The "resort fee" reminds me of the stories here on Flyertalk from hapless travelers who are invited into a bar "for a drink" by friendly strangers in foreign cities. When they attempt to leave the establishment, they're presented with a huge "entrance fee" bill. When they protest, the manager points to a sign in their entryway that disclosed the ($250/$500/$750) fee.

Now SOME people would argue that the doorway proclamation completely absolves the bar from blame. Caveat emptor and all that. I disagree. The intent from the get-go is to deceive and extort. Similarly, mandatory "resort fees" are glaring attempts to deceive (by disguising true rates) and extort (by collecting them AFTER the stay, which is too late for the consumer to just walk.) And it should be stopped.

If it takes an act of Congress to force companies to act ethically, then bring on the dogs.