Exploring the origins, impact, and future of resort fees in the travel industry.
Episode Highlights
- **Introduction to Resort Fees:**
- Overview of the episode's focus on the frustration caused by resort fees.
- Brief history of how resort fees started in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- **Historical Context:**
- Initial introduction in popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas and Hawaii.
- Expansion into more hotels and cities over the decades.
- Evolution from covering amenities to becoming an additional revenue stream.
- **Consumer Impact:**
- How resort fees disrupt budget planning for families.
- Lack of transparency leading to consumer frustration and legal scrutiny.
- Federal Trade Commission's role in investigating deceptive pricing practices.
Key Discussion Points
- **Why Hotels Charge Resort Fees:**
- Bundling of amenities and services.
- Revenue generation without raising advertised room rates.
- Market positioning and competitive pricing strategies.
- Offsetting operating costs.
- Avoiding commission fees paid to third-party booking platforms.
- **Types of Hotels Charging Resort Fees:**
- Originally resorts and destination hotels in tourist-heavy areas.
- Expansion to urban hotels in cities like New York and San Francisco.
- No universal regulation, but emphasis on transparency and disclosure.
- **Consumer Advocacy and Legal Actions:**
- Lawsuits against deceptive practices.
- Increased consumer awareness leading to clearer disclosures.
- Federal and local regulations requiring all mandatory fees to be disclosed upfront.
Tips for Travelers
- **Avoiding Resort Fees:**
- Research and contact hotels before booking.
- Book through channels that include fees in the total price.
- Look for packages or promotions that waive resort fees.
- Confirm fee details before arrival.
- Negotiate or express concerns during check-in.
- Review your bill at check-out and dispute unauthorized charges if necessary.
Legislation Update
- **No Hidden Fees Act:**
- Supported by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA).
- Aims to establish a single standard for transparent fee displays.
- Passed the House and awaits Senate approval.
- Potential impact on competitive pricing and hotel practices.
Personal Insights
- **Rob's Perspective:**
- The impact of resort fees on travel agents.
- Potential pitfalls of federal regulation.
- The importance of a comprehensive standard for fee transparency.
- Statistics from the AHLA indicating the prevalence and cost of resort fees.
- Recap of the history, current practices, and potential future of resort fees.
- Encouragement for listeners to stay informed and proactive in avoiding hidden fees.
- Thanks for tuning in to Episode 159 of The Family Vacationer.
- Invitation to join the next episode for more travel insights and tips.
Additional Resources
- **Links to Relevant Articles and Websites:**
- Federal Trade Commission guidelines on resort fees.
https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/foia/frequently-requested-records/hotel-pricingresort-fee
- AHLA's stance on resort fees and related legislation.
https://www.ahla.com/news/house-passes-no-hidden-fees-act-major-ahla-legislative-priority
Have Show Ideas? Contact Rob at [email protected]
The Family Vacationer
A podcast dedicated to families that travel. So many of our memories come from time spent with our family. We want to help you make the most of your family vacations. We do that by covering travel destinations, travel apps, and gadgets, and talk to travel experts for ways to make family travel less stressful. Who doesn't want that?
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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