Dispute Resort Fees Successfully: A Guide for Credit Card Holders

Have you ever stayed at a hotel and been surprised by the additional resort fee on your credit card bill? Many travelers have faced this situation, but a few have successfully managed to dispute these fees and get them refunded. In this article, we'll explore the tactics and legal loopholes that can help you win a dispute over resort fees.

Understanding Resort Fees and Dispute Strategies

Resort fees are additional charges imposed by many hotels, and they can add up significantly over the course of a stay. These fees are often hidden in the small print or not disclosed upfront. However, if you know the right approach, you can challenge the fee and successfully get it refunded.

Marriott and Hilton hotels, for instance, have been the subject of multiple lawsuits due to their practices of imposing resort fees. If you stayed at one of these hotels, you're more likely to win your dispute. Similarly, Great Wolf Lodge has not disclosed the existence of resort fees during the booking process, making their fees harder to justify. Here's how you can effectively dispute these fees:

How to Successfully Dispute Resort Fees

When disputing a resort fee, you need to present a clear and well-founded argument. Here are the steps to follow:

Identify the source of the fee: Check your booking confirmation and the hotel bill to pinpoint when and under what circumstances the fee was charged. Look for legal documentation that shows the fee was not disclosed or authorized. Cite legal disputes: Both Marriott and Hilton have faced legal challenges over their resort fee policies. Mention these lawsuits to support your claim that the fee was improperly disclosed or not authorized. Document your booking: If you booked through a third-party site, review the booking details and confirm that there was no mention of resort fees at the time of booking. If you booked directly, note the date and time of booking and the method of payment. Prove hidden fees: For hidden fees like the Great Wolf Lodge example, where the fee is not clearly stated, gather evidence to demonstrate its existence and the lack of transparency. Submit a chargeback request: Contact your credit card issuer and provide them with the evidence. They will evaluate your case based on the rules laid down by the credit card networks.

Examples of Successful Disputes

Here are two real-life examples of successfully disputed resort fees:

Example 1: Great Wolf Lodge, you can successfully dispute the resort fee because they didn't disclose the fee during the booking process. Below are two recent booking confirmations for Great Wolf Lodge:

Confirmation 1: The resort fee is in the Taxes and Fees section, but there is no hyperlink. You wouldn't know that the taxes and fees include a 29.99 daily resort fee. Confirmation 2: Similar to the first example, the fee is not clearly stated, making it impossible to see the hidden charge.

Both cases were resolved by successfully disputing the charges due to lack of disclosure.

Example 2: Kimpton Muse in New York, you can dispute the amenity fee by showing that you had prepaid for the room. When you checked in, the clerk informed you that your room had already been prepaid for the entire stay, and further charges were not necessary.

Key Points to Remember

Disputing resort fees can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success:

Check the TC of your booking and the hotel bill for any discrepancies. Search for legal precedents to support your claim. Document the booking process thoroughly. Contact your credit card issuer with the necessary evidence.

Remember, not all hotels will be willing to waive or refund these fees, but a well-reasoned dispute can often yield results.

Conclusion

Hotel resort fees can often be frustrating and surprise travelers. However, with knowledge of the legal landscape and a strategic approach, you can successfully challenge these fees. Whether it's through legal disputes or by using the right documentation, disputing resort fees can lead to cost savings and a more pleasant travel experience.