Resort Fee Scams: How to Dispute Hidden Charges Successfully
If you’ve ever stayed at a resort, you may have encountered an unpleasant surprise when checking out: a resort fee. This add-on charge, often buried in the fine print of your reservation, can tack on an extra $30 or more per night to your bill. And what’s worse? It’s often non-negotiable. But don’t get scammed by these hidden charges – in this article, we’ll show you how to dispute resort fee scams successfully and save yourself some hard-earned money.
What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees, also known as destination fees, facility fees, or amenity fees, are additional charges added to your nightly rate when staying at a resort or hotel. These fees are meant to cover the cost of amenities and services provided by the property, such as access to the pool or fitness center, Wi-Fi, or daily newspaper delivery.
While these fees are often included in the advertised price of a room, they can also be hidden in the fine print or added on at check-in. And unfortunately, they are becoming more and more common. In 2019, resort fees generated over $3 billion in revenue for hotels in the United States.
The Controversy Surrounding Resort Fees
The rise of resort fees has sparked controversy among both consumers and lawmakers. Many argue that these fees are deceptive and misleading, as they are not included in the advertised price and are often not mentioned until check-in. They can also significantly increase the cost of a stay and catch travelers off guard.
In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning to 22 hotel companies, stating that their online reservation systems may be deceptive by not including resort fees in the total price. The issue has also been brought up in several lawsuits, with plaintiffs claiming that these fees violate consumer protection laws.
How to Spot Resort Fee Scams
So, how can you avoid falling victim to resort fee scams? The first step is to be aware of their existence and be on the lookout for them when booking your stay. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
Hidden in the Fine Print
As mentioned earlier, resort fees are often buried in the fine print of your reservation. Make sure to carefully read through all the details before booking to see if there are any additional charges.
Not Included in the Advertised Price
When browsing for hotels, be aware that the advertised price may not include resort fees. Always check the hotel’s website or call to confirm the total cost of your stay.
Added on at Check-In
Sometimes, resort fees will not be included in your initial reservation, but will be added on at check-in. If this happens, question the fee and ask for it to be removed. Many hotels are willing to waive it upon request.
Mandatory Fees
Most resort fees are mandatory, meaning that you cannot opt-out of paying them. However, some hotels may give you the option to decline certain amenities and lower the fee. If given this option, make sure you only pay for the amenities you will use.
How to Dispute Resort Fee Scams Successfully
If you’ve already been hit with a resort fee at check-out, don’t panic. You still have options to dispute this charge and potentially get it removed from your bill. Here’s what you can do:
Negotiate with the Hotel
If you were not informed of the resort fee at booking and it was added on at check-in, you can try to negotiate with the hotel. Explain that you were not made aware of this charge and request that it be removed. If the hotel is not willing to work with you, ask to speak with a manager or escalate the issue to corporate customer service.
File a Dispute with Your Credit Card Company
If the hotel refuses to remove the fee, you can file a dispute with your credit card company. Provide evidence, such as the advertisement or reservation that does not list the resort fee, and explain your case. The credit card company may side with you and reverse the charge.
Leave a Review
If you were unable to get the resort fee removed, you can still leave a review online, warning other potential guests about the hidden charges. This can also alert the hotel to the issue and potentially lead to change in their policies.
In Conclusion
Resort fees are a contentious issue for many travelers, but with some awareness and caution, you can avoid falling prey to these hidden charges. And if you do encounter them, don’t be afraid to speak up and try to get them removed. With persistence and knowledge, you can successfully dispute resort fee scams and save yourself some money in the process.
