Resort fee question

[wwessing]

Is there a resort fee in addition to the published room rate. . . such as room rate for HRH queen deluxe is $349 plus 12.5%tax. Is there an additional resort fee going to be added? Parking already adds another $15 a day.

P.S. Damo. . .when you were last there, did you manage to get your parking fees comped? I know you stayed at PBH, but I wondered about parking. You said you were going to ask. . . . :thumbsup2

[bubba's mom]

don't know of any other "fee" besides room tax and parking....unless you're referring to the mini-bar :rolleyes1

[wwessing]

don't know of any other "fee" besides room tax and parking

I found that some other resorts in the area charge a "resort" fee of like $20 per night. I knew I hadn't seen anything like that in the fine print anywhere for hrh, plus I couldn't recall ever reading anything about it here, but I just wanted to check.



....unless you're referring to the mini-bar :rolleyes1

:rotfl: no, I don't think we will be using the mini bar. . . we'll be driving so can take a couple of coolers. . . I say a couple because there will be one for the kids and one for the adults:thumbsup2 well, that and lots of walks to margaritaville :woohoo: we likey da tequila:love:

[dsmom]

We just got back from PB on Friday. We were not charged for parking.

[wwessing]

We just got back from PB on Friday. We were not charged for parking.


Is there usually a charge at PBH? Was it just an oversight or did you ask for parking comp?

[dsmom]

We self parked in the garage at PB. We did not ask to be comped. My husband went to get the car when we checked out and he was told no charge- not sure why?

[bg4]

These fees are set by state and local laws - well except parking fees

anyways 6.5 % sales tax plus 6% hotel tax plus parking should be it.

What is a resort fee? and under what jurisdiction is it charged and who charges it? Universal is only the two taxes plus parking

(plus mini bar plus internet plus room service) - oh almost forgot the TAXES on internet, on parking etc. It sure adds up quick.

[damo]

My parking was never put on my bill, so I didn't ask. I was never asked if I had a vehicle.

When stayed at the HRH, I spent a lot of time on my evaluation explaining how the parking charge was really silly when they are trying so hard to woo guests away from Disney.

[damo]

These fees are set by state and local laws - well except parking fees

anyways 6.5 % sales tax plus 6% hotel tax plus parking should be it.

What is a resort fee? and under what jurisdiction is it charged and who charges it? Universal is only the two taxes plus parking

(plus mini bar plus internet plus room service) - oh almost forgot the TAXES on internet, on parking etc. It sure adds up quick.

Disneyland hotels all charge resort fees. I think some of the offsite Orlando hotels do as well.

[Suzanne74]

Swan and Solphin charge resort fees too - it is absurd and I rather it just be added to the total price of the room.

[wwessing]

Nickelodeon Suites adds a resort fee as well - $20 per night - some of the others are even higher I believe.

[wwessing]

My parking was never put on my bill, so I didn't ask. I was never asked if I had a vehicle.

When stayed at the HRH, I spent a lot of time on my evaluation explaining how the parking charge was really silly when they are trying so hard to woo guests away from Disney.


I have called and asked why the parking fee - can't get an answer really. I've also e-mailed both the hotel and Loews about this. Get the standard response, "thanks for taking the time to write and we appreciate your comments". . . . . maybe if they hear it enough, it will go away.:rolleyes1

[goNDmay9]

i have an issue with the parking fee too! Dont know why but i would rather they just add it into the price of the room. However, i will say that i have heard a response that made me think. If they include the parking into the price of the room, than people who do not have cars will be paying for a service they are not using.

I though that was an interesting view point. HOWEVER, i would love to see a study that determined which offered more customer satisfaction. I would be interested to know how many people would even think - "hey! my parking fee is built in and i dont have a car" versus the "hey! what is this parking fee appearing on my bill each night?"

[gschmerl]

Hey People,
MANY hotels charge for parking. Go to any city and you will pay about $20 a night parking fee in the hotels. They have to maintain the parking lots and pay attendants, etc.
I agree it would not be fair to tack it onto the room rate. Why should people pay for a service they are not using?

[damo]

Hey People,
MANY hotels charge for parking. Go to any city and you will pay about $20 a night parking fee in the hotels. They have to maintain the parking lots and pay attendants, etc.
I agree it would not be fair to tack it onto the room rate. Why should people pay for a service they are not using?

I think everyone agrees with what you have said. However, people just don't like paying extra to their quoted rate. Most of the time when we go, we don't have a vehicle so I like the parking fee not being added in but I think some people will just refuse to stay at the Loews hotels because they charge extra for parking and Disney doesn't.

In these days when the parks want to compete, something as little as the parking fee becomes a big issue. Especially when you are staying for a while.

[gschmerl]

I know that a parking fee would not keep me from staying on site at Universal.
Disney doesn't charge for parking, but then again, they don't offer FOTL for staying on site either.

[bubba's mom]

I know that a parking fee would not keep me from staying on site at Universal.
Disney doesn't charge for parking, but then again, they don't offer FOTL for staying on site either.

i couldn't agree more! (fwiw: we don't park a car at UO either....so, i'm glad i'm not being charged to park a car there i don't have :laughing: )

[wwessing]

We have chosen not to stay at hotels that charge this particular fee. Regarding HRH, I think the rates are steep enough, even considering FOTL, without additional fees, but it won't keep us from staying either. However, that does not change my opinion of the parking fee. I realize many hotels charge a parking fee. . . in my opinion, it remains ridiculous.

Parking lot upkeep is part of maintaining a hotel and, again in my opinion, should not be an additional fee. I don't use the bathroom amenities, but I don't get a credit on my bill. I don't use the phone in the room, other than to call for a service within the hotel, and I don't get a credit on my bill. When traveling without my children I don't use the pool, and again, I don't receive a credit on my bill. If a hotel does not provide parking and you have to pay to park in a ramp or some other lot nearby, I can understand. But when the parking lot is part of, and owned by the hotel, they are part and parcel of hotel and should be included in the rate just like the other amenities provided, without any additional charges. People would be screaming all over the place if they were charged an additional amount for bathroom amenities, pool usage, local phone usage, etc. :scared1: Additional parking fees seem punitive to those who do drive. Perhaps, for these particular hotels, it is some crazy tactic to discourage people from driving so it is more challenging to leave the complex.:confused3

Anyway, I'm not just complaining to complain. In the scheme of things, paying $135 to park is really a drop in the bucket when considering the amount of money spent on a 9 or 10 day vacation. It's the principal of the thing, ya know? I could spend that money on something else. . . like margaritas. . . . instead. :thumbsup2

[Fan2CSkr]

We have chosen not to stay at hotels that charge this particular fee. However, that does not change my opinion of the parking fee. I realize many hotels charge a parking fee. . . in my opinion, it remains ridiculous.

Parking lot upkeep is part of maintaining a hotel and, again in my opinion, should not be an additional fee. But when the parking lot is part of, and owned by the hotel, they are part and parcel of hotel and should be included in the rate just like the other amenities provided, without any additional charges. Additional parking fees seem punitive to those who do drive.



I thought it should be mentioned that Loews does not own or operate the parking systems at any of the on-sites. I never drive so it doesnt pertain to me in this case. To make those of you that do park a car at Universal feel better compare these hotel parking fees.

The palace Hotel in San Fransisco $48 a night
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale $20 a night
Crown Plaza Seatle $28
Crowne Plaza Chicago $35
InterContinental Chicago $48
Holiday Inn NYC $44
New York Marriott Marquis $75 :scared1:

Pretty crazy!

[goNDmay9]

out of curiosity - those of you not bringing cars - do you feel as if you are paying for an amenity you don't have whenever you stay at a hotel that does NOT charge a parking fee?

i was just wondering because when we have flown to disney and stayed on property, i never really thought of a parking fee at all cause it was never brought to my attention.

i love consumer research and competitor analysis so i was just trying to get a feel for how people look at it.

[bubba's mom]

out of curiosity - those of you not bringing cars - do you feel as if you are paying for an amenity you don't have whenever you stay at a hotel that does NOT charge a parking fee?

i was just wondering because when we have flown to disney and stayed on property, i never really thought of a parking fee at all cause it was never brought to my attention.

i love consumer research and competitor analysis so i was just trying to get a feel for how people look at it.

be interesting to see the answer to this question also.....when we've gone to Disney, we haven't had a car there either! :rotfl2: (we always do the towncar thing and rent the car from DTD or Holiday Inn Universal at the end of our stay!)

[robvia]

The people who side with the resort always bring up the argument that other fancy hotels up north charge $20 per night and that Lowes is actually giving people a good deal. This is absurd.

You see, when people stay at a fancy hotel up north, they're usually visiting on business, and the company pays for it.

When people go on vacation, they try to save as much money as possible. I know that sounds weird, but it's just how people work. The first thing a newbie to these boards will ask is are there any coupons for park tickets. They only get people a few bucks off, yet people want them.

The other argument for the hotels, is that the parking fee is only $12 and it should be budgeted for. Well, again, it's $12 but for those staying 4-5 nights, it adds up. Some guests complain to management and it helps. Another thing is that parking at the HRH and RPR is horrible. It's outside, packed, and you're lucky to find a space.

If the front desk doesn't ask if you drove a car, then you won't be charged. That's why one of you got off for free. As to the other person, who knows why they waived parking. Maybe the person spent a bunch of money and the hotel person saw it on the screen.

I do agree that the parking fee is a major deterrent to people switching from Disney. What happens now is people stay at the All Stars and drive up for a day. If they want to splurge and stay at the RPR, they realize they'll be paying $40 to park. If there's one thing people hate is a fee "just because" that goes to nothing.

So yes, I'd encourage everyone to complain. The hotels are owned by Lowes, not Universal, so they're separate.

[Fan2CSkr]

The people who side with the resort always bring up the argument that other fancy hotels up north charge $20 per night and that Lowes is actually giving people a good deal. This is absurd.

You see, when people stay at a fancy hotel up north, they're usually visiting on business, and the company pays for it.

When people go on vacation, they try to save as much money as possible. I know that sounds weird, but it's just how people work. The first thing a newbie to these boards will ask is are there any coupons for park tickets. They only get people a few bucks off, yet people want them.

The other argument for the hotels, is that the parking fee is only $12 and it should be budgeted for. Well, again, it's $12 but for those staying 4-5 nights, it adds up. Some guests complain to management and it helps. Another thing is that parking at the HRH and RPR is horrible. It's outside, packed, and you're lucky to find a space.

If the front desk doesn't ask if you drove a car, then you won't be charged. That's why one of you got off for free. As to the other person, who knows why they waived parking. Maybe the person spent a bunch of money and the hotel person saw it on the screen.

I do agree that the parking fee is a major deterrent to people switching from Disney. What happens now is people stay at the All Stars and drive up for a day. If they want to splurge and stay at the RPR, they realize they'll be paying $40 to park. If there's one thing people hate is a fee "just because" that goes to nothing.

So yes, I'd encourage everyone to complain. The hotels are owned by Lowes, not Universal, so they're separate.

That is incorrect.
Universal Studios, Loews Hotels and The Rank Group all equally own the three on-site properties.

"You see, when people stay at a fancy hotel up north, they're usually visiting on business, and the company pays for it."

I disagree with this statement. Urban areas are congested with little room for parking. Hotels charge for the privilege of obtaining a space. Some cities where car theft is an issue this would be considered a plus. Its nothing new and it has nothing to do with business vs leisure travelers. Also, it isn't indigenous to the North.

The only issue I have with hotels charging a fee for parking is when their agenda is hidden. If they want to charge a fee it better be stated on my reservation and on the website. If I haven't been privy to that info prior to arriving, I would say something and request the charge be removed. If I am aware that there will be a fee to park I am then able to decide to stay there or not. If I stay there I agree with the fee and pay it.

I honestly in this case with the three on-sites and their occupancy growing do not believe they are worried in the least about the all star customer not staying due to a parking fee.

[Fan2CSkr]

out of curiosity - those of you not bringing cars - do you feel as if you are paying for an amenity you don't have whenever you stay at a hotel that does NOT charge a parking fee?
i was just wondering because when we have flown to disney and stayed on property, i never really thought of a parking fee at all cause it was never brought to my attention.

i love consumer research and competitor analysis so i was just trying to get a feel for how people look at it.

No, I never gave it a thought one way or the other. Interested to see how this goes!

[damo]

Lots of non-fancy hotels in obscure areas charge for parking. It is a money grab or a deterence to using the parking lot.