Resort fees in San Juan

[warmwinds]

I don't know if any of you have noticed this, but I'm finding that the mandatory "resort fees" at many San Juan hotels (Marriott, Hilton) are a PERCENTAGE of the room rate, not a flat fee.

 

I can't understand this - if a resort fee covers the same amenities for all guests - usually use of beach chairs, newspaper, bottle of water, etc. - why should it cost more if you already paid more for your room?

 

Most places I've had to pay a resort fee (Hawaii for example) it is one flat rate no matter if you Pricelined your hotel or are staying in a suite - I just don't understand this policy and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on it for me.

[RichardK]

Check……….Do all Hotels charge a Resort Fee?

 

I know that hotels with a Casino on the property do; and they calculate it as a percentage, same as you would a tax (which is what it is)!!

[rainforestgirl]

Well, resort fees and taxes are different.

We have a vacation rental and have to charge a PR Tourism department Room Tax - which is a percentage of the room rate. All hotels/rooms have to do this and this tax varies depending on what the place offers- such as:

-hotels with casinos must pay 11% tax

-we, as a short term rental must pay 7% .

 

Now a resort fee is not a tax- it goes to the resort- so they charge you what they want for the extras they are giving you, because they can and people will pay it!

[warmwinds]

I completely understand taxes, but a resort fee that specifically covers certain amenities...makes no sense it should be a different price depending on the price of the room.

 

I'm looking into places that don't charge one now.

[green eyed lady]

We'll be staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Aug post cruise and they don't charge any extra fees. :D

[warmwinds]

We changed our reservation from the Marriott Stellaris to the Clarion Le Consulat - ONE block away, ONE-THIRD the price, and no resort fee! I really hate feeling ripped off. I know many people priceline the Marriott, but we can't have a non-refundable hotel because of potential family issues, so I'm pretty happy with my choice. I can walk a block to the beach :)

[Ojaian]

Rate Rules

 

 

Additional InformationRESORT FEE - ADDT'L 12PCT OF ROOM RATE

 

 

 

THE RESORT FEE COVERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES

* HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS

* WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS IN PUBLIC AREAS

* BEACH CHAIRS, TOWELS, UMBRELLAS (BASED ON AVAILABILITY &

WEATHER PERMITTING)

* LOCAL CALLS IN METROPOLITAN AREA

* ACCESS TO 800 NUMBERS

* US5.00 CASINO MATCH PLAY COUPONS

* ONE 12OZ. BOTTLE OF WATER IN ROOM

* 1HR USE OF INTERNET IN BUSINESS CENTER (BASED ON

AVAILABILITY)

* 1HR BICYCLE RENT (BASED ON AVAILABILITY &

WEATHER PERMITTING)

**** GUEST MAY OPT OUT OF THE RESORT FEE****!

If guest objects or us unwilling to pay the resort fee simply

acknowledge and inform that the fee will not be charged but,

benefits are not included. Each benefits will be charges if used

at their individual cost.

Add the request code(X8- Guest Declined Resort Fee) and a

notation on either information or SOTHR field

[warmwinds]

Again I will say, I do NOT object in theory to a resort fee. What I object to is that everyone is paying a different price for the SAME things based on how expensive their room was to begin with. Look at the list you provided...whether you use any or all of those things...why should it cost one person $36 a day if they are paying $300 for their room, and the SAME things cost another person $12 if they got their room on Priceline for $100?

 

My point is, if you're going to charge a resort fee, make it a flat rate that is equitable to all, not a percentage.

[emen822]

I just stayed at the Marriott Stellaris last weekend. I had read on here previously that you can opt out of the resort fee. I sent them an email that I did not want to pay it and they said they would make a note on my reservation. So I didn't pay it. ;) I understand what you are saying about it being different amounts for different prices. I was just happy they didn't tack on another $40-something dollars on an already high price for the room (night before Easter).