According to the report, in 2024, a domestic holiday will cost an average of $1,991 for each person. Bankrate. It’s expensive to vacation, so you need to make your money count. Understanding resort fees will help you make the most of your next vacation.
Andrea Stokes is the J.D. Power’s lead hotel researcher. “Resort fees can be added to a hotel room price and advertised as a fee that covers varying services provided by the hotel.” Power, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Hoteliers and operators charge resort fees for a variety accounting and tax related reasons.
Here’s everything you need to know about resort fees—and how to avoid them—before booking your next hotel.
What is a resort fee?
The resort fee was originally a way to cover the costs of the resort’s extensive amenities. However, many hotels adopted this practice under the names “destination fees” and “facility charges.” Sometimes, you might not notice them until they’re too late.
Kimberly Denison of the founding company, Denison Travel, shared. “They are simply part of modern travel costs—just like taxes.” The resort fee is not taxed by the government.
Resort fees are charged on top of the room rate, and they are typically charged per night. They can quickly add up.
What is covered by resort fees?
The resort fee is usually intended to cover more than just the hotel room that guests have booked for their vacation. These fees vary from property to property, but typically include high-speed internet, access the fitness center or swimming pool, daily newspaper, shuttle service, in-room coffee, or water that appears to be complimentary.
Forrest Webber is the owner of SEO for Hotel, added. “So pools, fitness centers or spas.
Most travelers complain that resort fees are charged whether or not these amenities are used, making them a far lesser perk. So next time you debate using that complimentary service, make sure to use it—and use it heartily.
Why do hotels charge resort fees?
It’s simple: Revenue. The hotels have increased resort fees in order to generate incremental revenue without increasing room rates.
Denison stated that “by separating fees and the advertised rate of the room, properties appear to be more competitive on booking platforms.” This reduces commission payments made to online travel agencies and travel advisors, which are usually calculated solely on the room rate.
Some hoteliers, of course believe that these fees are justified. Webber explained that it depends on who runs the hotel. Some people do believe in them while others do not. I’ll believe in them as long as the amenities covered are worth the additional cost. I’d pay more for those that are above the standard quality.”
What is the average resort charge?
Resort fees can differ widely depending on destination, brand and luxury level. In 2025 Nerdwallet The study analyzed over 400 hotels in different parts of the world and checked both winter and summer check-in dates. The average resort fee charged by hotels was $35 per night. Nerdwallet reported that, “Relatively to the rate of the room, resort fees in these hotels averaged about 8.1 percent for the cost of staying at the hotel per night.” Nerdwallet cited additional data from the American Hotel and Lodging Association which stated that approximately six percent of hotels charge a resort fee.
This is because unlike taxes, there are no standardizations or patterns for resort fees. Even how hotels present the fees can be unpredictable. Some hotels include the fee in their booking prices, while others only present it at check-out.
How can I avoid resort fees?
Most resort fees are compulsory. If you do not want to argue with a hotel over them, the best thing to do is to just book another hotel. There are ways to avoid them.
Book with Points Denison explained that some major hotel brands waive resort charges on fully-paid award bookings, such as Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt. You can save money by using your points to pay for the reservation.
Stay with a single hotel chain Denison mentioned that, when it comes to points, many hotel chains waive their resort fees for members of the highest tier. Denison said that Hyatt Globalist Members do not pay any resort fees, whether they are staying on paid or award stays.
Try to negotiate If a hotel chain has a resort fee that lists its amenities and one is unavailable—say, the gym is closed—you could request a fee waiver. You can ask the hotel’s front desk, or call customer service to find out before checking out.
It’s likely that resort fees are here to stay. It’s best to know what’s covered and what’s not. Also, find out who charges them and who doesn’t. You should always read all the fine prints before booking any accommodations to ensure you understand what’s being charged for. Check with your credit card to see if they have any travel benefits. Many offer travel credits for bookings made with their cards. Sign up for free hotel loyalty programs Additional benefits are available.
We can also end with some optimism. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission The FTC announced the Junk Fee Rule. It aims at “prohibiting bait-and switch pricing,” which conceals the total cost of everything, from live events and hotel fees.
“People deserve to know up-front what they’re being asked to pay—without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees that they haven’t budgeted for and can’t avoid,” Lina M. Khan, the chair of the FTC, said. The FTC rule will end junk fees for live event tickets, hotel rooms, and vacation rentals. This will save Americans billions of dollar and millions of wasted hours.
