In Las Vegas, resort fees were a way that the casinos made some revenue on all the free rooms they give to customers. "In the order of fairness", they charge every guest the resort fee. I know excuses, but that is the unofficial line from Vegas casinos. Of course every other hotel in the US jumped on the gravy train. Other commenters mention that resort fees are untaxed. I think that depends on the taxing jurisdiction. The sad thing is, only legislation would eliminate this fee. Even sadder is that we all know it won't be fixed.