What Is A Destination Amenity Fee At Marriott Hotels?
Are you planning a trip and considering staying at a Marriott hotel? If so, you may have come across the term ‘destination amenity fee’ and wondered what it entails. This additional charge can be a source of confusion for many travelers, but understanding it is crucial to avoid any surprises during your stay.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: A destination amenity fee at Marriott hotels is a mandatory charge added to your room rate, which covers the cost of various amenities and services offered by the hotel, such as Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and resort-like facilities.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the details of the destination amenity fee at Marriott hotels. We’ll explore what it covers, how it’s calculated, and why it’s implemented. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to identify hotels that charge this fee and strategies to potentially avoid or reduce it.
What is a Destination Amenity Fee?
Definition and Purpose
A Destination Amenity Fee, also known as a Resort Fee or Amenity Fee, is a mandatory charge added to the nightly room rate by some hotels, particularly resorts and luxury properties. The purpose of this fee is to cover the costs of various amenities and services provided by the hotel, which are intended to enhance the overall guest experience.
According to a 2022 Statista report, around 35% of hotels in the United States charge resort fees, with an average fee of $25 per night.
Common Amenities and Services Covered
The amenities and services covered by the Destination Amenity Fee can vary from hotel to hotel, but typically include:
- High-speed Wi-Fi access
- Access to the hotel’s fitness center or gym
- Access to the hotel’s pool or beach area
- Complimentary bottled water or other refreshments
- Local phone calls or long-distance calls within the continental U.S.
- Shuttle services within a certain radius
- Discounts on resort activities or spa services
Mandatory vs. Optional Fees
The Destination Amenity Fee is a mandatory charge, meaning that it is automatically added to the room rate and cannot be waived or removed. This is in contrast to optional fees, such as parking fees or resort package fees, which guests can choose to pay or decline based on their needs and preferences.
While some guests appreciate the bundled amenities covered by the Destination Amenity Fee, others view it as a hidden cost that can make it difficult to compare hotel rates accurately. 😕
To provide transparency and avoid surprises, reputable hotels like Marriott clearly disclose the Destination Amenity Fee on their website and during the booking process. However, some guests have criticized the practice as a way for hotels to advertise lower base rates while actually charging higher overall fees.
According to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, hotels must fully disclose mandatory fees upfront to avoid deceptive advertising practices.
Whether you love 😍 or hate 😩 the Destination Amenity Fee, it’s an important factor to consider when booking your hotel stay. By understanding what it covers and how it works, you can make an informed decision and ensure there are no surprises at check-out.
After all, a little knowledge can go a long way in ensuring an amazing 🎉 and hassle-free vacation experience!
How is the Destination Amenity Fee Calculated?
Factors Affecting the Fee Amount
The Destination Amenity Fee charged by Marriott Hotels is not a one-size-fits-all fee. Instead, it varies based on several factors, including the specific hotel’s location, amenities offered, and local market conditions.
Generally, hotels in popular tourist destinations or high-demand areas tend to have higher Destination Amenity Fees compared to those in less-visited locations.
One of the key determinants of the fee amount is the range and quality of amenities provided by the hotel. Hotels that offer a wide array of amenities, such as fitness centers, pools, high-speed internet access, and complimentary shuttle services, typically charge higher fees.
According to Marriott’s website, the Destination Amenity Fee covers access to these amenities, which would otherwise be charged separately.
Typical Fee Range
While the exact Destination Amenity Fee can vary significantly from one Marriott property to another, it typically ranges from $15 to $35 per night. However, some high-end or luxury properties in prime locations may charge even higher fees, sometimes exceeding $50 per night.
For example, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina charges a $28 Destination Amenity Fee per night, which covers amenities like high-speed internet access, fitness center access, and local shuttle service.
On the other hand, the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE charges a $35 Destination Amenity Fee per night, reflecting the upscale nature of the property and its prime location in downtown Los Angeles.
Disclosure and Transparency
To ensure transparency and avoid surprises for guests, Marriott is required to disclose the Destination Amenity Fee during the booking process. This fee is typically displayed separately from the nightly room rate, allowing guests to understand the total cost of their stay upfront. 😊
However, some travelers have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding these fees, particularly when booking through third-party websites. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has addressed this issue, encouraging hotels and travel companies to provide clear and conspicuous disclosure of all mandatory fees to avoid deceptive pricing practices.
Why Do Marriott Hotels Charge a Destination Amenity Fee?
Revenue Generation
One of the primary reasons why Marriott hotels charge a destination amenity fee is to generate additional revenue. The hotel industry is highly competitive, and amenity fees provide a way for hotels to increase their overall revenue streams.
By bundling certain services and amenities into a mandatory fee, Marriott can effectively increase the room rate without directly raising the advertised price. This strategy allows them to remain competitive in the market while generating higher profits.
According to CNBC, amenity fees can account for a significant portion of a hotel’s revenue, sometimes up to 10-15% of the total room rate.
Competitive Advantage
Charging a destination amenity fee can also provide Marriott hotels with a competitive advantage. Many travelers prioritize amenities and services when choosing a hotel, and by offering a bundled package of extras, Marriott can differentiate itself from competitors that do not offer similar amenities or charge for them separately.
This strategy can make Marriott properties more attractive to guests who value added conveniences, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, resort-style pools, fitness centers, or complimentary bottled water. According to a recent survey by Statista, 72% of travelers consider free Wi-Fi an important amenity when selecting a hotel.
Cost Recovery
Another reason for implementing destination amenity fees is to help Marriott hotels recover the costs associated with providing various amenities and services. Maintaining facilities like pools, fitness centers, and business centers can be expensive, and the amenity fee helps offset these operational costs.
Additionally, the fee may cover the costs of complimentary services, such as bottled water, newspaper delivery, or local shuttle transportation. By charging a separate fee, Marriott can ensure that guests who utilize these amenities and services contribute to the costs, rather than spreading the expenses across all guests, regardless of usage.
This pricing strategy allows Marriott to maintain high-quality amenities and services without significantly increasing room rates for all guests.
While the practice of charging destination amenity fees has faced criticism from consumer advocacy groups and some travelers who view it as a hidden fee, Marriott and many other major hotel chains continue to implement this strategy as a way to generate revenue, offer competitive amenities, and recover operational costs.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these fees will become more transparent or face increased regulation in the future. 😊
Tips for Dealing with Destination Amenity Fees
Identifying Hotels with Fees
The first step in dealing with destination amenity fees is identifying which hotels charge them. These fees, often referred to as “resort fees” or “facility fees,” are mandatory charges added to the nightly room rate.
They can range from $10 to $50 or more per night, depending on the hotel and location. While Marriott is transparent about these fees on their website, it’s essential to check the fine print before booking to avoid any surprises.
According to Marriott’s website, around 200 of their hotels currently charge destination amenity fees.
Negotiating or Avoiding the Fee
Once you’ve identified a hotel that charges a destination amenity fee, you can try to negotiate or avoid it altogether. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Book through a third-party site like Expedia or Priceline, which often include these fees in their advertised rates.
- Join the hotel’s loyalty program, as some chains waive these fees for members.
- Call the hotel directly and politely ask if they can waive or reduce the fee. While it’s not guaranteed, some hotels may be willing to negotiate, especially during slower periods.
- Look for hotels that offer an “amenity-free” rate, which eliminates the fee but may also exclude certain services or amenities.
If negotiating the fee isn’t possible, consider whether the included amenities justify the cost. For example, if the fee covers high-speed internet, parking, and access to a fitness center or pool, it may be worth it if you plan to use those services.
However, if the amenities don’t align with your needs, it might be better to look elsewhere.
Considering Alternative Accommodations
If you’re unable to avoid or negotiate the destination amenity fee, you may want to explore alternative accommodations. Vacation rentals or home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and VRBO can be a cost-effective option, especially for longer stays or larger groups.
These options often provide more space and amenities, such as a kitchen, without the added fees. However, it’s essential to read the listings carefully and factor in any cleaning fees or additional charges.
Another alternative is to look for hotels or motels that don’t charge these fees. While they may not offer the same level of luxury or amenities as a resort, they can be a budget-friendly choice, especially for shorter stays or business trips.
Websites like KillResortFees.com can help you find fee-free accommodations in popular tourist destinations.
Ultimately, dealing with destination amenity fees comes down to being an informed traveler. By understanding what these fees are, how to identify them, and exploring alternatives, you can make more informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs on your next trip. 😊
Conclusion
The destination amenity fee at Marriott hotels is a controversial topic, with some travelers embracing the added amenities and services, while others view it as an unnecessary expense. Regardless of your stance, it’s essential to be aware of this fee and understand what it entails before booking your stay.
By familiarizing yourself with the details outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision about whether the destination amenity fee is worth it for your travel needs. Remember to always read the fine print, compare prices across different hotels, and consider alternative accommodations if the fee is a dealbreaker for your budget.
