Why Hotels Must Now Disclose Resort Fees — And What It Means for Travelers

A New Era of Transparency: Hotels Must Now Disclose Resort Fees

Travelers rejoice — the days of unexpected charges at checkout may soon be behind us. As of recent regulatory shifts and increasing pressure from consumer advocacy groups, hotels and resorts across the United States (and increasingly, internationally) are now being required to fully disclose resort fees at the time of booking. But what exactly are resort fees, and how will this change affect travelers and the hospitality industry?

Let’s break it down.

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What Are Resort Fees?

Resort fees, also known as destination fees, facility fees, or amenity fees, are mandatory charges that hotels add on top of the room rate. These fees typically cover access to amenities like:

• Pools and fitness centers

• In-room Wi-Fi

• Shuttle services

• Daily newspapers

• Towels and beach chairs

Originally intended to bundle convenience-based perks, these charges have often been criticized for being vague, inconsistent, and deceptive — especially when not disclosed until the final stages of booking or check-in.

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What’s Changing?

New consumer protection regulations and increased pressure from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and travel platforms are driving hotels to include resort fees in the advertised price of the room — not just in the fine print. This “all-in pricing” model aims to create greater transparency for consumers and reduce sticker shock.

Major booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and even Google Hotels have begun adapting to this change by showing the total price, inclusive of fees, upfront.

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Pros and Cons of Resort Fee Disclosure

Pros:

• Transparency for Travelers: Guests now know the true cost of their stay before finalizing a booking.

• Fair Market Competition: Hotels that previously appeared cheaper due to hidden fees will now compete more equitably.

• Improved Trust: Honest pricing builds customer loyalty and reduces complaints or disputes at checkout.

Cons:

• Sticker Shock May Deter Bookings: Higher all-in prices might scare off budget-conscious travelers.

• Revenue Challenges for Hotels: Properties that relied on hidden fees to stay competitive may need to reassess pricing structures.

• Operational Adjustments: Hotels may need to retrain staff, update systems, and revise marketing to accommodate new pricing models.

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How the Hospitality Industry Will Be Impacted

This shift demands a reevaluation of pricing strategies. Hotels and resorts that leaned heavily on resort fees to keep their base rates low will need to adjust to more transparent, up-front pricing.

• Smaller boutique properties may benefit by standing out with truly no added fees.

• Luxury resorts might choose to bundle fees into premium packages with added value.

• Corporate chains may face consistency challenges across regions and platforms.

Ultimately, while the short-term transition may create logistical headaches, the long-term result is likely to be a more trustworthy, guest-centric hospitality environment.

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How Patrons and Jetsetters Benefit

For travelers — especially those who frequent The Jetset Journal — this change is a big win. Whether you’re booking a weekend escape or a luxury retreat, knowing the total cost of your stay upfront helps you:

• Compare accommodations more accurately

• Avoid unpleasant surprises at checkout

• Plan and budget more effectively

More importantly, transparent pricing honors the trust between guest and host — a vital ingredient in any successful travel experience.

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Final Thoughts: A Welcome Shift for Savvy Travelers

The move toward mandatory resort fee disclosure marks a significant — and long overdue — shift in the travel industry. As this practice becomes the norm, travelers will enjoy greater clarity, while the hospitality sector will be nudged toward fairer, more customer-friendly practices.

So the next time you’re booking that perfect beachside escape or cosmopolitan city stay, rest easy knowing that what you see is finally what you’ll pay.

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