What is a Destination Amenity Fee for Marriott Hotels? The Answer is – Destination amenity fees are additional mandatory charges added to your nightly hotel bill at select Marriott properties. These fees ostensibly cover the costs of providing guests with a range of amenities and services. However, there’s often debate over whether the value of included amenities justifies the extra cost. Amenities included in these fees can vary significantly between hotels.

What Is A Destination Amenity Fee For Marriott Hotels?

Picture this: You’ve found the perfect Marriott hotel for your dream vacation. The price seems reasonable, the amenities look fantastic, and you’re ready to book.

But then, you notice a small line item tucked away in the fees – a “destination amenity fee.”

This extra charge, often ranging from $20 to $50 or more per night, can significantly inflate the overall cost of your stay.

Destination amenity fees in the context of Marriott hotels

Destination amenity fees, sometimes referred to as “resort fees,” are mandatory charges added to your hotel bill at select Marriott properties.

These fees are separate from the advertised room rate and taxes. Marriott and other hotel chains claim that these fees cover the cost of providing guests with a range of on-site amenities and services that enhance the overall vacation experience.

Brief overview of the controversy surrounding them

Destination amenity fees have become a hot-button issue within the travel industry, sparking heated debate among consumers, hoteliers, and even lawmakers.

Here’s why these fees are so controversial:

Lack of Transparency: Guests often feel blindsided by destination amenity fees, especially when they’re not clearly disclosed upfront during the booking process. This can lead to frustration and a sense of being misled about the true cost of a hotel stay.

Questionable Value: Many travelers argue that the amenities included in destination amenity fees don’t justify the additional expense. They point out that services like basic Wi-Fi access or pool towels should be included in the standard room rate.

Inconsistency: The amenities covered by destination amenity fees vary widely from one Marriott hotel to another. This makes it difficult for consumers to compare prices accurately and determine whether the fee represents a good value.

Mandatory Nature: Unlike optional services or upgrades, destination amenity fees are mandatory, whether or not a guest intends to use the included amenities. This lack of choice adds to the feeling that these fees are simply a way for hotels to increase their revenue.

What Does a Destination Amenity Fee Typically Include?

Destination amenity fees at Marriott hotels are designed to bundle the cost of various services and amenities into a single charge. While the specific inclusions vary widely between properties, here’s a breakdown of the most common items you might find:

1. Common amenities covered by the fee

Wi-Fi access: In today’s connected world, most travelers consider high-speed internet access a necessity, not a luxury. Many hotels include basic Wi-Fi in their destination amenity fee, although some might offer premium, faster internet for additional charges.

Beach chairs/umbrellas: At beachside resorts, the destination amenity fee often covers the use of beach chairs and umbrellas. This can be a significant perk, especially if you plan to spend ample time soaking up the sun.

Fitness class access: Many hotels with fitness centers include group fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, or spinning within the destination amenity fee. Check the hotel’s schedule to see what types of classes are offered.

Food and beverage credits: Some Marriott hotels include a limited daily food and beverage credit as part of their fee. This credit might be applicable at specific on-site restaurants or bars, with restrictions on what can be ordered.

Bicycle rentals: Exploring the local area by bike can be a great way to stay active on vacation. Some hotels offer complimentary bike rentals for a set amount of time with their destination amenity fees.

Other recreational activities: Depending on the location and focus of the Marriott hotel, the destination amenity fee might cover other activities such as:

• Guided nature walks
• Use of kayaks, paddleboards, or other non-motorized water sports equipment
• Tennis court access
• Golf green fees (though this is less common)

2. Importance of noting the variation between hotels

It’s crucial to remember that there is NO STANDARDIZATION when it comes to what’s included in a Marriott destination amenity fee.

One hotel might offer a generous package of amenities, while another might provide a very limited selection.

This is one of the primary reasons these fees are so frustrating for consumers.

Why Do Some Marriott Hotels Charge Destination Amenity Fees?

The practice of charging destination amenity fees is a complex issue with arguments to be made on both sides. Let’s examine the perspectives of Marriott and the typical hotel guest:

1. Explanation from Marriott’s perspective

Marriott and other hotel chains that utilize destination amenity fees often cite the following reasons to justify their practice:

Bundling Costs: Hotels argue that these fees allow them to bundle the costs of various amenities and services into a single charge. This is presented as a way to simplify the pricing structure and offer guests a perceived “package deal” for their stay.

Enhancing Guest Experience: Marriott contends that destination amenity fees enable them to provide a wider range of on-site amenities that enhance the overall guest experience. They claim the fees support the upkeep and development of facilities like pools, fitness centers, and activity programs.

Offsetting Rising Costs: The cost of providing amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and recreational equipment is continuously rising. Hotels suggest that destination amenity fees help them offset these increasing expenses.

2. Arguments from the consumer perspective

Consumers often counter Marriott’s reasoning with the following arguments:

Hidden Costs: Many travelers feel that destination amenity fees are a deceptive way to disguise the true cost of a hotel room. They argue that it creates a lack of pricing transparency, making it difficult to compare rates accurately between hotels.

Perceived Lack of Value: Guests often feel they don’t get enough value for the price of the destination amenity fee. Many argue that essential services like basic Wi-Fi and access to a fitness center should be included in the standard room rate.

Feeling Forced to Pay: The mandatory nature of destination amenity fees is a significant point of contention. Consumers dislike having to pay for a package of amenities even if they have no intention of using them.

Suspicion of Profit Motive: Some travelers believe that destination amenity fees are primarily a revenue-generating tool for hotels rather than a true reflection of the actual cost of providing amenities.

Are Destination Amenity Fees Worth It?

Deciding whether a Marriott hotel’s destination amenity fee is worth it requires careful consideration of your travel style, priorities, and the value proposition offered.

Factors to consider

1. Personal travel preferences and how they align with included amenities

Thorough Assessment: Take an honest look at the amenities included in the fee. Do they genuinely enhance your vacation experience? If you’re not a beach person, the inclusion of beach chairs or watersports equipment might be irrelevant. Similarly, if you’re focused on sightseeing and rarely spend time at the hotel, amenities like fitness classes or pool access might not be priorities.

Likelihood of Use: Be realistic about whether you’ll actually utilize the included amenities. If you have no intention of using the fitness center or attending organized activities, the fee likely offers poor value.

2. The fee’s cost versus the actual value received

Do the Math: Calculate the nightly cost of the destination amenity fee. Then determine if the monetary value of the amenities you intend to use justifies that expense. For example, if the fee is $30 per night, and you only plan to utilize the Wi-Fi (which might be around $10-15 per day elsewhere), the value proposition is weak.

Perceived Value: Consider your perception of value. Even if you might theoretically get more monetary value out of the amenities than the fee itself, if the amenities don’t feel worthwhile to you, it will still feel like a bad deal.

3. Comparison to hotels without such fees

Total Cost is Key: Don’t be fooled by a seemingly lower room rate at a hotel with a destination amenity fee. Factor in the fee to get the true nightly cost and compare it to hotels that don’t charge such fees.

Comparable Amenities: Research if comparable hotels in the area offer the same (or similar) amenities as part of their standard room rate. This allows you to make a more informed decision based on your priorities.

How to Find Out if a Marriott Hotel Charges a Destination Amenity Fee

Unfortunately, Marriott isn’t always upfront about destination amenity fees during the initial stages of the booking process.

Here are the most reliable methods to determine if you’ll be facing these extra charges:

1. Methods of checking

Marriott’s website

• Thorough Search: When browsing individual hotel listings on the Marriott website, carefully look for a section titled “Resort Fee,” “Destination Amenity Fee,” or something similar. It might be in small print or tucked away in the details section.
• Details Matter: Clicking on the fee details will usually provide a breakdown of the specific amenities covered by the charge.

Third-party booking sites

• Potential Information: Popular booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com sometimes list destination amenity fees within the hotel’s information section. However, this information isn’t always consistent or accurate.
• Compare Across Platforms: It’s wise to cross-check information between Marriott’s website and a few booking platforms for the most reliable picture.

Contacting the hotel directly:

• The Definitive Answer: If you can’t find the information online, the surest way to know about the fees and what they include is to call the hotel directly.
• Ask Specific Questions: Have a specific list of questions ready, including the cost of the destination amenity fee per night and a precise breakdown of everything that’s covered.

2. The need for transparency during the booking process

Consumers and travel advocacy groups consistently call for greater transparency in hotel pricing, especially regarding destination amenity fees.

Here’s why this matters:

• Informed Decision-Making: Travelers have a right to know the TOTAL cost of their hotel stay upfront. This allows for accurate comparison between hotels and informed budgeting.
• Avoiding Unpleasant Surprises: No one enjoys arriving at a hotel expecting one price and then being hit with additional mandatory fees, potentially leading to frustration and a negative start to their vacation.
• Fair Competition: Mandating clear disclosure of destination amenity fees from the beginning of the booking process levels the playing field for hotels, allowing consumers to make choices based on true value rather than hidden costs.

Tips for Navigating Destination Amenity Fees

Strategies for potentially negotiating the fee

Politely Inquire: While there’s no guarantee, it doesn’t hurt to ask politely at check-in if the destination amenity fee can be waived or reduced. Sometimes front desk staff might have some flexibility, especially during less busy periods.

Highlight Lack of Use: If you genuinely don’t plan to utilize any of the included amenities, explain this to the hotel staff. They might be willing to make adjustments if they feel you won’t be benefiting at all from the fee.

Loyalty Programs Matter: If you’re a member of Marriott Bonvoy or another hotel loyalty program, having elite status can sometimes work in your favor. Elite members might have more leverage in requesting fee waivers or adjustments.

Booking Method: Some travelers report having more success in negotiating fees when they book directly with the hotel rather than through a third-party website.

How to maximize the value of the included amenities if the fee is unavoidable

Plan Your Strategy: Once you know what amenities are included in the destination amenity fee, tailor your trip activities to take full advantage of them. If it includes bike rentals, map out some cycling routes; if there are fitness classes, check the schedule and sign up.

Utilize Everything: Even if only one or two included amenities are genuinely appealing to you, try to squeeze as much value as possible from the fee. Use the Wi-Fi extensively, take advantage of any food and beverage credits, and participate in activities you might not otherwise have considered.

Consider the Time of Year: If the fee includes amenities like beach chairs or pool access, the overall value proposition will be higher during seasons when you’ll actually use these facilities. Visiting a beach resort in winter and facing a fee for unused beach gear is less than ideal.

Share with Fellow Travelers: In some cases, amenities included in the fee might be shareable with your travel companions. For instance, a single Wi-Fi login might work for multiple devices, or a food and beverage credit might be applicable to your entire group.

Conclusion

Destination amenity fees at Marriott hotels are a complex and contentious issue.

While they can sometimes offer a convenient bundle of amenities and enhance the vacation experience, the lack of transparency, questionable value, and mandatory nature of these fees often leave consumers feeling frustrated and misled.

Here’s a recap of the key points to remember:

• Know Before You Book: Always research thoroughly to determine if a Marriott hotel charges a destination amenity fee and what exactly it includes. This information should be readily available on the Marriott website, third-party booking sites, or by contacting the hotel directly.
• Assess the Value: Carefully consider whether the cost of the destination amenity fee aligns with the value of the included amenities based on your individual travel preferences and priorities.
• Comparison is Key: Compare the total cost of hotels with destination amenity fees to those with all-inclusive rates to make an informed decision.
• Strategic Planning: If you can’t avoid the fee, make the most of it. Plan your trip activities around the included amenities to maximize their potential value.
• Your Voice Matters: Provide feedback to hotels and support consumer advocacy groups if you believe destination amenity fees need greater transparency and a stronger focus on value.

FAQs

Q: Are destination amenity fees at Marriott hotels always mandatory?

Yes, typically these fees are mandatory, meaning you’ll have to pay them regardless of whether or not you use the included amenities. In rare instances, you might be able to negotiate with the hotel, but this isn’t guaranteed.

Q: Can I find a list of Marriott hotels that charge destination amenity fees?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a centralized, official list. Some travel websites attempt to track this information, but the most reliable way is to check individual hotel listings on Marriott’s website or contact the hotel directly.

Q: Will knowing about destination amenity fees in advance help me avoid them?

Yes! Doing your research allows you to factor these fees into your overall trip budget and make informed decisions. You might opt for a hotel without such fees or choose a Marriott property where the destination amenity fee offers exceptional value that aligns with your travel plans.