Resort fees are an unwelcome surprise for many travelers, often adding extra costs to your stay without clear benefits. Luckily, Pine is here to help you waive these hidden fees and save money on your hotel bookings.
1. What Is a Resort Fee?
A resort fee is an additional charge added by hotels to cover the use of various amenities, whether or not you actually use them. These fees typically range from $20 to $50 (or more) per night and may cover services like:
- Wi-Fi access
- Parking
- Gym or pool use
- Beach towels or lounge chairs
- Local calls or concierge services
Hotels, especially those in popular destinations like Las Vegas, New York, or resort areas, often add these fees on top of the room rate, making your final bill significantly higher.
2. Can Resort Fees Be Waived?
Yes, resort fees can often be waived, but it usually requires some negotiation. Hotels don’t openly advertise that these fees are negotiable, but many will waive or reduce them, especially if you ask before your stay or bring up specific reasons why you shouldn’t be charged.
That’s where Pine comes in—our AI-powered service takes care of negotiating these fees for you, ensuring you pay only for the services you actually use.
3. Why Are Resort Fees Charged on You?
Resort fees are added to your bill as a way for hotels to increase revenue while keeping advertised room rates competitive. These fees are often charged to cover a variety of amenities and services, regardless of whether you plan to use them. Common reasons for resort fees include:
- Access to hotel amenities like pools, fitness centers, or business services.
- Maintaining services such as internet access, housekeeping, or parking.
- A way for hotels to appear cheaper by advertising a lower room rate but adding fees later.
Many travelers are surprised by these charges upon check-out, but understanding what’s included—and whether you can opt out—is key to avoiding overpaying.
4. How to Waive the Resort Fee
Waiving resort fees on your own is possible, but it requires persistence and the right approach. Here’s how you can try to negotiate resort fees yourself:
- Check the Fee Policy Before Booking: Always check the hotel’s website for details about resort fees before making a reservation. Some hotels allow guests to opt out of specific services, which could reduce or eliminate the fee.
- Ask at Check-in: Politely ask the hotel staff to waive the fee if you won’t be using the amenities covered by it. Let them know that you’re aware of these charges and that you don’t plan on taking advantage of the services included.
- Contact Customer Service: If the hotel refuses to waive the fee at check-in, contact their customer service after your stay. Be sure to explain why you believe you shouldn’t have been charged, especially if the services were unavailable or unused.
- Dispute the Fee with Your Credit Card: If all else fails, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. Provide documentation and evidence that the fee was unfairly charged, especially if the hotel did not make the fee clear at the time of booking.
5. How Pine Can Help Waive Resort Fees
While negotiating fees on your own can be a hassle, Pine makes the process easy. Here’s how Pine can help you waive resort fees seamlessly:
- Submit Your Booking to Pine: Once you’ve booked your hotel, simply provide the booking details to Pine. We’ll review the reservation to identify any hidden resort fees.
- Pine Handles the Negotiation: Pine contacts the hotel on your behalf, negotiating with customer service or management to have the resort fees waived. We use our expertise to ensure that you aren’t charged for services you won’t be using.
- Enjoy a Fee-Free Stay: Once Pine has successfully waived the resort fees, you can relax and enjoy your stay without worrying about hidden charges. Whether you’re staying at a resort in Las Vegas, New York, or at a tropical destination, Pine ensures you don’t overpay on unnecessary fees.
