Resort Fees in LA: The Sneaky Extra Cost of Your Dream Vacation
So, you're planning a trip to the City of Angels? Good for you! You're about to experience the magic of Hollywood, the glamour of Beverly Hills, and the endless sunshine. But before you start dreaming about palm trees and celebrity sightings, let's talk about something a little less glamorous: resort fees.
Do You Pay Resort Fees In Los Angeles |
What in the World is a Resort Fee?
Think of a resort fee as a sneaky little tax that hotels slap on your bill. It's like they're saying, "Hey, you want to stay in our fancy place? Great! But on top of that, give us another chunk of change for the privilege." And the worst part? It's often hidden until the very end of the booking process, just when you think you've got a good deal.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Do You Actually Need to Pay This Nonsense?
Unfortunately, yes. Resort fees are a common practice in many cities, including our beloved LA. But don't worry, we're not here to be all doom and gloom. There are ways to minimize the damage.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
How to Spot a Resort Fee
The first step to defeating the resort fee is to know your enemy. These fees can be cleverly disguised as "amenity fees," "destination charges," or other fancy-sounding terms. So, keep your eyes peeled when booking.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Tips to Avoid Resort Fees
While you can't completely escape these fees, you can definitely minimize them. Here are a few tips:
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
- Book directly with the hotel: Sometimes, booking through third-party websites can hide the resort fee. Booking directly can give you a clearer picture of the total cost.
- Choose hotels without resort fees: Believe it or not, some hotels in LA don't charge these fees. It might require a little extra research, but it's worth it.
- Negotiate: If you're a frequent guest or booking a long stay, don't be afraid to ask the hotel to waive the resort fee. You might be surprised.
How to Deal With Resort Fee Rage
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you'll still end up paying a resort fee. Don't let it ruin your vacation! Here are a few ways to cope:
- Treat yourself: Use the extra money to splurge on something fun, like a fancy dinner or a shopping spree.
- Find free activities: LA has plenty of free things to do, from hiking to beach days.
- Complain (nicely): If you feel the resort fee is excessive, politely express your disappointment to the hotel. You might not get a refund, but it's always good to let them know how you feel.
Remember, while resort fees are annoying, they shouldn't overshadow your LA adventure. With a little planning and a sense of humor, you can still have an amazing time without breaking the bank.
How To...
- How to find hotels without resort fees in LA? Use hotel booking websites and filter your search by properties that don't charge resort fees.
- How to calculate the total cost of a hotel stay with resort fees? Add the resort fee to the nightly rate and multiply by the number of nights. Don't forget to factor in taxes.
- How to negotiate a resort fee? Be polite and explain why you're asking for a waiver. Mention your loyalty to the hotel chain or the length of your stay.
- How to find free or low-cost activities in LA? Check out websites like Time Out LA or LA Weekly for events and attractions.
- How to stay sane when dealing with resort fees? Remember, it's just money. Focus on enjoying your trip and making memories.