What is a resort fee?
USUpdated By Akkrev
A resort fee is a daily mandatory charge some hotels add for amenities like Wi-Fi or a pool. Under the FTC rule it must be included in the US up-front total.
A resort fee, also called a destination, amenity, facility or urban fee, is a mandatory daily charge some hotels add on top of the room rate. It’s usually said to cover things like Wi-Fi, pool and fitness access, beach chairs, parking or a food and beverage credit.
The rule in the US
Under the FTC’s fees rule, in force since 12 May 2025, mandatory fees like resort fees must be included in the total price shown to guests up front, and that total must be more prominent than other price information.
Why it matters for agents
An agent asked to stay within a budget compares totals. If the resort fee appears only at checkout, the agent may quote too low, or rule the hotel out once it recalculates. Listing what the fee includes next to the total also helps: an agent can tell a driving guest that parking is covered, for example. See resort fees and AI agents.
Why it matters for AI visibility
Mandatory fees change the totals AI compares, so clear totals help you compete in AI answers.