Resort Fees Explained: What You Really Pay at Hotels and Cottages

When you book a stay at a resort fee, a mandatory charge added to your hotel bill that covers amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, or pool access. Also known as mandatory resort charges, it’s not a tax—it’s a fee the hotel decides to tack on after you’ve agreed to the room rate. Many guests think they’re getting a deal until they see the final bill and realize they’re paying $40 extra per night for things they didn’t ask for—and sometimes didn’t even use.

These fees are everywhere: at all-inclusive resorts, places that promise everything is covered, from meals to drinks, but still charge extra for premium services or activities, at glamping sites, luxury camping experiences where you sleep in style but often pay for basic utilities like electricity or heating, and even at cozy vacation cabins, private rentals that sometimes add cleaning fees, service charges, or mandatory resort-style access passes. The truth? These fees aren’t always clearly listed until checkout. A $200-a-night cabin might end up costing $300 after fees. A "free" spa at a luxury hotel? Often only the basic access is free—massages, saunas, and treatments cost extra. Resorts use these charges to keep their base rates looking low while squeezing more money out of you later.

And it’s not just about money. Resort fees often cover things you don’t care about—like a daily newspaper you never read, or a shuttle you never use. Meanwhile, the things you actually want—like reliable Wi-Fi, parking, or beach towels—are sometimes excluded. At some all-inclusive resorts, unlimited drinks come with a six-drink daily cap. Glamping prices might look high, but if you’re paying $800 a night and still getting charged $50 for firewood or bottled water, you’re not getting value—you’re getting nickel-and-dimed.

So what should you do? Always read the fine print. Call the property and ask: "What’s included in the resort fee?" If they can’t tell you clearly, assume it’s a trap. Compare total costs—not just the room rate. Look for places that bundle what you need without hidden charges. Some eco-friendly cottages charge a flat rate with no surprises. Some luxury hotels include everything upfront. The best deals aren’t the ones with the lowest headline price—they’re the ones that don’t make you dig through a list of add-ons just to know what you’re paying for.

Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who got burned by resort fees, guides on how to spot them before booking, and breakdowns of what’s actually worth paying for—and what’s just padding the hotel’s bottom line.