Vegas resort fees on extended stay catch guest by surprise

 

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•Skip the middleman. When you head to an area notorious for resort fees - think Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida and tropical destinations - consider booking directly so you can ask about a hotel's resort fees. And taxes. And parking fees. And internet charges. And so on. That way you'll know exactly what you're in for. A travel agent should also be familiar with those extra charges. If you do buy via a travel site, call the hotel to get fee details first-hand.

•Negotiate with the hotel. If a resort fee covers services you're not using, or you're staying for an extended time, the hotel manager may reduce or even eliminate the fee. If you're surprised by a fee that wasn't disclosed to you in writing ahead of time, request that it be removed from your bill.

•Join the hotel's loyalty program. Some hotels will waive or cut fees for frequent-stay club members.

Linda Burbank first began troubleshooting travelers' complaints for the Consumer Reports Travel Letter. She now writes regularly for Consumers Union publications and is a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler. E-mail her at travel@usatoday.com. Your question may be used in a future column.