When booking travel, few things feel as satisfying as finding a great deal on a hotel. You scroll through listings, spot a low nightly rate, and think you’ve outsmarted the system. But then comes the catch: a $30 “resort fee” (sometimes even higher), tacked on at the last step. Suddenly, the bargain isn’t a bargain at all. This is a classic example of how businesses “get ya.”
Why It Happens
Hotels (especially in tourist areas) advertise a low nightly rate to stand out in search results. But to make up the difference, they add a mandatory fee—often labeled as a “resort fee,” “destination fee,” or “facility fee.” These charges usually cover things you may not even use, such as Wi-Fi, gym access, or pool towels. The practice works because travelers make decisions based on the headline price, not the fine print.
How to Recognize It
- Look for small print: Fees are often buried at the bottom of booking pages.
- Watch for vague terms: “Resort fee,” “destination charge,” or “service fee” are common labels.
- Do the math: Always calculate the total cost per night before deciding.
- Check reviews: Travelers often warn others about hidden charges.
Good Examples (Transparent Practices)
- A hotel that shows the full price upfront, including taxes and fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
- Resorts where the extra fee clearly includes services most guests actually use, such as airport shuttles, quality gym access, or daily breakfast.
- Budget hotels that avoid hidden charges entirely, showing honesty as part of their brand.
Bad Examples (How They “Get Ya”)
- A hotel advertising $99 per night, only to reveal a $35 resort fee upon checkout.
- Charging for “amenities” that should be standard, like Wi-Fi or coffee in the lobby.
- Burying resort fees so deep that travelers don’t notice until they arrive at the front desk.
Why It “Gets You”
- Anchoring Effect: You latch onto the low nightly price and mentally commit, making the added fee feel smaller, even though it changes the total cost significantly.
- Illusion of Choice: Because the fee is mandatory, you can’t opt out, even if you don’t use the amenities.
- Psychological Pressure: Once you’ve invested time comparing and settling on a booking, you’re less likely to back out over a fee.
How to Navigate It
- Always filter by “total price” when booking (many travel sites now offer this option).
- Call ahead and ask about all mandatory fees before finalizing.
- Compare fairly: Don’t just look at the nightly rate—compare the true total cost across hotels.
- Push back politely: At check-in, ask what the resort fee specifically covers. Sometimes staff may waive charges if you won’t be using the amenities.
- Consider alternatives: Vacation rentals, boutique inns, and smaller hotels often avoid resort fees altogether.
Conclusion
The “cheap” hotel room with a $30 resort fee is a classic bait-and-switch tactic. It’s how businesses get you: by appealing to your desire for a deal, then sneaking in costs when you’re already invested. Recognizing and navigating these tactics not only saves money but also helps you feel in control of your choices. A true bargain is one that’s honest—anything else is just clever marketing dressed up as value.
