Travel Glossary · Hotels
Resort Fee
Definition
Resort Fee: A resort fee is a mandatory daily charge some hotels add to the room rate, often said to cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool access, or the fitness center.
Resort fees, sometimes called destination, facility, or amenity fees, are charged per room per night whether or not you use what they cover. They are common in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida, and at beach resorts, and increasingly appear at city hotels too. Because they are not optional, they belong in any honest comparison of hotel prices.
Disclosure has improved. As of 2026, a Federal Trade Commission rule in effect since May 2025 requires US hotels and booking sites to show the total price, including mandatory fees, upfront, though government taxes can be shown separately. California has its own all-in pricing law. Outside the US, fees may still appear only at checkout or on arrival.
Ask what the fee actually includes, since some cover genuinely useful extras such as daily credits or beach equipment. Add the fee to every nightly rate when comparing properties to see the true cost. See villa vs. resort when weighing your options.
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