Originally Posted by
Often1
Fees are here to stay and increasing. Just look at them as part of the quoted room rate and then make a decision as to whether you are willing to pay that amount or not.
If is naive to think that the fees really are apportioned to the items specified, e.g. WiFi, bottled water and clean towels or whatever. Those fees are part of revenue and that is the end of it.
If the fees are disclosed ---- and they almost always are ---- and you choose to stay at a property, the fee is neither deceptive nor a ripoff nor anything other than room rent and nothing more.
Why do properties do this? Because search engines sort by price (unless otherwise changed). Consumers, e.g., the people complaining here, trend to booking to properties closer to the top of the displayed list. So, a $400 room appears before a $450 room. But, add $70 to the $400 room and $0 to the $450 room and which one is cheaper?
That's where it is deceptive, when you sort rooms by cost, the "resort fee" should be included, plain and simple. Yes, those in the know will look for additional fees, but deliberately lowering your base room rate to get a better position in the list is an attempt to ripoff nieve customers. How much longer until the room rate is less than half the "resort fee"? Now if they would allow you to choose if you want those resort benefits and basically go a-la carte pricing, that will let them know what people are willing to pay to have available. Elevators are probably more desired than pools.