What to Know About Resort Fees Before Booking
This guide is for travelers booking hotels who want to avoid post-booking sticker shock. Resort fees, also called amenity or destination fees, can dramatically affect your total trip cost. Learn what these fees cover, how to spot them in advance, how they differ by property, and how to challenge invalid or misleading charges.
Average Resort Fee (US)
$30–50/night
When Disclosed
At checkout or in small print
Applicable on
Both paid and points bookings
Not Charged At
Many motels, budget chains
Hidden Hotel Surcharges
Resort Fees Can Change Your True Room Cost
A ‘cheap’ room may wind up pricier than expected once resort fees are added. These charges often aren’t visible until the final booking screen, making hotel price comparison tricky. Budget-savvy travelers should factor these fees into every hotel search.
Interactive checklist
Pre-Booking Resort Fee Checklist
Don’t get caught off guard—run through these key checks before you lock in a room.
Booking With vs. Without Resort Fees
| Aspect | With Resort Fees | No Resort Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Nightly Rate Advertised | Lower upfront, fee added later | True total cost shown upfront |
| Redeeming Points | Fee often still applies | Usually fee-free, true free night |
| Value of Amenities | Sometimes included; may not be used | All amenities are usually optional |
| Ability to Compare Prices | Difficult—fees not included in comparison sites | Easy—one clear price |
| Refund Policy | Fee rarely refundable | No fee to dispute |
Room Rate Reality Check
Booking on a Comparison Site
You think you’ve found a $120/nt deal—until the final page hits you with a $45/nt fee.
Booking With the Fee Disclosed
You see the true nightly total, compare fairly across hotels, and avoid checkout sticker shock.
Resort Fees: Myth vs. Fact
Myth
Hotels must disclose all resort fees upfront.
Fact
Many websites only show the fee at the last stage, unless required by law.
Myth
Award nights are always free.
Fact
In many programs, resort fees are due on award bookings—unless you have very high elite status.
Myth
Resort fees are optional.
Fact
They are usually mandatory, even if you don’t use bundled amenities.
FAQ
Resort Fee FAQs
Are resort fees ever optional?
In almost all cases, they’re mandatory and charged per room per night.
Can I use points to cover resort fees?
Rarely. Most brands require you to pay cash for resort fees, unless you have top elite status.
How can I tell if a hotel charges a resort fee?
Look for fees in the price breakdown at final booking, or check the hotel’s website directly.
Are resort fees charged internationally?
Mostly in the US and Caribbean; they are rare in Europe and Asia.
Keep exploring resort fees before booking
What Makes a Good Hotel Redemption
Learn how to evaluate hotel redemptions and maximize your points—compare value, perks, flexibility, and avoid classic pitfalls. Save money on hotels.
How to Compare Hotel Rates Beyond the Nightly Price
Discover what really matters when comparing hotel rates. Go beyond the nightly price to avoid surprise fees, add-ons, and missed perks.
How to Use Points for Airport Hotels
Learn the fastest strategies to book airport hotels with points, maximize value, and avoid common loyalty program pitfalls. Get practical, step-by-step tips.
Travel Smarter—Know All Fees Upfront
Solid planning—like monitoring Global Entry interview slots or learning to spot hidden hotel costs—means fewer surprises every trip. Use our guides to make each journey smoother.