My new 'trick' for avoiding pesky resort and destination fees on last-minute stays
Few things grind my gears as much as resort fees — and their relatively new in-town equivalent, the "destination fee."
While they're typically disclosed at checkout, these fees give hotels a revenue boost without bumping up the room rate — if you're doing some comparison shopping, you'll likely see the base rate, before taxes and fees.
Related: 5 pitfalls to avoid when booking hotels
As a result, travelers end up paying more than initially advertised for benefits they may not need, like long-distance calls or discounts on scooter rentals or, in the case of Wi-Fi and fitness center access, perks other hotels include for free.
I'll usually avoid staying at a hotel that charges a resort or destination fee, but in the case of my most recent booking, I really didn't want to miss out on a $155 last-minute rate at San Francisco's Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf, so I figured I'd try a different approach.
After confirming availability via Hyatt's app, I called up the hotel and politely explained that I was planning to make a same-day booking until I noticed the destination fee. I wouldn't be using any of the amenities, so if they were willing to waive the fee, I'd book a two-night stay.
The agent agreed to make a "one-time exception." She instructed me to book my stay and said she'd remove the fee from my account. Sure enough, at check-in, another agent confirmed that the roughly $35 daily "destination fee" wouldn't apply on this stay.
Related: How to avoid resort fees
Still, she was friendly as can be and handed me a card outlining the destination fee perks, saying I was free to take advantage even though I wouldn't be paying this time around. Score!
There was one challenge left to overcome: avoiding the hotel's $62 parking fee. I ended up driving around for a few minutes and found a lot for $25 per night just up the street — combined with the resort fee, I saved more than $70 each night with just a bit of extra effort, enough to cover two fantastic dinners in San Francisco.
Bottom line
Is this "trick" guaranteed to help you avoid a resort or destination fee every time? No, I'm sure some properties won't be willing to budge, but in this case, it was a win-win, giving the hotel some extra revenue it would have otherwise missed out on while saving me a bundle on my stay.
If you're looking for a bit more of a sure thing, I'd book an award with Hilton or Hyatt (they don't charge resort fees on award stays), or simply avoid hotels and resorts that work in sneaky fees. I feel much better about giving my business to properties that don't try to trick consumers into paying extra fees.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
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- Annual Fee is $250.
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Rewards Rate
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees