Advice Negotiating Resort Fee
#46
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
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To me Marriott is more de-centralized than other chains, say Hyatt. A lot hotels are only loosely connected to Marriott. A good example is Bahamas Atlantis. They do not offer or accept any Marriott perks, not even Marriott gift card. They charge their own set of fees. It is going to take Marriott a lot of efforts to control those hotels.
#47
formerly leemaj
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: California
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Posts: 217
The destination fee is truly absurd. I cancelled a stay at the Penny Lane (I think that’s the name) in Savannah because of their absurd “destination” fee. I have no idea what that even includes, since there were no obvious amenities beyond a typical hotel. Ridiculous!
I hope the lawsuit is successful and this ridiculous practice is curtailed.
I hope the lawsuit is successful and this ridiculous practice is curtailed.
#48
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Just find some problem on property, especially related to the services attached to the scam fees and request them to be taken off.
#49
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 39
In that case resort fees should also include: "utilities, employee wages and benefits, structural improvements, business taxes, depreciation" etc...
#50
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
You guys are missing the point. Getting hung up on how the fee is overtly explained is a losing cause. They could just as easily itemize shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. and say that you have to pay for it even if you bring your own. The money is fungible.
The issue is the fact that the fee isn't properly disclosed and that the quoted prices are misleading, not what it (supposedly) does or does not include.
The issue is the fact that the fee isn't properly disclosed and that the quoted prices are misleading, not what it (supposedly) does or does not include.
#51
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,033
You guys are missing the point. Getting hung up on how the fee is overtly explained is a losing cause. They could just as easily itemize shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. and say that you have to pay for it even if you bring your own. The money is fungible.
The issue is the fact that the fee isn't properly disclosed and that the quoted prices are misleading, not what it (supposedly) does or does not include.
The issue is the fact that the fee isn't properly disclosed and that the quoted prices are misleading, not what it (supposedly) does or does not include.
That have been said, the op in this thread is about specific line items.
I must admit that raising a stink over a $5 wifi charge initially struck me as petty, but the more I thought about it, I see value in the annoyance factor if the disputes become more common. If nothing else, they force owners/managers to think about the implications of Marriott's policy. And, maybe some properties will consider changing the amenity buckets so that they actually are of some value.
#52
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
I agree with your point; in fact, there are several other current threads about resort fees in general.
That have been said, the op in this thread is about specific line items.
I must admit that raising a stink over a $5 wifi charge initially struck me as petty, but the more I thought about it, I see value in the annoyance factor if the disputes become more common. If nothing else, they force owners/managers to think about the implications of Marriott's policy. And, maybe some properties will consider changing the amenity buckets so that they actually are of some value.
That have been said, the op in this thread is about specific line items.
I must admit that raising a stink over a $5 wifi charge initially struck me as petty, but the more I thought about it, I see value in the annoyance factor if the disputes become more common. If nothing else, they force owners/managers to think about the implications of Marriott's policy. And, maybe some properties will consider changing the amenity buckets so that they actually are of some value.
#53
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2. Them scrambling around in order to provide 125 points makes me laugh
3. You can bet your bottom dollar that 1 in 10 people will ensure significant pain is inflicted
#54
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#55
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I called and ask they remove 1 night's fee and they were so embarrassed (I called after the 1 hour / walk back incident) they ended up removing it for all 6 nights. A nice $200 saved of scam $$
#56
Original Poster
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The applicability of the charge on a hypothetical one-night stay would also be interesting to argue (since I would think having a properly-prepared room would qualify as a basic provision).
Mind, I'm specifically thinking of disputing with one's CC, not with the hotel. Fighting Marriott seems like a lost cause, but I think one could argue with some CCs.
*One six-hour delay on JetBlue comes to mind. Not necessarily relevant to the hotel in question but still a relevant thought overall.
#57
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
will it? They're still raking in the fees from 90% of the people (and let's be real, it's less than 10% who will actually complain) and they bought you off with 125 points. I mean if I'm them this seems like a great deal.
#58
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
You might talk your card issuer into doing a chargeback. Good luck maintaining your bonvoy status after that.
#59
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