Whenever I have been exempt from the destination fee, at Marriott family or other brands, (ABA rate, Travel zoo rate, etc.), I have not been given any food and beverage credit that is usually included with the destination fee.

I'm more used to corporate rates that remove the destination fee, and hence "exempt" means you don't get the benefits, but get to save the (I typically agree), "rip-off", is a significant benefit. But I don't expect to be using those benefits, as I guess the general reason is that on a business trip I don't need to be using a bike, museum visit etc. Hence I believe the hotel is right to say exempt == no benefits either, as that is the standard, and the precedent to build on, and this is how I would interpret the rate as well.

But, if woodcmfr feels strongly they they want a certain item within the destination fee, I would just pick up directly with the GM at the hotel and say "hey I am a loyal guest, can you give me X" (where X is the benefit you really want, say the bikes)" as a goodwill gesture. But I feel it would be unlikely that you can get your cake and eat it, i.e. I am sure the hotel will let you pay the fee and get the benefits, but it is unlikely you will get the full value, that's why people dislike these fees.

I think the distinction is that for certain rates, Marriott “exempts” you from having to pay for destination fee and therefore you don’t get any benefits from it.

While Hyatt waives it for Globlists and all points bookings so they are only “waiving” the fee but you are still entitled to what the fee is offering.

I think the two programs just treat the fee differently. I don't really favor one approach over the other. But the best result of all would be if these nonsense add-on fees were banned entirely.

One approach is clearly better for travelers.

It's hard to argue that waiving junk fee for those with top status (admittedly small group) or those redeeming points (benefiting even occasional travelers) isn't better.

Hyatt's overall a better program. I don't really see the point of reopening that debate here. But if you want to stay at a Marriott, you play by Marriott rules. Go ahead and whine about it all you like, but that points been beaten to death already.

We have at least one thread here detailing worthwhile destination fees. I'm sorry you've never had one that worked for you

We take these fees under consideration when making bookings and generally avoid the useless ones, but have enjoyed the good ones in places like San Diego and Chicago, among others

The other annoying thing is they do not publish what the resort fee includes. I have an upcoming stay at JW Marriott St Maarten. The resort fee is $50/day, but I have no idea what I'm buying for that. I guess they aren't required to make that information accessible.

I would argue that if it states 'destination fee exempt' then you are exempted from paying the destination fee, but are still entitled to the associated benefits unless that it is also explicitly stated that they are not available to the guest under that rate.

But that's not how Marriott works.

I agree with the ambiguity, but I don't think Marriott would bulge. This is certainly something that you can reasonably bring up to the state attorney generals, given Marriott's past on deceptive marketing.

I'm not sure this would fall into the category of deceptive marketing.
If admission to an event is "$15 including 2 drink tickets", and you get free admission, I wouldn't expect to receive the drink tickets too.

What you are "exempt" from is the obligation to pay a otherwise mandatory fee. You are thus not obligated buy the bundle of goods and services that the fee covers.
​​​​

That's certainly my interpretation but I can't say the alternative is completely unreasonable. So I acknowledge the ambiguity.

I have had multiple destination fees waived, even as part of corporate rates or as part of award stays - never received (nor expected) any of the free things that come with it. Now, certain hotels where this fee covers say 'beach chair rentals' etc. - they have essentially no means of checking that since basically 99.9% of guests have it ... you get these almost always. Things like 'tickets', 'rentals', 'F&B credit' where there is '1 per day' - they always check that you did not have it already - those you don't get when your rate doesn't have the destination fee.

That's certainly how I would approach Marriott. And you are right, that's how Marriott does it consistently when the destination fee isn't charge.

However, I can see why people are confused and asked the question since this is not consistent across the industry. You do get the benefits associated with destination fee at Hyatt (not sure about Hilton who also waives it on points reservations) even when you are not paying for it. I'm not bringing this up to say which is better. Just to provide context on why people get confused.

I have not gotten such benefits at Hilton (other than the 'inevitably every guest gets them) an award stays.