Hilton HHonors - Resort Fee - Charging for Gold VIP Perks???

So, I tried to search this out but still looks like an area of much needed improvement on FT :D

Anyhoo, I was wondering if any of you more seasoned HH VIPs can tell me why the heck would I want to pay for my Gold VIP perks?? I mean, The Boulders in AZ is charging a $30/day 'resort' fee for the same perks I'd normally receive free due to my status. Unless I'm blind (which has been known to happen every now and then, temporarily thank goodness :cool:) the only exception I could see is the valet parking which I'm not even interested in...much less having to fork over $30 (PLUS tax) for a service I won't utilize.

Am I missing something here or is this just a way for the resort to stick it to HH Golds & Plats? :confused:

You need to spell out the "perks" they are charging you in order for others to give you some useful answers.

From the Boulders website:

Please Note: A daily resort charge of $30.00 ($33.58 tax inclusive) will be applied and includes: Valet parking, high-speed internet access, daily paper, use of the spa facilities, service personnel gratuity (excluding Spa and F&B). This charge is in addition to the rate quoted. Resort charge is not a governmentally imposed charge.

and the published HH Gold benefits for Waldorf Astoria hotels:

At The Waldorf Astoria Collection® and Waldorf Astoria brand hotels:
Expedited HHonors check in at designated desk
Late checkout based on availability
Complimentary weekday newspaper (where locally available)
Two bottles of water per stay
Complimentary health club access where available, owned and operated by the hotel
Welcome beverage (up to two guests)
One category room upgrade* (excludes suites, Napua Tower at Grand Wailea and Imperial Floor at Rome Cavalieri) and choose ONE of the following:
1,000 HHonors bonus points
One complimentary movie (where locally available)
*Note: if a room upgrade is unavailable, the member will receive both of the above benefits..

So not really much overlap between the two charges.

Am I missing something here or is this just a way for the resort to stick it to HH Golds & Plats? :confused:

The "Resort Charge" rip off is just a way of sticking it to everyone, not just elites.

There have been threads and threads written on this topic on almost all of the boards (see the Westin Las Vegas for example).

Given the inevitability of the Resort Charge, my approach is to take it into account (i.e. add it to the room rate) when evaluating the rates of competing properties.