Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
Resort/urban/destination fees are different in that they generally don't earn points, aren't discounted when one uses a discounted rate plan such as AAA, are generally on top of government per diem rates (but there's no additional per diem payment to cover them), and can generally cause reimbursement problems/issues as payment for "resort" facilities seems to contradict the business purpose of the trip.
Although I agree with most of your post, I have found that, at least in NYC, destination fees are waived when the federal government rate is booked.