We’re all for saying goodbye to resort fees. These daily surcharges, also known as destination fees or amenity fees, are often tacked on to hotel stays to cover various amenities, ranging anywhere from gym access and room refreshments to local calls and business center usage. Prices for these fees can vary widely, typically falling between $20 and $70 per night, with some hotels charging even more. In previous articles, we’ve shared tips for avoiding these fees (and numerous hotels do completely waive them), but in most cases, guests are obligated to pay if a hotel implements this charge.
However, not all resort fees are simply annoying cash grabs. There’s a difference in what different hotels offer. In 2025, it seems absurd that Wi-Fi or gym access isn’t already included in the room rate, right? Some resorts provide unexpected perks that guests might genuinely appreciate during their stay. Depending on your interests and the nature of your visit, you might find great value in certain resort-fee inclusions. For instance, a museum pass, fitness class access, and complimentary drinks at the lobby bar could be appealing for some travelers.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a stylish 320-room hotel located within a stunning 15-acre beachfront estate. The resort fee of $50 per night provides even more value: adventurous visitors can join guided kayak and standup paddleboard lessons, while others may enjoy hula dancing, coconut husking, and ukulele classes. Additionally, there are daily group fitness sessions included in the fee. One of the more unique offerings is a 45-minute photo shoot around the resort, although you will need to pay to purchase the pictures afterwards.
Rates at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort start at $920 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek
At this chic boutique hotel, a $35 fee brings a host of sought-after amenities: a courtesy house car, based on availability, can take you anywhere within three miles of the hotel, and you’ll receive day passes to the Denver Botanic Gardens (worth $15.75 each). Throughout the day, the Kitchen on the lobby level provides drinks and snacks, and the Gear Garage contains tennis racquets, bicycles, scooters, board games, and more for guests to borrow. Additionally, there’s a 24-hour fitness center along with passes to local fitness studios like SoulCycle and Climbr.
Rates at Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek start at $240 per night.
Related: The best Denver hotels to experience when staying in the Mile High City
The New York Edition
This luxurious hotel in Madison Square Park features a straightforward resort fee structure: for $35 a night, guests receive a $35 credit for the Lobby Bar, a $40 laundry credit, and a $50 spa credit for each night booked. This fee might offer one of the best values around, as it seamlessly combines practicality and indulgence. After all, a resort fee that grants you a couple of glasses of champagne (or non-alcoholic cocktails) in New York City is worth it.
Rates at The New York Edition start at $581 or 67,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Thompson Seattle
Located near the iconic Pike Place Market, this 158-room Hyatt hotel in Seattle features scenic views and a contemporary atmosphere. The $29 resort fee, one of the lowest in the region, includes sparkling wine upon check-in, priority access for rooftop bar reservations, and modest discounts (10% to 20%) at nearby businesses like Armistice Coffee Roaster and Seleuss Chocolates. A notable highlight is the complimentary services available at Antonio Salon, where guests can request a free bang trim or dry styling session; alternatively, Thompson guests enjoy a 20% discount on other salon services.
Rates at Thompson Seattle start at $205 or 10,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess covers an expansive 65 acres, boasts 750 rooms, and features a 44,000-square-foot spa, multiple pools, and a golf course that hosts the annual Phoenix Open. The $55 nightly resort fee enhances the experience with various amenities. For example, courtesy pole rentals are available for fishing in the lagoon, and bikes can be borrowed for resort exploration. Guests also have access to pickleball courts, golf bag storage, and exclusive rates on tee times at the golf course. Other worthwhile perks include complimentary shoe-shining and a $30 spa credit that can be applied to body and facial treatments. This credit is particularly useful for utilizing wellness facilities that require prior spa bookings.
Rates at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess start at $306 per night.
Related: Fun in the desert sun: A family guide to Scottsdale, Arizona
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
In the spectacular mountain town of Whistler, the centerpiece of visits is outdoor adventure. However, this upscale chalet-style hotel offers such a long list of enriching experiences included in the 65 CAD (around $45) resort fee that you may find yourself preferring to spend more time at the hotel. These experiences change by season: in winter, enjoy woodworking workshops and snowshoeing tours, and in summer, forest bathing or local beer tastings. Additionally, the resort fee includes daily fitness classes and admission to the nearby Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Plus, there are complimentary shuttle services or a house car available if you wish to explore further.
Rates at Four Seasons Resort Whistler start at $748 per night.
Fairmont Mayakoba
In the beautiful beachfront area of Mayakoba, this Fairmont property offers a $35 fee that enhances your stay with enhanced experiences. Guests receive a $40 credit for massages in the spa, and a $20 credit at The Sweet Spot candy shop. The fee further includes complimentary daily activities such as catamaran rides, bird-watching tours, tequila and mezcal workshops, and family-friendly paint-your-own-alebrije classes.
Rates at Fairmont Mayakoba start at $306 per night.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
The Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, an upscale adults-only hotel, has maintained its high standard of amenities since its transformation in 2021, including a notable resort fee. Given Encinitas’ reputation for surfing, guests can enjoy complimentary surfboard and wetsuit rentals. Other wellness offerings include weekly sound baths and yoga classes. Additionally, recent upgrades have added a cold plunge and wood sauna as complimentary amenities for guests, although similar services at the spa require a reservation. A convenient local transport service is also provided within a three-mile radius to popular golf courses, beaches, and restaurants.
Rates at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas start at $520 or 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
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