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Can I Refuse to Pay Resort Fees?

Published in Travel Fees 2 mins read

Generally, you cannot simply refuse to pay resort fees, as they are typically a mandatory charge associated with your stay at a hotel or resort. These fees are often disclosed during the booking process and are considered part of the total cost of your accommodation.

Understanding Resort Fee Obligations

Resort fees are common in many destinations and cover amenities or services that the hotel provides, such as Wi-Fi, fitness center access, pool towels, or shuttle services. Unlike optional add-ons, these fees are usually non-negotiable and are applied to every room per night.

However, while you cannot unilaterally decline to pay a resort fee, there are specific circumstances where a hotel employee might be able to remove or waive the charge for you. This is not a standard occurrence but rather an exception.

Can a Resort Fee Be Waived?

It's possible that a hotel employee has the authority to remove a resort fee, similar to how they might offer other forms of compensation for a guest. This potential for a waiver is typically at the discretion of the hotel staff, usually a manager or a front desk supervisor.

Key points to remember:

  • It's an exception, not the norm: Do not expect a waiver to be granted automatically or frequently.
  • Approach matters: If you decide to inquire about a waiver, always do so politely and respectfully. A polite request can significantly improve your chances compared to a demanding tone.
  • No guarantee: There's no guarantee that your request will be successful, even if you ask nicely.

Strategies for Addressing Resort Fees

While refusing to pay isn't an option, here's a table summarizing common approaches:

Action Outcome
Simply Refuse to Pay Generally not possible, as fees are mandatory and part of the agreement.
Politely Ask to Waive Potentially possible if an employee has the authority, but it's an exception.
Ask Nicely and Respectfully May improve your chances if a waiver is possible.

Before You Book

To avoid surprises, it's always recommended to:

  • Research in advance: Always check for resort fees or other hidden charges when booking your accommodation. Many booking sites will display these fees upfront or in the "fine print."
  • Factor into budget: Consider resort fees as part of the total cost of your stay, rather than an optional expense.

For more information on resort fees and how to manage them, you can consult reputable travel resources like NerdWallet.