Here is a rewritten version of the article, maintaining the original information while improving clarity and flow:
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Title: What to Know About Resort Fees at Phoenix Hotels — And What You Get for the Money
Before booking your next hotel stay in metro Phoenix, be sure to read the fine print — you may encounter an unexpected charge known as a resort fee.
Also referred to as destination, facility, or amenity fees, resort fees are additional nightly charges on top of the base room rate. These fees are common across the U.S., including in the Phoenix area, and typically range from $20 to $80 per night. They cover access to amenities such as internet, fitness centers, pools, and more.
While not illegal, resort fees have been criticized for being misleading. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a rule in December 2024 requiring hotels to disclose the full cost of a stay upfront, including any resort fees. The rule is part of a broader effort to eliminate so-called “junk fees” in the travel and entertainment industries.
Some hotel chains, including Marriott, have started displaying resort fees as part of the total room rate to improve transparency.
Why Are Resort Fees Controversial?
Critics argue that resort fees allow hotels to advertise deceptively low rates by separating part of the nightly cost and revealing it only later in the booking process. This practice has led to lawsuits, such as those filed by the Texas Attorney General against Marriott and Hyatt.
Websites like KillResortFees.com aim to inform travelers by listing hotels that charge these fees and explaining why they’re problematic.
The hotel industry, represented by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), defends resort fees. The AHLA claims they offer value by bundling amenities into one charge and that hotels are transparent about the fees. According to the AHLA, only about 7% of hotels charge resort fees, and these are typically full-service properties.
What Do Resort Fees Cover?
Here’s a breakdown of resort fees at various Phoenix-area hotels and what they include. Note that taxes may apply to these fees, and some hotels charge extra for parking or other services.
Phoenix and Scottsdale Hotels with Resort Fees:
– Andaz Scottsdale: $50 — Includes internet, access to local arts venues, fitness classes, and more. Parking: $23 self, $35 valet.
– Arizona Biltmore: $45 — Includes internet, spa access, bike rental, and pool amenities. Parking: $28 self, $35 valet. Pet fee: $150.
– Arizona Grand: $80 — Covers internet, parking, water park access, and golf practice balls.
– Boulders Resort: $35 — Includes internet, shuttle, fitness center, and gratuities. Valet parking: $25.
– Caesars Republic Scottsdale: $45 — Includes internet, food credit, bike rental, and wellness events. Parking: $28 self, $40 valet.
– The Camby: No resort fee. Valet parking only: $40.
– Canyon Suites at the Phoenician: $60 — Includes internet, parking, yoga, and more.
– Civana Carefree: $68 per guest (tax included) — Includes wellness classes, internet, and shuttle.
– Clarendon Hotel & Spa: $35 — Includes internet, snacks, and breakfast (if booked directly). Parking: $10 self.
– Crowne Plaza Chandler: $28.50 — Includes internet, parking, and golf access.
– Doubletree Paradise Valley: $30 — Includes internet, bottled water, fitness classes, and discounts. Valet parking: $20.
– Embassy Suites Scottsdale: $25 — Includes internet, parking, bike use, and shuttle.
– Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: $55 — Includes internet, parking, spa credit, and more. Parking: $28 self, $40 valet.
– Found:Re Phoenix: $20 — Includes internet, gym, and art tours. Parking: $35 self, $45 valet.
– Four Seasons Scottsdale: $50 — Includes internet, coffee, golf range use, and more. Parking: $28 self, $40 valet.
– Gila River Resorts – Wild Horse Pass: $29 — Includes internet, parking, and shuttle.
– The Global Ambassador: $45.03 (tax included) — Includes internet, fitness class, and welcome drink. Valet parking: $35.
– Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: $50 — Includes internet, spa credit, golf access, and shuttle. Parking: $30 self, $38 valet.
– Hermosa Inn: $35 — Includes valet parking, internet, and morning refreshments.
– Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak: $35 — Includes internet, parking, water park access, and more.
– Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas: $30 — Includes internet, bottled water, and discounts.
– Hilton Tapatio Cliffs: $39 — Includes internet, parking, water park access, and discounts.
– Hotel Palomar Phoenix: $30 — Includes food credit, internet, and museum discounts. Parking: $30 self, $44 valet.
– Hotel Valley Ho: No resort fee. Parking: $28 self or valet.
– JW Marriott Desert Ridge: $55 — Includes water park access, bike rental, and more. Parking: $29 self, $46 valet.
– JW Marriott Camelback Inn: $40 — Includes internet, parking, tennis, and welcome drink.
– Marriott Tempe at The Buttes: $15 — Includes internet, sports courts, and fitness activities. Parking: $15.
– The McCormick Scottsdale: $30 — Includes internet, parking, and water sports equipment.
– Mountain Shadows Resort: $47.53 (tax included) — Includes valet parking, internet, and fitness access.
– Omni Montelucia: $45 — Includes internet, fitness center, and gelato tastings. Parking: $30 self, $35 valet.
– Omni Tempe at ASU: $25 — Includes pool, fitness center, and water. Parking: $39.
– The Phoenician: $50 — Includes internet, yoga, and bike use. Parking: $28 self, $42 valet.
– Royal Palms Resort: $50 — Includes spa access, shuttle, and mixology lessons. Valet parking only: $40.
– Sanctuary Camelback: $56.59 (tax included) — Includes parking, spa access, and shuttle.
– Scottsdale Marriott McDowell Mountains: $30 — Includes internet and food credit. Parking: $20 self, $30 valet.
– Scottsdale Plaza Resort: $43 (tax included) — Includes parking, internet, and fitness center.
– Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass: $29 — Includes parking, fitness center, and shuttle. Valet parking: $22.
– Sonesta Suites Gainey Ranch: $34.21 (tax included) — Includes parking, snacks, and fitness center.
– Talking Stick Resort: $28.51 (tax included) — Includes internet and fitness center. RV parking: $25.
– Tempe Mission Palms: $28.52 (tax included) — Includes airport shuttle, parking, and EV charging.
– Scottsdale Resort & Spa: $40 — Includes internet, fitness center, and discounts. Parking: $25 self, $35 valet.
– The Scott: $60 — Includes parking, yoga, and shuttle service.
– W Scottsdale: No resort fee. Parking: $20–$57 depending on option.
– Westin Tempe: $30 — Includes food credit and bike rental. Valet parking only: $42.
– We-Ko-Pa Resort: $29 — Includes parking, fitness center, and appetizer credit.
– The Wigwam: $46.65 (tax included) — Includes parking, golf access, and fitness center.
Final Thoughts
While resort fees can be frustrating, understanding what they include can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises. Always check the total cost of your stay before booking, and consider what amenities you’ll actually use.
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Michael Salerno is a travel reporter for The Arizona Republic. Contact him at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com.
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Source: azcentral.com