Definition
A compulsory daily charge some hotels add on top of the room rate, typically for Wi-Fi, pool or gym access. Most common in the US, it's usually paid at the hotel and often left out of package prices quoted in India.
Where you'll meet it
Resort fees, also called destination, facility or urban fees, are widespread in the United States, especially in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida and big-city hotels. They typically run to USD 25–50 per room per night plus tax, about ₹2,200–4,400, whether or not you use the pool.
Since May 2025, US federal rules have required hotels and booking sites to show the total price including mandatory fees upfront, which makes the fee easier to spot. It's still charged, and package quotes from India often list it under "payable directly at the hotel".
An example
A Bengaluru couple spends three nights in Las Vegas on a US holiday. The room is USD 120 a night plus a USD 45 resort fee. Over three nights the fee adds USD 135, about ₹11,900 before tax. Their package price didn't include it, because the hotel collects it at checkout.
Similar charges elsewhere
Outside the US, the compulsory extras are usually local taxes rather than resort fees:
- Dubai's Tourism Dirham, per room per night
- City taxes in much of Europe, per person per night
- The Maldives green tax and service charges, which may or may not be in your quote
What to check
- Ask for the total payable at the hotel, in writing, before you book.
- Expect a card hold for incidentals at check-in, often USD 50–100 per night in the US, released a few days after checkout. A forex card can work, but check that it accepts pre-authorisation holds.
- On card terminals, pay in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion.