Why I Hate Hotel “Destination Fees” (And Why You Should Too)
When it comes to staying at a hotel, I expect to pay for a good night’s rest, convenience, and maybe even a little luxury. What I don’t expect? Being slapped with hidden costs—namely, “destination fees.” These fees have quietly crept into the hospitality industry and become a common practice, yet they add little value for guests while padding the hotel’s bottom line. To me, destination fees are one of the most frustrating and frankly tacky ways hotels are squeezing extra revenue from unsuspecting travelers.
What Are Destination Fees?
For those unfamiliar, destination fees (also called "resort fees" or "amenity fees") are mandatory charges tacked on to your hotel bill, often not disclosed until you’re about to confirm your reservation. They usually range anywhere from $20 to $50 per night and are supposedly meant to cover various amenities like Wi-Fi, access to the gym, pool towels, or other “perks.” But here's the catch—these fees are often applied whether or not you use these amenities. It’s a clever way for hotels to advertise a lower nightly rate upfront, only to inflate your final bill with extra charges.
A Hidden, Deceptive Cost
The most frustrating part of destination fees is their deceptive nature. When I’m booking a hotel, I like to know exactly how much I’m paying. I don’t want to have to calculate additional fees or scour the fine print. These charges often aren't displayed prominently until the final booking page, catching many travelers by surprise. It’s a practice that feels dishonest and makes it difficult to compare hotel prices fairly. If a hotel room is $150 a night, but they’re tacking on a $40 destination fee, that’s a completely different price—and yet, they manage to avoid transparency by separating the charges.
The “Perks” Are Minimal, At Best
Another reason I despise these fees? The so-called benefits they claim to cover are usually laughable. In many cases, you’re paying for things that used to be standard: Wi-Fi, bottled water, or gym access. I’ve been charged a destination fee at hotels where I didn’t use a single “included” amenity, yet I still had to fork over the money. Imagine paying $30 for access to a gym you’ll never visit or for a pool that’s been closed for maintenance. It feels like a hollow exchange—the hotel gets your money, and you get next to nothing in return.
If I’m paying extra, I expect a noticeable upgrade in my experience, not just access to the basics that should be included in the room price in the first place.
Just Another Way to Inflate Profits
Ultimately, destination fees feel like a sneaky way for hotels to increase revenue while making it seem like they’re keeping rates competitive. By separating the fee from the room price, hotels can advertise lower rates and entice more bookings. But once you factor in the added costs, the deal is not nearly as good as it seems. It’s frustrating because you know the primary reason for these fees isn’t to improve the guest experience—it’s to bolster the hotel’s profits.
This tactic is especially galling in higher-end hotels or resorts, where you're already paying a premium. Charging extra fees on top of an expensive nightly rate feels like nickel-and-diming your customers. I’ve always believed that if a hotel is going to charge more, they should do it upfront. Don’t hide fees under the guise of “enhancing” my stay when, in reality, it’s only enhancing their revenue streams.
How It Hurts the Consumer
For the consumer, these fees erode trust and make budgeting for a trip more difficult. Whether you're traveling for work, a vacation, or even a quick weekend getaway, no one wants to be surprised by inflated costs at the end of their stay. They can also unfairly penalize those who don’t make use of the amenities they’re supposedly paying for. If you’re just looking for a clean, comfortable room for the night, why should you have to pay for extras you didn’t ask for?
Moreover, destination fees undermine the value of loyalty programs. Many hotels boast loyalty programs that promise benefits like free Wi-Fi, gym access, and discounts—but when destination fees come into play, it can feel like these “perks” are being re-sold to you, despite your loyalty.
A Call for Transparency
Hotels should be upfront about their pricing. If they want to charge for certain amenities, roll them into the room rate so that guests can make an informed decision about whether or not the price reflects the value. Transparent pricing should be the industry standard. Not only would it help consumers avoid nasty surprises, but it would also help restore some of the trust that’s been lost due to these sneaky, profit-driven practices.
Until then, I’ll continue to cringe at the sight of destination fees on my bill. They’re a constant reminder that, for many hotels, the focus is more on profit than providing an exceptional guest experience. And for that reason, I’ll always consider them a tacky, unnecessary expense that offers minimal—if any—value to the consumer.
