Understanding Resort Fees: Legalities and Ethical Considerations

Upon arriving at your hotel, you might notice a surprise charge labeled as a resort fee. Is it legal for a hotel to charge such fees without notifying you beforehand? The answer to this question can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific practices employed by the hotel.

Legal Framework and Notification

In many cases, if a hotel charges resort fees, it is legally permissible as long as the information is provided in the booking agreement. However, the manner in which it is communicated to the customer can impact the fairness of the practice. For instance:

United States: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), resort fees should be clearly disclosed before booking. However, this information may often be found in the fine print or negotiated through travel agencies. Other Countries: The same principle applies; the fee gets covered within the agreed-upon terms, which you typically agree to upon booking.

It is important to review the booking agreement thoroughly, as it may be one of the few times when you see the full cost of your stay. However, it’s also common for travelers to overlook detailed disclosures, leading to hidden charges.

Rights and Protections

There is growing awareness and concern about such practices. To protect themselves, travelers have:

Implemented more robust search strategies to find hotels with clear pricing. Used travel websites and booking platforms that provide thorough cancellation and refund policies. Advocated for transparency through social media and public forums.

While it may not be illegal, many consider the practice of drip pricing to be unethical. Drip pricing is defined as a technique where a product or service is advertised with only part of the price revealed, with additional charges disclosed only later in the purchasing process.

Customer Rights During Check-Out

When checking out, it is crucial to be informed and assert your rights. If a resort fee is mandatory, it should be included in the room rate. If you have not been informed of the fee beforehand, you have the right to refuse to pay it. Here’s how to handle such situations:

Review the Booking Agreement: Check the terms and conditions of your booking, which typically include all charges. Stay Polite: When confronted with unexpected charges, politely argue that the fee should be included in the room rate. Use Ethical Arguments: Point out that such practices are considered unethical and that the fee should be disclosed upfront.

While the hotel staff may try to convince you to pay the additional fee, their job is to ensure compliance with their policies, and it's your responsibility to ensure fair pricing. By remaining polite but firm, you can successfully navigate these situations and protect your financial interests.

A Case in Point: Pre-Registration Documentation

Often, hotels provide detailed documentation about the charges during the registration process. For example:

A registration card might state that the room fees do not include tax and are subject to various fees, such as incendiary charges or penalties for smoking. At check-in, the card is authorized but not charged. Any additional amounts, such as resort fees, are later added.

The authorization process allows the hotel to charge up to a certain amount without extensive explanations, as long as a receipt is provided to the credit card company.

In conclusion, while resort fees are technically legal, the ethical and transparency issues surrounding them are critical. As a traveler, it's important to understand the legalities and assert your rights when faced with unexpected charges.