If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel in New York City, you may have noticed an additional charge added to your bill: the resort fee. You might have wondered why you are being charged extra money for facilities and services that you didn’t even use. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why New York hotels charge resort fees, what they include, and what you need to know about them before booking your next stay.
1. What are resort fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that are added to a hotel room bill to cover access to services and amenities that are already included in the nightly rate. This fee is applicable to all guests, regardless of whether they use these services or not. The fee is typically charged per night and ranges from $15 – $60 per night depending on the hotel and location. Services that are included in a resort fee typically includes WiFi, access to the hotel gym, pool, steam room, and sauna. Additionally, guests may receive complementary items such as newspapers, coffee, and bottled water.
2. Why do New York hotels charge resort fees?
The main reason why New York hotels charge resort fees is to offset the cost of providing guests with amenities and services that go beyond the standard hotel room. In a city like New York, where space is at a premium and the cost of doing business is high, it is not surprising that hotels levy these types of charges. Additionally, hotels must pay taxes on the revenue generated from rooms, but resort fees are categorized differently, and hotels can allocate a portion of the revenue from resort fees towards covering their tax liabilities.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of resort fees?
The advantages of resort fees for hotels are that they can easily justify charging more for the same rooms, which leads to an increase in revenue. Resort fees also provide a cushion against fluctuating occupancy rates and can give the hotel a competitive edge by offering additional services. However, for guests, resort fees can be a frustrating and confusing addition to an already expensive hotel bill. Some guests feel like these fees are a hidden cost that they were not made aware of before booking, and it can feel like hotels are taking advantage of them. It’s essential to read reviews from other guests beforehand to find out what the resort fees include and determine whether the services are worth the extra cost.
4. Is it possible to avoid resort fees?
There’s no way to avoid resort fees entirely, but some hotels might not charge them. It’s always best to check with the hotel beforehand and inquire about the resort fee. You can also try to negotiate with the hotel to waive the fee or receive a discount on the nightly rate. Considering the potential costs of a resort fee, it’s worth taking the time to research and compare prices before booking a hotel room in New York City.
5. Conclusion:
In conclusion, New York hotels charge resort fees to offset the cost of providing guests with additional services and amenities. While resort fees might seem frustrating for guests, they are a common practice in the hospitality industry and are not going away anytime soon. However, by understanding what resort fees are, what they include, and why they are charged, you can make a more informed decision when booking your next hotel stay in New York City.