I have stayed at many nice resorts and I have never paid a "resort fee" unless it was disclosed to me at the time of booking and I then agreed to it. The greedy gouge-masters have tried to impose this (and other charges) at various times, but I always refused to pay unless I previously agreed to.
A hint: only make one call re it prior to check-out, and once on the day of check-out. If not removed tell the check-out clerk you will refuse it and will dispute the charge with your cc company. For me it was then removed "for this time only".
ps: and welcome to the wonderful world of priceline