How to Get Refunds for Hotel Resort Fees You Didn’t Use

Many travelers find themselves charged for resort fees they never agreed to, never used, or were never told about. These extra charges can feel deceptive, especially when they cover services that were broken, unavailable, or irrelevant to the guest. The good news is you can fight back and win.

This guide covers everything you need to know to request a refund, file disputes, and push back against hotel fees that were never earned.

What Are Resort Fees and Why They’re So Frustrating

Resort fees are extra charges added to your hotel bill that are not included in the advertised room rate. Hotels often justify these fees by claiming they cover amenities like:

1. Wi-Fi access
2. Gym usage
3. In-room coffee or bottled water
4. Pool access
5. Business center services
6. Daily newspaper delivery

In reality, many travelers never use these services or are unaware they are being charged for them. Some hotels even apply resort fees when the amenities are closed or unavailable, making the charge even harder to justify.

These fees fall into two categories:

1. Mandatory fees, automatically added to the bill whether or not the guest uses the amenities.
2. Optional fees, which can sometimes be removed if the guest requests it or doesn't use the services.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Refund

1. Request at Checkout (Polite but Firm)

Start with a direct request when you check out. Don’t stop at the front desk; staff ask for a manager if needed. You’ll have better luck with someone who has the authority to waive charges.

When you make your case, be clear and specific:

1. Mention any closed or inaccessible amenities
2. Explain that you didn’t use the services included in the resort fee
3. If you’re a loyalty member or frequent guest, use that to support your request

Stay professional and calm. Angry complaints rarely lead to refunds.

2. Dispute the Charge with Your Credit Card

If the hotel refuses to refund you, the next step is to file a chargeback with your credit card company. Most banks and credit card providers allow disputes for charges tied to services not provided.

To boost your chances:

1. Explain that the fee was for amenities you never used
2. Note any lack of disclosure at booking
3. Include your receipt, reservation confirmation, and any correspondence with the hotel

Here’s a basic script to start your claim:

“I’m disputing a resort fee charged by [Hotel Name] on [Date] because the services it covered were not used or available, and I was not made aware of the fee at booking.”

Disputes can take a few weeks to resolve, but they often favor the consumer, especially if you provide solid documentation.

3. File a Complaint With the Attorney General or CFPB

When both the hotel and your credit card company fail to act, go to the state Attorney General’s office or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Each state has a consumer protection office. You can file a complaint online and attach your supporting documents. Be clear about:

1. The hotel’s name and location
2. The date of your stay
3. How much you were charged and why you’re contesting it
4. Proof that the services were not used or disclosed

Many states have laws requiring transparency in pricing. Filing a complaint not only helps your case but also pressures the hotel to reconsider its billing practices.

4. Small Claims Court (When You’ve Had Enough)

If all else fails and the resort fee is significant enough to pursue, you can take the hotel to small claims court.

This route is more work, but it can be effective. Hotels often settle to avoid showing up in court.

You’ll need to:

1. File a claim in the jurisdiction where the hotel is located
2. Bring receipts, emails, photos, and other evidence
3. Explain how the charge violated consumer protection laws or misled you during booking

Several travelers have reported success with this method, especially when the resort fee was not disclosed clearly or the amenities were unavailable.

Scripts and Templates You Can Copy

Refund Request Email

Subject: Request for Refund of Unused Resort Fee

Dear [Hotel Manager’s Name],

I recently stayed at [Hotel Name] from [Check-in Date] to [Check-out Date]. I noticed a resort fee of [$X] added to my bill. However, I did not use the amenities this fee supposedly covered, and in some cases, they were not even available during my stay.

I kindly request a refund for this charge. Please let me know the next steps.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Confirmation Number]

Credit Card Dispute Template

Subject: Dispute of Resort Fee Charged by [Hotel Name]

To whom it may concern,

I am filing a dispute for a charge made by [Hotel Name] on [Transaction Date] in the amount of [$X]. The fee was for resort amenities that were either unavailable or not used during my stay. Additionally, this charge was not disclosed at the time of booking.

Attached are my reservation details and receipt for reference.

Please advise on the status of this dispute.

Thank you,

[Your Full Name]

[Card Number – last 4 digits]

Attorney General Complaint Description

Summary:

The hotel charged a resort fee for amenities that were not available or disclosed. The fee was added after booking and was not part of the advertised room rate. Requesting enforcement of fair billing and refund of [$X].

Details:

1. Hotel Name:
2. Address:
3. Stay Dates:
4. Fee Charged:
5. Reason for Dispute: Amenities not used or not disclosed

Scenarios Where Refunds Are More Likely

Not all refund attempts are created equal. Certain situations greatly improve your chances of success when disputing a resort fee:

1. Amenities were closed: If the gym, pool, or business center was under maintenance, this weakens the hotel’s justification for the fee.
2. Internet or services didn’t work: Slow or broken Wi-Fi, poor room service, or disrupted cleaning schedules can be cited.
3. Low room quality or poor service: If your experience didn’t match expectations, the resort fee may feel like an added insult.
4. No upfront disclosure: If you weren’t shown the resort fee during booking or check-in, that can be grounds for a refund.
5. You booked directly: Hotels have more flexibility to offer refunds for direct bookings versus third-party ones.
6. You are a loyalty member: High-tier loyalty members often receive special treatment. If you’re part of a rewards program, mention it.
7. You stayed during an off-season or special case: Fewer guests or limited amenities during the low season may justify a fee waiver.

What if the Hotel Refuses to Refund You?

Sometimes, hotel staff will deny your refund request outright. If that happens, don’t stop. Here’s how to push back.

1. Ask for higher management: Front desk agents often don’t have the authority to waive charges. Ask to speak to a supervisor or general manager.
2. Request an equivalent discount: If the system won’t let them remove the resort fee, ask for a reduction in another part of your bill, like dining, parking, or room service.
3. Cite loyalty or brand policies: Mention your loyalty status or refer to other hotels in the chain that have refunded similar fees.
4. Use documentation: A photo of a closed pool or a screenshot of the booking screen with no mention of fees helps you build a case.
5. Keep a record of the refusal: You may need this later if you escalate to your credit card company or a consumer protection agency.

Hotel Chains with Known Refund Patterns

Some hotel brands are more likely to refund resort fees than others, especially under pressure or with enough documentation.

1. Caesars Entertainment: Known to waive fees for higher-tier loyalty members.
2. Hilton and Marriott: Mixed results, but direct bookings and elite members tend to get better responses.
3. Hyatt: Some properties allow fee removal under specific conditions.
4. Independent hotels: Policies vary widely. Smaller hotels often have more flexible management, while others stick closely to corporate rules.

You can also search forums like Reddit and Quora for traveler reports on specific properties or chains.

State Laws and Legal Rights (US Only)

Depending on the state you’re in, you may have legal leverage when challenging resort fees.

1. 40+ states have consumer protection laws that prohibit deceptive or undisclosed fees.
2. Some states require all fees to be shown in the advertised price, including resort fees.
3. California and New York have been particularly active in cracking down on junk fees.
4. If you booked online while living in a different state, you may be able to file a complaint in your home state.

There are advocacy groups like Kill Resort Fees that provide resources and complaint templates, along with lists of hotels under investigation for deceptive fee practices.

Platforms That Help You Fight Back

You don’t have to do everything manually. These tools can help streamline the process:

1. DoNotPay: An app that generates and sends demand letters, files complaints, and walks you through disputes.
2. FairShake: Helps file claims against companies for consumer violations, including hidden fees.
3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Federal resource for filing travel-related billing complaints.
4. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Public complaint records often encourage hotels to resolve issues faster.

You can also leave a review or post on platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google Reviews. Hotels monitor these closely and may respond with an offer to resolve your issue.

Pro Tips for Preventing Resort Fees in the Future

Avoiding the hassle altogether is even better than fighting for a refund after the fact. Here’s how to do that:

1. Read all booking details before confirming: Especially on OTAs, scroll to the bottom and read the fine print.
2. Book directly with the hotel: Direct bookings often come with better support and transparency.
3. Call ahead: Ask whether resort fees apply, how much they are, and what they include.
4. Use credit cards that reimburse fees: Some travel cards offer credit for resort fees as part of their perks.
5. Filter by “no resort fees”: Some booking platforms let you exclude hotels that charge these extra fees.
6. Use loyalty programs strategically: Frequent guests with status may be exempt or can negotiate more easily.

Don’t Let Hotels Get Away With This

Resort fees are one of the most commonly contested charges in travel, and for good reason. If you didn’t use what you were charged for, you deserve to fight for that refund. Use the steps, scripts, and tools outlined above to stand up for yourself. If one method doesn’t work, escalate. Keep records, stay persistent, and know your rights.

And next time? Stay somewhere that respects your money and your trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are resort fees refundable after check-in?

Yes, resort fees can be refunded after check-in if you didn’t use the amenities or if they were unavailable during your stay, especially when you request it before or at checkout.

Can I refuse to pay a resort fee?

You can request to remove it, but most hotels require upfront payment. The more effective approach is to pay first, then dispute it with the hotel or your credit card company.

What if the pool or gym were closed during my stay?

You can request a refund if key amenities like the pool or gym were unavailable, as the resort fee includes access to those services you couldn’t use.

How do I write a refund letter to a hotel?

Write a clear, polite email stating your stay dates, the amount charged, and why the fee was unfair. Include any proof, like receipts or photos of closed facilities.

Which credit cards are best for resort fee disputes?

Travel-focused credit cards like Chase Sapphire or Amex Platinum offer strong dispute support and often side with consumers when fees cover services not rendered.