What Is A Destination Fee At A Hotel?

0Credit: Getty ImagesThat extra charge on your hotel bill may cover more than you think.Booking a hotel for a vacation or trip can be a stressful venture, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. And booking a spot in a popular destination can come with its own challenges, from limited availability to surprisingly high prices.

Even after you’ve found a room that fits your budget, there may be another expense to consider. If you’ve ever booked a hotel and noticed that the final price was higher than the nightly rate you saw when searching, a destination fee could be part of the reason. Here’s what to know before you book.

A destination fee is an additional charge that some hotels add to the cost of a guest’s stay. It’s also sometimes called a resort fee, amenity fee, or urban fee, depending on the property. Unlike your nightly room rate, this fee typically covers a collection of amenities or services that the hotel says are included with your stay. The exact amount and what’s included can vary considerably from one property to another.

Destination fees are particularly common at hotels in popular vacation and urban hot spots like New York or Las Vegas, where properties may bundle services such as Wi-Fi, fitness centers, beach equipment, local transportation, entertainment, and other perks into a single daily charge.

There’s no standard list of amenities included in every destination fee. At one hotel, the charge might cover Wi-Fi and access to the fitness center. At another, it could include beach chairs, bike rentals, daily activities, a welcome drink, or credits toward food and beverages.

The important thing to remember is that you may be required to pay the fee whether or not you use the included amenities. If your hotel charges a $30 daily destination fee, for example, you generally won’t get that money back because you skipped the gym or didn’t use the hotel’s beach chairs.

Before booking, check the hotel’s website or your reservation details to find out exactly what’s included. This can also help you determine whether the room is actually a good value once the additional fee is factored into the total cost.

Destination fees vary by hotel and location, and they are generally charged per night rather than as a one-time fee. The charge can range from a relatively small amount to $50 or more per night at some properties.

That can add up quickly during a longer stay. A $30-per-night fee adds $150 to a five-night stay before taxes and other applicable charges. It’s also important to consider the total cost of your stay rather than focusing solely on the advertised room rate. Taxes, parking, resort or destination fees, and other charges can significantly increase the final bill.

Sometimes, but there’s no universal way to avoid them. Some hotels may waive certain fees for specific guests or reservations, while loyalty programs, promotions, or particular booking methods may offer exceptions. The simplest approach is to look for the fee before completing your reservation. If a destination fee is mandatory, factor it into your budget from the beginning rather than treating it as an unexpected expense at check-in.

Read the original article on Southern Living