicate it won't provide refunds for customer-canceled rooms, you may have a tough time getting your money back.

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