UNITE HERE’s “Resort Fee Ripoff” Website Spotlights Widespread Customer Anger Over Unfair Fees

At Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott hotels, rising costs and fees often top the list of customer complaints.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While thousands of hotel workers strike across the country for a hospitality industry that respects them and their guests, UNITE HERE’s “Resort Fee Ripoff” website features research showing that resort fees are a top concern for guests at Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott hotels.

UNITE HERE is hearing from customers who are sick of paying resort fees for basic hotel services like WiFi, water, and gym access, or for amenities they didn't want in the first place. Now, travel websites are sharing that these complaints are showing up in their reviews.

Visit UNITE HERE’s website www.ResortFeeRipoff.org to read reports of customer reviews regarding Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott charging resort fees. Some highlights include:

• Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort: “Travelers frequently express disappointment with the hotel's high costs, hidden fees, and lack of value for the expensive room rates.” (TripAdvisor, accessed 10/22/24)
• Marriott Royal Hawaiian: “Many travelers feel that the hotel's value is diminished by high costs for amenities like beach chairs and food, which are not justified by the quality offered.” (TripAdvisor, accessed 10/22/24)
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki: “Travelers frequently express disappointment with the hotel's value, citing overpriced amenities, hidden fees, and expectations not met for the price paid.” (TripAdvisor, accessed 10/22/24)

Faced with unhappy guests sick of resort fees, Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott continue to tell customers that the fees are mandatory. But there’s more to the story. Federal regulators have said it’s unfair for businesses, including hotels, to “coerce consumers into purchasing unwanted goods or services.” And hotels may have discretion to remove “mandatory” resort fees when guests complain.

Visit www.ResortFeeRipoff.org to find out more.