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5 of the Best Strategies to Avoid Paying Resort Fees in 2025

You find a great hotel deal, go to book it, and then—surprise!—a hefty resort fee appears at checkout. These daily charges—often hidden until the final step—can add $20 to $60 or more per night. But with a little planning, there are smart ways to reduce or avoid these fees entirely.

Here are five of the best strategies to help you travel smarter and keep your final bill lower in 2025.

🏨 1. Book Hotels That Don’t Charge Resort Fees

The simplest way to avoid resort fees? Stay at hotels that don’t charge them. Many hotel chains have embraced fee transparency and advertise “no resort fees” upfront.

Look for:

• Hyatt Place and Hyatt House
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Holiday Inn Express
• Marriott’s Fairfield Inn and Residence Inn

💡 Pro tip: Use filters on hotel booking sites or search “no resort fee hotel in [city]” before booking.

🛎️ 2. Use Hotel Loyalty Status to Your Advantage

Many hotel brands waive resort fees for elite loyalty members, especially when you book directly through their website or app.

Some perks include:

• Free Wi-Fi and breakfast
• Room upgrades and late checkout
• Resort fee waivers on points-based stays

Popular programs like Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy offer these benefits to mid- and top-tier members.

💳 3. Pay With a Travel Credit Card That Offers Statement Credits

Some premium travel credit cards reimburse fees as statement credits, which can include resort charges.

Look for cards with:

• Annual travel credits (e.g. Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum)
• Hotel-specific benefits (e.g. Hilton Aspire, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant)
• Automatic elite status that may include waived fees

Always check your card’s benefit terms before you book.

📞 4. Call the Hotel and Ask Politely

This strategy may not always work—but it’s worth trying. Call the hotel directly before your stay, and kindly ask whether the resort fee can be waived, especially if:

• You won’t be using resort amenities (e.g. spa, gym, pool)
• You’re staying off-season or midweek
• You’re celebrating a special occasion

Courteous travelers often find staff more willing to accommodate.

🗓️ 5. Book Stays Over 30 Days or Look for Business-Friendly Properties

Some cities legally exempt long-term stays (30+ days) from daily resort fees. Others have business hotels that avoid resort-style fees altogether.

Business travel-friendly hotels are often:

• Centrally located
• Transparent with costs
• Designed for simplicity over luxury

If you’re traveling for work—or staying long-term—this can be a win-win.

✨ Final Thought

Resort fees can be frustrating, but they’re not always unavoidable. Whether you’re collecting loyalty points, using a travel credit card, or just choosing the right hotel, these five strategies can help you keep your travel costs clear and predictable in 2025.