Counsellor

So,I suppose the solution is to never patronize a hotel that charges a "destination fee". I consider those junk fees to be immoral anyway, and an indication that the property uses sharp practices, so that seems a good solution.

And if/when I get stuck with such a fee, downgrade them in the rating. If enough of us do that it might put a stop to the practice.

cbn42

California has finally passed a bill banning destination fees, or rather, requiring them to be included in the advertised price. Let's see how the hotels respond.

alamedaguy

I think Marriott is already doing this, aren't they? The search results (at least for SF) show something like "From 470 USD / night Includes 36 USD Destination Amenity Fee."

Kacee

Yes, as a result of the State of Pennsylvania's lawsuit.

The California law is a big deal because it will apply to OTA as well. This will level the playing field and will likely force big changes due to the size of the market.

travelinmanS

Hopefully it ends the Resort Fee scam once and for all. I know many will be devastated to lose the unlimited local calls and 2 bottles of water for $50/night, but I think we’ll eventually be able to adjust.

margarita girl

If OTAs will have to collect the resort fee, won't the hotels have to pay a commission on those fees, thus driving up the resort fees even more?

1mileman

OTA, some of them, don't collect the resort fee as that is collected by hotels. hotels primarily pay a commission on room and tax rates which is normally the difference in what the guest pays vs what we get from expedia or other ota's..

Eastbay1K

I think they'll just be part of the advertised price, as Marriott already does on the website. You'll still pay it, and get your unlimited local calls, and perhaps "access to the pool," too, but it will be spelled out more clearly. And I can't see the cash cow that is the now ancillary revenue on award stays going anywhere, so long as it is clearly stated at booking. 70,000 points plus $1000/night destination fee.

allnegotiable

Leaning more and more to changing primary hotel chains. I tried to book hotels in Tampa and Sarasota only to find all the nicer hotels charging either a destination or resort fee in additional to the expected parking fees. Pretty sure Hyatt waives those in many cases too but need to brush back up on my status there.

Disappointing and makes me think were going to a Las Vegas style of root rates to get around rules.

loganre17

I just got charged a $17+tax destination fee at the Gwen. It is not disclosed. This isn't right, right? Photo of the Le Meridien as a comparison

iknowthings

Reach out to Marriott Bonvoy Lurker

Out of my Element

I just did a test booking at the Gwen and no destination fee came up. When did you discover the fee? If it was at the property when checking in or out you should be able to just show them your confirmation and they can't add additional fees like that.

Their FAQ *does* mention a Destination fee, but they can't hide it there. Hotels.com also mentions a $15 + tax fee, but I assume you booked directly

loganre17

It was at check out (I did mobile check out so it was a surprise). Yes, booked directly.

The FDM did remove the charge after an email. I did send these screenshots as well, so hopefully it's fixed on their end and they display it

Out of my Element

Good!

Would have been nice if they had taken your word for it at checkout. I'm sure they KNOW they did this and should be prepared for pushback to apologize and fix it immediately

alibi

Just had a long discussion with the front desk at the Sheraton Times Square. They charge a 30 USD destination fee and give you 30 USD per day as F&B credit (which must be used on a daily basis). According to the front desk, this means that you are getting the credit for every DAY that you are there, so on the day of check-in from check-in to midnight, but there is no credit on the day you check out.

The wording in their policies is:
"The daily $30 food and beverage credit may be used in any of the hotel outlets ... Please note the credit must be used on a daily basis to receive your benefits."

My interpretation (and this is also the info I was given via the chat) would have been that it would allow me to use the credit until check-out. But maybe I'm also a bit stupid here?