Travel6 min read
Resort fees: what to ask before you book
The short answer
Check the total room price and fee disclosures before booking. Ask the property to explain the fee and whether it can waive it or include something you value. Keep the quoted total and agreed inclusions with your booking confirmation.
Ask what the fee covers
Ask for the complete stay price and what each mandatory fee covers. Ask for a waiver, a lower total or useful inclusions before booking, and compare the written offer with other properties.
Ask when you book
Ask about fees before confirming the booking: “What is the complete price, including the resort fee? Can you adjust it or include something we will use?” Keep the agreed total with your confirmation.
If the fee was not disclosed
Compare the booking disclosure with the final bill and ask the property to explain an unexpected fee. Request correction in writing. If the dispute remains unresolved, give your payment provider the booking record and the property’s response.
If the fee stays, ask for extras
If the property keeps the fee, ask for something you value: breakfast, parking or a confirmed late checkout. Check the terms of any loyalty or award booking and compare the complete package with your alternatives.
Tell us what you’re planning and what you’d love.
Businesses reply with offers built around you, including what they can add.
Start a requestQuestions people actually ask
- Can I refuse to pay a resort fee?
- Compare the fee with what was disclosed when you booked. Ask the property to correct a discrepancy or discuss a waiver before payment, and keep the quote and response for any further dispute.
- Do loyalty members get resort fees waived?
- Check the published benefits for your loyalty status, fare and booking method. Ask the property to confirm any waiver or inclusion in the final total before booking.
- Is the resort fee taxed?
- Ask the property for the fee and any applicable tax in the final quote. Compare the total payable before and after a proposed waiver.
- What about “destination fees” and “facility fees” in cities?
- They work the same way: a daily fee for amenities such as the gym or Wi-Fi. Check the disclosure first, ask about a waiver when you book directly, then ask for inclusions you would use.