In 2024, the average cost of taking a domestic vacation hit $1,991 per person, according to Bankrate. Vacationing is expensive, and you should make every penny count. And that’s why understanding resort fees is critical when booking your next getaway. 

“Resort fees are often additional fees added to the nightly hotel room rate and are advertised to cover a variety of services at the hotel,” Andrea Stokes, the lead researcher on hotels at J.D. Power, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Hotel owners and operators have a variety of accounting and tax-related reasons why they charge resort fees which are not included in the room rate.” 

Here’s everything you need to know about resort fees—and how to avoid them—before booking your next hotel. 

What are resort fees?

Resort fees began as a way for resorts to cover the cost of their extensive amenities; however, many hotels have adopted the practice under names like “destination fees” or “facility fees.” And sometimes, you may not even notice them until it’s too late. 

“Resort fees are an increasingly common feature in hotel pricing, but they often leave travelers confused or frustrated,” Kimberly Denison, the founder of Denison Travel, shared. “They are simply part of modern travel costs—just like taxes.” However, unlike government-imposed taxes, resort fees go straight to the hotel. 

Resort fees are charges added to the base room rate and are usually charged per night, meaning they can add up quickly. 

What do resort fees cover?

On paper, resort fees are usually meant to cover services and amenities beyond just the room guests book for their getaway. They can vary according to the property but usually include high-speed internet use, access to the fitness center or pool, daily newspapers, shuttle services, and in-room coffee or what otherwise appears to be “complimentary” water. 

“They cover pretty much everything that makes you really want to go to a hotel,” Forrest Webber, owner of SEO for Hotel, added. “So, pools, fitness centers, Wi-Fi, parking, spas, or services.”

The biggest gripe from travelers is that they are charged this resort fee regardless of whether they use these amenities, making them far less of a perk. So next time you debate using that complimentary service, make sure to use it—and use it heartily. 

Why do hotels have resort fees?

This one’s easy: Revenue. Hotels have added resort fees to increase incremental earnings without increasing advertised room rates. 

“By separating fees from the advertised room rate, properties appear more competitive on booking platforms,” Denison said. “This also reduces commission payments to travel advisors and online travel booking sites, which are often calculated based on the base rate alone.”

Of course, some hoteliers believe the fees are justified. “It depends on whoever is running the hotel,” Webber said. “Some people believe in them, and others do not. I believe in them if the amenities they cover are good enough to justify the extra cost. I would pay more if those are beyond the standard quality.”

What is the average resort fee? 

Resort fees can vary widely between destinations, brands, and the level of luxury. In 2025, Nerdwallet analyzed more than 400 hotels spread across the world, checking both summer and winter check-in dates. It found that of the hotels that charge a resort fee, the average cost was $35 per night. Nerdwallet noted, “Relative to the room rate, resort fees at those hotels averaged 8.1 percent of the overall cost to stay at the hotel each night.” Nerdwallet additionally pointed to data from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, which states that about six percent of hotels charge resort fees. 

That’s because, unlike taxes, resort fees are not standardized nor do they fall under any predictable pattern. Even the way hotels present these fees can be unpredictable. While some include it in the booking price, others don’t present it to travelers until right at checkout. 

How can I avoid paying resort fees? 

Resort fees are usually mandatory. So if you don’t want to fight a hotel about them, your best bet is just to book a different hotel. However, there are a few ways you can try to get around them. 

Book with points: “Some major hotel brands, including Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt, waive resort fees on fully paid award bookings,” Denison explained. So, if you have enough points to cover the booking, it may be a great way to save on resort fees and your vacation in general. 

Stick with one hotel chain: Speaking of points, Denison noted that many hotel chains waive resort fees for high-tier members. “Hyatt Globalist members do not pay resort fees on both paid and award stays, making this an excellent benefit for frequent travelers,” Denison explained.

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. Try asking the hotel front desk or contacting customer service before you check out. 

Here’s the reality: Resort fees are likely here to stay. But the best way to handle them is to stay informed on what they cover and what they don’t, who has them listed, and who doesn’t. It’s critical to always read the fine print before booking any accommodation to know exactly what you’re paying for before your stay. It’s also a good idea to check in with your credit cards to see what kind of travel perks they offer, as many offer travel credits that pay you back for booking with their card. And always sign up for free hotel loyalty programs to get additional perks. 

There is some hope we can end on, too. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the Junk Fee Rule, which aims to “prohibit bait-and-switch pricing,” which hides the total price of everything from live events to 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’s rule will put an end to junk fees around live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars and millions of hours in wasted time.