Resort and Destination Fees: Spot Them Before You Book
Where resort and destination fees hide in a booking, which programs waive them on award stays, and how to compare the true nightly cost.
A resort fee or destination fee is a mandatory nightly charge added on top of the room rate. It might cover the gym, the pool or internet, whether you use them or not. It can add a lot to a stay, and it can apply even when you book with points.
What resort and destination fees are
- Resort fees are most common at resort hotels and in certain destinations.
- Destination fees or urban fees are similar charges at city hotels.
- Both are mandatory. You pay them whether or not you use the facilities.
Where they appear in a booking
In the US, the Federal Trade Commission’s rule on unfair or deceptive fees, in force since May 12, 2025, requires hotels, rental platforms and booking sites to show the total price, including mandatory fees, up front. Taxes can still be shown separately. In practice:
- Check the total price in the search results and on the room page, and expand any “price details” link.
- Read the rate details before you confirm.
- Check the confirmation email. It should show the total, including mandatory fees.
Outside the US, rules differ, and fees may still appear late in the booking.
Fee rules on award stays
Programs treat resort fees on award stays differently:
- Some waive resort fees on award stays, or waive them for top-tier members.
- Some charge them on award stays, just as on paid stays. Marriott Bonvoy, for example, charges a property’s resort or destination fee on award stays, whatever your status.
This can make the same resort much cheaper on points in one program than another. Check each program’s policy before you book.
Comparing the true nightly cost
A worked example, with illustrative numbers. A resort costs $300 a night plus a $45 resort fee. On points, it costs 40,000 points a night.
- Paid stay: $345 a night.
- Award stay in a program that charges the fee: 40,000 points + $45.
- Award stay in a program that waives it: 40,000 points.
When you work out what your points are worth on this stay, subtract the fee you’d still pay. In the first case, 40,000 points save you $300, not $345.
What to do if you’re surprised at checkout
- Ask what the fee covers and whether it was shown when you booked.
- Check your confirmation for the total price.
- Contact the booking site or hotel if a fee wasn’t disclosed.
For comparing the whole stay on points versus cash, see how the main programs compare, and for status, see hotel status tiers decoded.
Common questions
Can I refuse to pay a resort fee? Usually not, if it was disclosed as mandatory when you booked.
Do award stays charge resort fees? In some programs yes, in others no. Check the program’s policy.
Are destination fees the same as resort fees? They’re similar mandatory charges, usually at city hotels.
Does hotel status waive resort fees? In some programs, at certain tiers, on award stays. Check the terms.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.