Class-action lawsuit questions legality of ‘hidden’ resort fees

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Published on 19/05/11 - Updated on 17/03/22

A class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. federal court this week could have far-reaching implications on the American hotel industry and its growing practice of charging mandatory resort fees.

The lawsuit specifically claim the property’s US$25 daily resort fee is “hidden” and amounts to a bait-and-switch. The filing alleges that guests are not informed about the fee when making reservations online or by phone.Resort fees are not common in France. The closest thing in France to a resort fee is a “frais de dossier” (registration fee) but they are always announced ahead of time, when the reservation takes place.Resort fees are charges above and beyond the regular room rate. They're invoiced for collective of the gym, the spa, the pool, etc. whether you use any of those facilities or not.Attorney Steven Wittels is petitioning the U.S. District Court to grant class-action status to the lawsuit, filed on behalf of two guests of PGA National, Alison Handwerker and Jeffrey Greenberg. The lawsuit seeks US$25 million in damages.Resort fees are not common in France. The closest thing in France to a resort fee is a “frais de dossier” (registration fee) but they are always announced ahead of time, when the reservation takes place.

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