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While travellers usually compare room rates while booking accommodation options for their trip, they might find that the advertised price is not the total amount to be paid. Some properties charge an extra amount on a regular basis for the use of their on-site services and facilities, which could lead to a higher total amount to pay. Understanding what a resort fee is and how to avoid extra charges could better prepare one for booking an accommodation option for their vacation. If you are searching for a Siliguri resort for your next getaway, knowing what is included in the room rate can also help you make a more informed accommodation choice.
Also Read: Hotels near Bagdogra Airport (IXB), Siliguri
Resort fee definition and inclusions
A resort fee, also referred to as a hotel surcharge, is an extra charge that some properties tend to impose on guests. This could include a charge for every occupied room per night of a guest’s stay. Usually, the surcharge covers most of the hotel’s facilities and services; however, one should clarify the inclusions with the staff. Depending on the property, a surcharge could include complimentary local calls, swimming pool access, fitness centres, excursions, parking, transportation, and recreation activities.
What extra charges could accommodation options impose?
There is no standard information concerning the services and facilities included in a surcharge. Based on a property’s terms and conditions, any of the following could be added to one’s bill:
- Free wifi
- Swimming pools
- Fitness centres
- Recreation activities
- Parking
- Transportation
- Entertainers
- Any other specific facilities and inclusions
It is also essential to note that regardless of utilizing listed inclusions, guests will be charged for the extra amount.
Why be cautious when booking accommodation?
Any accommodation option may seem within budget based on an advertised rate for a room. However, a guest could encounter an unexpected bill at the time of check-out. Depending on the property, certain hotels advertise a lower initial rate while imposing additional charges. For example, when comparing two accommodation options, one property could have a lower initial rate per night while imposing a daily surcharge. The other hotel could offer a higher initial rate with no extra charges. Thus, when determining which property to choose, comparing the overall booking price is a better choice when looking for accommodation options within one’s budget.
Why do travellers dislike surprise charges?
These issues with extra fees may not be their fault. The frustration often comes when the traveller discovers it. If you know the complete cost before booking, you can make a decision based on that information. If an extra charge appears much later, it can feel like the original price didn’t tell the whole story. This is why transparency to a traveller is important: being able to see he full story before looking into a prepayment.
The per-night detail that changes everything
One thing people often miss is that a fee may not be one-off. They may relate to the number of nights within a person’s chosen length of stay. While something that would appear relatively small for a single night’s stay would not be, the cumulative effect can be significant when a person is staying up to two weeks.
This is why people need to look at the unit of a charge.
Is it:
- Per night?
- Per room?
- Per guest?
- Per stay?
A small phrase can make the difference between an expensive holiday and one that is within budget.
Five places to look for additional charges:
For those who wish to be adept at spotting extra charges in accommodation, it is important to look in more than one place at a time.
These are the five places that people should look at:
The room selection page:
When looking at a rate that a person wishes to utilise, look out for any small print, symbols, or expendable details.
The Booking summary:
As one moves towards completing a booking and making a payment, it is crucial to ensure that the totals have not changed.
The property policies:
Many hotels will have separate sections for charges, cancellations, check-in instructions, parking, and other policies that travellers should be aware of.
The confirmation:
Once a booking has been confirmed, it is always a good idea to look over the confirmation rather than save or print it and walk away.
The hotel directly:
If a charge remains unclear, the best option is to contact the hotel directly. These five points can prevent confusion further down the line.
What if you don't use the amenities?
Perhaps one of the most famous accusations regarding resort fees is that they do not cover amenities that a person will utilise. If a person knows that certain facilities will not bring them any benefit, it is natural that they will wonder why they should continue to pay for them. Whether or not a person can ask to have a particular charge removed will depend on the policies of the place they are considering. Mandatory charges cannot be treated like optional extras that a person can refuse to pay for. That is why it is important to learn about them before a person makes a prepayment. This should allow them to consider booking elsewhere if the rules are unacceptable to them.
Final thoughts
A resort fee may only be one line on a booking statement, but it can change how you view the total cost of a holiday. The easiest way to avoid an unpleasant surprise is to look beyond the headline room rate, understand how the property’s pricing works, and consider the charges alongside your actual travel plans. If you’re looking for a Siliguri resort, take the same approach before making your reservation. Consider the complete cost, what the property offers, and whether those facilities fit your reason for travelling. Crimson Grand is one accommodation option you can consider when planning your stay in Siliguri.
Frequently Asked Question
Is a resort fee included in the room price?
It might not be clear, as some properties will show applicable fees within their displayed rate, whereas others will display the rate before any additional charges. You should always check your booking details to confirm exactly what you will be charged for.
Is a resort fee charged for every night?
It may vary depending on the property’s pricing policy. Some properties will charge a resort fee on a per-night basis, while others may base it on a per-room or per-person basis instead.
Can you refuse to pay a resort fee if you don't use the facilities?
If a resort fee is mandatory at a property to which you made a booking, it cannot be avoided by choosing not to make use of the provided facilities. Confirm the property’s resort fee policy to avoid being surprised by any charges upon arrival.
Can resort fees affect the overall cost of your short break?
They certainly can. Despite a resort fee typically being relatively small, it is charged on a per-night basis, which, over the course of your stay, can significantly increase the overall cost of your holiday.
Are resort fees the same across all properties?
No, there is no standard resort fee or package fees, and what is included in them varies from property to property.
Should you compare the room rate or the overall booking rate?
Comparing the overall rate of your booking will give you a good indication of whether a property suits you better than another based on what you will ultimately have to pay for your stay.
What is the most optimal way of avoiding unexpected hotel charges?
Do not fall for a hotel’s headline price. Read through everything you will be charged for in detail and always keep your booking confirmation with you until you finish your stay. A couple of extra minutes spent on a booking can save you a great deal of trouble later on.
