Redeeming rewards question... taxes?
 

So as i'm about to book a trip using rewards for the first time I just have one question... there are always various taxes and resort fees that you must pay when you are paying for a nights stay.... so if the room is free, am i still subject to pay these taxes??

i used points at the marriott in monaco in may and was charged about 3 euros a day in taxes

I've never paid any taxes for any domestic hotel award stays, but haven't taken any out of the country. I do know resorts often charge a resort fee and it is payable seperately, regardless of the room payment method. I have seen reports here of international hotels passing along governmental fees and charges. Best way to find out is to call the hotel. They'll give you the straight scoop.

Pat

Just used a seven day award at the Renaissance Paris Vendome. No taxes or other fees were charged.

Same here - used a reward in Russia and had a big fat zero at the checkout.
However, sometimes hotels would pass along a resort fee or a energy surchage fee.

I have used rewards certificate many times in different countries and never paid taxes, just incidentals.

I have used rewards in the UK , US , France , Netherlands , Brazil and Argentina and have never paid any taxes

There are certain countries where you will pay taxes and service charges. Generally in Europe one does not pay any taxes - this has been the case in Austria, Czech Rep, Hungary, Germany, Poland, etc. However, in Asia one does encounter these. I distinctly remember paying a 20% charge in the Philippines (10% tax and 10% svc charge). I can't remeber about HKG or Malaysia.

No taxes on award booking 7 nights at Buenos Aires Marriott Plaza. But it might be different for a resort property. Your reservation should provide all details of taxes. I know mine does.

I've never paid taxes on any of my Marriott awards, including some that were done at properties that Marriott has tagged as "resort". Mostly US/Europe redemptions...

I've encountered mandatory service charges on award stays at some but not all properties in Shanghai.

Rewards do cover taxes, but not service charges.

Aruba's hotels always have unavoidable service charges.

Taxes on Ritz redemption
 

I just booked a seven night stay using Marriott points at the Ritz Grand Cayman. According to the reservation agent, there is a 10% tax collected on all hotel stays (paid or not) in the Cayman islands. "10% of what" was my question and she couldn't say. She did say that the tax would work out to approximately $70 per night. Seemed kind of steep to me. Anyone else experience this?

International only
 

According to this link: http://marriott.com/rewards/terms/usetrms.mi
some international properties may add surcharges, etc

Stayed at the JW Resort and Spa in Cancun. No tax charged.