What a resort fee or destination fee is

A resort fee, sometimes called a destination or facility fee, is a mandatory charge some hotels add on top of the room rate, paid per room per night. Because it is listed separately, it is easy to miss until the final price.

What it usually covers

The fee bundles amenities offered to every guest, which can include Wi-Fi, pool or gym access, local calls or bottled water. What is included varies by hotel, so the only reliable source is the hotel's own description on the listing.

Why it is listed separately

Hotels show the room rate and the fee as two lines because the fee is mandatory but not part of the nightly price. A low headline rate can still carry a fee, so compare hotels on the total that includes it.

Taxes are not the same as fees

Taxes are set by the city, region or country; a resort fee is set by the hotel. Both appear in the final total, but only the fee is the hotel's own charge. Reading the breakdown line by line tells you which is which.

Key points

• A resort or destination fee is mandatory and per night.
• It bundles amenities, but the contents vary by hotel.
• It is the hotel's charge; taxes are the government's.
• Compare on the total that includes fees, not the headline rate.

Common questions

Can I avoid a resort fee? Not where it applies. To avoid one, choose a hotel whose listing shows no resort or destination fee.

Is it refundable if I skip the pool? No. It is charged whether or not you use the bundled amenities.