Travel is full of unexpected costs. The random Uber ride, the extra room service fee, the surprisingly splurge-y midday lunch.
Some hotels even charge a daily “resort fee” to just be there, often hidden in the fine print and only revealed at check-in once you’ve fully committed to the stay.
Most resort fees feel like an unnecessary charge, covering basic amenities such as pool access or Wi-Fi.
I’ve encountered my fair share of these over the years both abroad and domestically, and many ultimately have me rolling my eyes at their validity. What is it I'm paying for again?
But every once in a while, the resort fee passes muster, delivering in surprisingly helpful ways that elevate your stay well beyond the expected beach/pool service or fitness classes. Here are the four places where I’d gladly pay it, to experience everything the resort has to offer.
In this article
L’Auberge de Sedona
For almost 40 years, L’Auberge de Sedona has offered a quiet respite for red rock hikers, vortex-seekers, and wellness gurus.
It’s an “old money” sort of stay situated along the babbling Oak Creek Canyon (the only “waterfront” property in Sedona) with shiny new cliffside stays that offer direct access to downtown Sedona, a rare perk.
The resort fee here covers the usual things like fitness center and pool privileges, but it extends much further.
Through it, guests also have access to daily experience programming, including stargazing (Sedona is a certified International Dark Sky Community), meditations, metaphysically immersive classes, and art activities.
The fee also includes complimentary Red Rock Trailhead passes, which are required at numerous hiking trailheads, and local transport in a luxury vehicle up to 1 mile in any direction from the property.
Lido House Newport Beach
Newport Beach offers plenty of hotel and resort stays, but one of my favorites is Lido House, an Autograph Collection property with a beachy, high-end boutique feel.
The rooms reflect the local scene with coastal blues and whites and nautical touches, and the colorful cabanas beckon you to take a load off.
The property’s resort fee also includes some fun extras and useful services, including daily beach equipment, surfboard and body board rentals, daily two-hour bicycle rentals, and a house car chauffeur who will tote you around within five miles of the property.
You’ll also get free flip-flops for two guests, and a $10 daily food and beverage credit.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Alohilani Resort is a five-star property located right along Waikiki beach that puts you in the center of all the action.
The modern, creamy neutral interiors are inspired by Oahu's serene landscape, and they allow the turquoise ocean to really pop from the floor to ceiling windows with beach and mountain views. The property's also home to four restaurants.
The resort fee at this property is very beach-forward, offering a huge selection of rentals from Beach Candy Waikiki to maximize your beach day. It goes beyond that, though.
Guests also have access to Hawaiian cultural classes hosted in the lobby via the Hawaiian Cultural Center, as well as daily classes via the Oceanarium Educational Program. The fee also covers full access to the 9th floor rooftop activities deck featuring tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.
Oh, and if you’re scheduling a spa appointment, you get a free enhancement.
The Ned NoMad in New York City
Refined, “old glamour” New York City is spotlighted at The Ned NoMad, a 12-story property situated in the historic 1903 Johnson Building.
It’s a draw for both Big Apple locals and visitors thanks to the classic Italian restaurant, Cecconi's, and the intimate, very photographable "Little Ned" bar serving classic cocktails.
The property charges what they call a "guest amenity fee" that's $45 per night, but this cost is offset pretty quickly via a daily $50 credit to Cecconi’s.
Plus, guests are immediately granted “Resident Member” status to exclusive Ned’s Club spaces, including the Ned's Club Downstairs and the luxe, seasonal Rooftop Bar with gorgeous Manhattan views.
The Shortcut
Resort fees get a bad rap, with many leaving guests frustrated by offering standard “freebies” like Wi-Fi and water.
A few of these fees pay for themselves. The Ned NoMad's $45 nightly charge is offset by a $50 daily credit to Cecconi's, and L'Auberge de Sedona's fee covers Red Rock Trailhead passes you'd otherwise have to buy separately.
Others go toward getting around. Lido House's fee covers chauffeur service within 5 miles of the property, plus bike and surfboard rentals.
A couple lean into local culture instead of just amenities. Alohilani hosts Hawaiian cultural classes right in the lobby, and L'Auberge includes stargazing sessions that take advantage of Sedona's Dark Sky Community status.
