You are checking into your hotel after a long flight, ready to collapse into bed, when the front desk clerk drops the surprise: “That will be an extra $45 per night for our resort fee.” Your $150 room just became a $195 room, and suddenly that “great deal” you found online feels far less affordable.
Resort fees, destination fees and facility fees, whatever hotels call them, have become increasingly common across the hospitality industry. According to a 2017 Federal Trade Commission report, these mandatory charges are often excluded from advertised rates, making it harder for consumers to compare true costs. In May 2025, a new FTC rule took effect requiring hotels and short-term rentals to include all mandatory fees in their advertised pricing.
What started as a charge at full-service resorts with extensive amenities has gradually expanded to many standard hotels that may offer little beyond Wi-Fi and a basic breakfast. The good news is you may not have to accept these fees at face value, especially when what is provided does not match expectations.
1. Start by understanding why hotel fees exist
Hotels often use these fees to keep base rates competitive while covering certain costs through surcharges. A resort fee at a beachfront property with multiple pools, a spa and beach chair service might seem reasonable. But when a roadside motel adds a destination fee, it is fair to question what you are actually paying for.
These fees typically range from $15 to $50 per night, though some luxury properties may charge more. Hotels often say they cover amenities like pool access, gym use, Wi-Fi, newspaper delivery and local phone calls. Many of these services are now considered standard, even though some travelers may not need or use them.
The Federal Trade Commission has examined hotel fee practices for over a decade. In 2012, it issued warnings to 22 hotel operators about excluding mandatory fees from advertised prices. In 2025, the FTC finalized a rule requiring all mandatory fees to be disclosed upfront to improve transparency and help travelers make informed comparisons.
2. Look for red flags before you book
Before you book, look beyond the nightly rate. Review the hotel’s website carefully for any mention of fees, often listed in fine print or tucked into FAQs. Third-party booking sites may display fees more clearly, but not always. It is worth calling the hotel directly to ask about all mandatory charges. Be sure to confirm the full nightly cost, including taxes and fees.
Pay attention to what is actually included versus what the fee is called. A resort fee should come with resort-level amenities. If the list includes high-speed internet, fitness center access or enhanced housekeeping, you might be paying for basic services that most hotels already offer.
Urban hotels that charge destination fees can be especially worth questioning. Unless they include transportation, local attraction passes or genuine services tied to your location, the fee may not reflect any added value.
3. Document what was promised and what you received
Documentation can be helpful when you believe fees are not justified. Take screenshots of the booking page, especially where rates and fees are shown or omitted.
When you arrive, photograph amenities that do not match the description. A state-of-the-art fitness center that turns out to be a closet with a broken elliptical is worth noting.
Ask for a written breakdown of what the fee includes. If staff cannot explain it clearly, it is also important to document it. Where legally allowed, you can also record conversations.
Track which amenities are actually available to you. If the pool is closed, the gym has a separate fee or the complimentary breakfast is not part of the resort fee, those details could support your case.
4. Ask about waiving the fee at the front desk
Your best chance to resolve the issue often comes in person. Politely explain to the manager why the charge does not seem appropriate. Point out if promised amenities are missing or below expectations. If the fee was not clearly disclosed during booking, mention that too.
Hotels may have the flexibility to waive fees, especially if you are a loyalty program member or if occupancy is low. Even if they do not remove the charge, they might offer credits, perks or upgrades to compensate for it.
If the first person says no, you can ask to speak with a general manager. Many hotels pay close attention to guest satisfaction and online reviews, so a calm, well-explained concern may go further than expected.
5. Use other channels if the hotel will not budge
If the front desk cannot resolve it, you still have options. Some credit card companies offer purchase protection or allow disputes when services are not delivered as advertised. If you booked through a third-party site, contact their customer service. They may be able to negotiate with the hotel on your behalf.
Consider filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or your state’s attorney general for clearly misleading practices. One complaint may not trigger immediate action, but a sufficient number can lead to regulatory scrutiny.
Social media also has an impact. A public post tagging the hotel brand can sometimes lead to quicker resolution. Just make sure your message is fact-based and respectful.
Small claims court may be worth considering if the fee is significant and the issue is clear-cut. Hotels often prefer to settle rather than send staff to defend a questionable charge.
Push back on questionable fees and protect your budget
Hotel fees may not disappear overnight, but travelers can help change the industry by challenging unclear or poorly justified charges.
Understanding what you are paying for, documenting the experience and speaking up when something feels off can make a real difference — not just for you, but for the next traveler too.
Add a Comment