What Is a Resort Fee

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:55:46 +0000

**What Is a Resort Fee – Why It Matters for Travelers and Communities** Why are so many US travelers pausing before booking a vacation: “Wait, what’s this resort fee?” In recent years, the topic has moved from niche discussion to mainstream curiosity—driven by rising travel costs, shifting hospitality expectations, and growing transparency on digital platforms. So: What is a resort fee, and why does it affect your next vacation? A resort fee is a mandatory or optional charge applied at many U.S. resort properties, covering amenities and services that aren’t always included in the base stay or meal rates. These fees typically support groundskeeping, front desk support, leisure facilities like pools and clubs, Wi-Fi access, and multidirectional parking—enabling resorts to maintain high standards and guest comfort without inflating nightly room rates. In the US, especially at coastal, mountain, and island destinations, resort fees have become standard—not mandatory in every case, but widely communicated during booking. While travelers may see these fees as unexpected, they’re legally permitted and regulated differently by state—adding layers of transparency education.