How to avoid resort fees?
#16
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
I articulated one very big reason why upthread. And that reason is the fact that most corporate travel policies impose a cap on base rate, with taxes and fees being what they are. So this is an easy way for hoteliers to take price on a core segment without ruffling feathers.
#17
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: HH D
Posts: 1,640
I articulated one very big reason why upthread. And that reason is the fact that most corporate travel policies impose a cap on base rate, with taxes and fees being what they are. So this is an easy way for hoteliers to take price on a core segment without ruffling feathers.
In the end it will lead to local authorities raising taxes, like the 25% tax you need to pay in San Francisco on your parking rate at the hotel. Twentyfive percent of zero dollars can't be that much, but 25% on a parking rate of $20-$40 is an extra $5-$10 a night that adds up to the cost of everyone's stay.
Also, while the Hilton website only displays these BS FEEs on the second page - making it very hard to compare rates - some foreign OTAs don't display the BS FEE at all.
Lastly, these BS FEEs are defrauding Hilton status-holders out of acquired free amenities they are normally entitled to.
Last edited by Sisosig; Jun 22, 2019 at 4:59 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
This property often has summer specials that include the resort fee. They also have deals with some meals. We stayed there on one a year or two ago. It’s a nice property, but just didn’t impress me that much.
#19
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Poor excuse. Instead of putting a cap on their rates, for this particular reason, it allows hotels to defraud companies and government agencies out of taxpayers' and owners/stockholders' money. This is bad for everyone, for corporate travel, for government travel as well as for leisure travel. Also, it it defrauding local authorities and schools out of tax, because the occupancy tax, which is usually bigger, will only be levied on the room rate. While the 'BS FEE' will at best get charged a sales tax, which will be lower.
In the end it will lead to local authorities raising taxes, like the 25% tax you need to pay in San Francisco on your parking rate at the hotel. Twentyfive percent of zero dollars can't be that much, but 25% on a parking rate of $20-$40 is an extra $5-$10 a night that adds up to the cost of everyone's stay.
Also, while the Hilton website only displays these BS FEEs on the second page - making it very hard to compare rates - some foreign OTAs don't display the BS FEE at all.
Lastly, these BS FEEs are defrauding Hilton status-holders out of acquired free amenities they are normally entitled to.
In the end it will lead to local authorities raising taxes, like the 25% tax you need to pay in San Francisco on your parking rate at the hotel. Twentyfive percent of zero dollars can't be that much, but 25% on a parking rate of $20-$40 is an extra $5-$10 a night that adds up to the cost of everyone's stay.
Also, while the Hilton website only displays these BS FEEs on the second page - making it very hard to compare rates - some foreign OTAs don't display the BS FEE at all.
Lastly, these BS FEEs are defrauding Hilton status-holders out of acquired free amenities they are normally entitled to.
#20
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,862
As a consumer base, we're so completely and overly obsessed with fees/all-included when traveling. All that really matters is the bottom line price. Unless it is some elite perk of whatever to waive resort fees (which isn't with Hilton), then it is PART OF THE PRICE. If hotels "did away" with resort fees, do you honestly think would you just pocket the difference? I agree that it is an annoying process, and would rather the price be up front. I understand why it is the way it is. People lose their minds over a $35 fee on a $250 room when your room really costs $285.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,013
Okay I just canceled the biltmore because it appears to be really not worth it as rooms are out of date, etc etc.
I just rebooked the embassy suites in old town for 26K points per night. The cost of the stay:
PREMIUM ROOM REWARD
Honors Reward ID: 042546018
Rate: 57.01 USD
Points: + 52000 Points
Taxes 7.01 USD
Resort Charge 50.00 USD
Total for Stay 57.01 USD
+ 52000 Points
I thought you said resort fee is waived with a all points payment?
I just rebooked the embassy suites in old town for 26K points per night. The cost of the stay:
PREMIUM ROOM REWARD
Honors Reward ID: 042546018
Rate: 57.01 USD
Points: + 52000 Points
Taxes 7.01 USD
Resort Charge 50.00 USD
Total for Stay 57.01 USD
+ 52000 Points
I thought you said resort fee is waived with a all points payment?
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
Okay I just canceled the biltmore because it appears to be really not worth it as rooms are out of date, etc etc.
I just rebooked the embassy suites in old town for 26K points per night. The cost of the stay:
PREMIUM ROOM REWARD
Honors Reward ID: 042546018
Rate: 57.01 USD
Points: + 52000 Points
Taxes 7.01 USD
Resort Charge 50.00 USD
Total for Stay 57.01 USD
+ 52000 Points
I thought you said resort fee is waived with a all points payment?
I just rebooked the embassy suites in old town for 26K points per night. The cost of the stay:
PREMIUM ROOM REWARD
Honors Reward ID: 042546018
Rate: 57.01 USD
Points: + 52000 Points
Taxes 7.01 USD
Resort Charge 50.00 USD
Total for Stay 57.01 USD
+ 52000 Points
I thought you said resort fee is waived with a all points payment?
#23
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: HH D
Posts: 1,640
As a consumer base, we're so completely and overly obsessed with fees/all-included when traveling. All that really matters is the bottom line price. Unless it is some elite perk of whatever to waive resort fees (which isn't with Hilton), then it is PART OF THE PRICE. If hotels "did away" with resort fees, do you honestly think would you just pocket the difference? I agree that it is an annoying process, and would rather the price be up front. I understand why it is the way it is. People lose their minds over a $35 fee on a $250 room when your room really costs $285.
Is it correct, by using this rate you would only pay $125 for that room or maybe even less, plus you would get 50% off the bar/restaurant cheque? Does your resort fee also get waved?
We regular stay out of own pocket 'consumers' are more disadvantaged by offers like DoubleTree Tropicana's $40 a night plus a $37.00 resort fee. A fee that even includes fake value like "buy 1, get 1 free" and 10 cents worth of water bottles each day. Well, at least their parking is still free.
#24
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,862
In another thread you just said you have access to the Friends and Family-rate. (link)
Is it correct, by using this rate you would only pay $125 for that room or maybe even less, plus you would get 50% off the bar/restaurant cheque? Does your resort fee also get waved?
We regular stay out of own pocket 'consumers' are more disadvantaged by offers like DoubleTree Tropicana's $40 a night plus a $37.00 resort fee. A fee that even includes fake value like "buy 1, get 1 free" and 10 cents worth of water bottles each day. Well, at least their parking is still free.
Is it correct, by using this rate you would only pay $125 for that room or maybe even less, plus you would get 50% off the bar/restaurant cheque? Does your resort fee also get waved?
We regular stay out of own pocket 'consumers' are more disadvantaged by offers like DoubleTree Tropicana's $40 a night plus a $37.00 resort fee. A fee that even includes fake value like "buy 1, get 1 free" and 10 cents worth of water bottles each day. Well, at least their parking is still free.
Again, for your last point, it is all part of the price. I do stay at IHG sometimes too. I will choose the better price. I have paid plenty of resort fees. I have a Vegas stay coming up at a different hotel, and you know what Vegas means. Resort fees for sure. I'm not going to save any money by protesting and paying an equal or higher room rate elsewhere (not that you even have that choice in certain places)
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,013
I tweeted Hilton. The other poster was indeed spot on!
“Hi Ian! Thank you for those details. When you book a reservation using all points, you do not have to pay a resort fee. You can disregard anything stating otherwise.
If we can help with anything else, please let us know. Happy Travels!-JM”.
“Hi Ian! Thank you for those details. When you book a reservation using all points, you do not have to pay a resort fee. You can disregard anything stating otherwise.
If we can help with anything else, please let us know. Happy Travels!-JM”.
#26
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 694
I tweeted Hilton. The other poster was indeed spot on!
“Hi Ian! Thank you for those details. When you book a reservation using all points, you do not have to pay a resort fee. You can disregard anything stating otherwise.
If we can help with anything else, please let us know. Happy Travels!-JM”.
“Hi Ian! Thank you for those details. When you book a reservation using all points, you do not have to pay a resort fee. You can disregard anything stating otherwise.
If we can help with anything else, please let us know. Happy Travels!-JM”.
#27
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,804
I articulated one very big reason why upthread. And that reason is the fact that most corporate travel policies impose a cap on base rate, with taxes and fees being what they are. So this is an easy way for hoteliers to take price on a core segment without ruffling feathers.
#28
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,945
Okay I just canceled the biltmore because it appears to be really not worth it as rooms are out of date, etc etc.
I just rebooked the embassy suites in old town for 26K points per night. The cost of the stay:
PREMIUM ROOM REWARD
Honors Reward ID: 042546018
Rate: 57.01 USD
Points: + 52000 Points
Taxes 7.01 USD
Resort Charge 50.00 USD
Total for Stay 57.01 USD
+ 52000 Points
I thought you said resort fee is waived with a all points payment?
I just rebooked the embassy suites in old town for 26K points per night. The cost of the stay:
PREMIUM ROOM REWARD
Honors Reward ID: 042546018
Rate: 57.01 USD
Points: + 52000 Points
Taxes 7.01 USD
Resort Charge 50.00 USD
Total for Stay 57.01 USD
+ 52000 Points
I thought you said resort fee is waived with a all points payment?
#29
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: PHL/EWR
Programs: AA, US, WN, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 1,528