Sunday Special: The Truth About Resort Fees (and How to Outsmart Them)

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Good morning, getaway gurus — and Happy Mother’s Day! 💐
Welcome to your Sunday Special — where we sip coffee, spill travel secrets, and help you dodge the sneaky fees hiding in your hotel bill like socks in a dryer. Today, we’re tackling resort fees — those mysterious charges that pop up when you're just trying to lounge by the pool in peace. What are they? Why are they? And how can you politely (or not-so-politely) avoid them? Let’s dive in before your next vacation turns into a financial surprise party. 🎉

🛍️Your Room Was $199… Plus $35 to Breathe the Air

You know that moment when you think you've found a killer hotel deal, only to get slapped with an extra $35-a-night “resort fee” at checkout? Yeah, we’ve all been there — and it stings. Vacationing is already pricey (thanks, inflation), and hidden fees are like mosquitos on a beach trip: totally uninvited.

So, let’s unravel the mystery of these pesky charges and — even better — talk about how to dodge them.

🌴 So… What Exactly Is a Resort Fee?

Originally, resort fees were supposed to help cover the cost of fancy hotel perks — think beach towels, poolside cabanas, and maybe that gym you pretend you’ll use. But surprise! They’ve gone mainstream. Even hotels that are less “resort” and more “sad continental breakfast” are jumping on the bandwagon with names like destination or facility fees.

In plain English? It’s a sneaky way to charge you more without technically raising the room rate. Sneaky? Yes. Legal? Also yes (for now).

💰 What Are You Actually Paying For?

Here’s where it gets extra shady: These fees supposedly pay for “extras” like Wi-Fi, gym access, pool towels, water bottles you’ll definitely forget to drink, or the joy of parking in a spot that costs more than your Uber.

The kicker? You pay the fee whether you use any of it or not. So if you’re thinking of skipping that pool dip? Maybe reconsider and get your money’s worth — belly flop and all.

🏨 Why Do Hotels Charge These Things Anyway?

Short answer: Money. Long answer: Still money.

By breaking out the resort fee from the base price, hotels look cheaper on travel sites. It’s like telling your boss you “only had one drink at happy hour” — technically true, but not the whole picture.

Plus, hotels often pay commission to travel sites based on the room rate, not the resort fee. So the fee? Pure profit. Ka-ching.

📊 How Much Are We Talking?

On average, resort fees clock in around $35 per night, according to a study by Nerdwallet. Depending on where you're staying, that’s anywhere from “annoying” to “did I just pay extra for a towel and a paper cup of coffee?”

And not all hotels charge them. Only about 6% of hotels do, but unfortunately, they’re usually the ones in nice vacation spots where you’d expect a little pampering — and instead get nickel-and-dimed for everything.

🕵️‍♂️ Can You Avoid Resort Fees?

Yes… sometimes. You won’t always win, but here’s how to give it your best shot:

1. Use Reward Points Like a Travel Ninja

Hotels like Hilton and Hyatt often waive resort fees if you're booking a stay entirely with points. No money down, and no annoying extras — now that’s how you vacation.

2. Climb That Loyalty Ladder

If you’re a high-level member in a hotel rewards program (we see you, Hyatt Globalists), you may get those fees waived automatically. It’s like being on the hotel’s VIP list — minus the velvet rope.

3. Call Them Out (Nicely)

If the gym is “under renovation” or the pool is closed, ask to have the resort fee waived. Be polite, but firm — like a mom asking why there’s glitter on the ceiling. They might just say yes.

4. Book Smarter

Some hotels actually don’t charge these fees (gasp!). Read the fine print before you book, and use booking filters to exclude properties with extra fees. Transparency is your best friend.

🧾 Bonus Tip: Check Your Credit Card Perks

Some travel credit cards offer statement credits or cover resort fees. It’s worth checking — those benefits are easy to forget about until you see the bill.

Also: sign up for loyalty programs. They’re free, and often come with hidden perks (like skipping the fees or getting a late checkout — aka the holy grail of travel wins).

🚨 Wait — Is Help Finally Coming?

Maybe! In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission dropped the mic with its new Junk Fee Rule, aimed at killing off sneaky charges like resort fees that don’t show up until you’re locked in.

As FTC Chair Lina Khan put it: “People deserve to know up-front what they're being asked to pay.” Preach.

So there’s hope that someday soon, resort fees will be out in the open — or gone for good. Until then, be savvy, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to question those mystery charges.

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Disclosure: Travel details like policies, fees, and perks can change after publication. We recommend verifying entry requirements, pricing, and benefits with official sources before making travel plans or commitments. This content was created with the help of ChatGPT and other AI writing tools and is intended for informational purposes only—not as professional advice. Always double-check the latest updates.