Are resort fees or facility fees included in the group rate?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It all depends on the hotel.
Resort fees or facility fees are not automatically included in wedding group rates unless the hotel specifically agrees to include or waive them in the contract.

It’s hard to be a budget-conscious host when resort fees are lurking in the shadows. These charges are easily the most confusing part of a room block, making it tough to see which hotel is actually offering the best deal for your friends and family.

The good news is that with the right questions and a clear contract, you can avoid surprises. And with Room Blocks by Engine, you can see how fees are handled across multiple hotel proposals in one place, instead of digging through fine print on your own.

What are resort fees or facility fees?

Resort fees or facility fees are mandatory daily charges that hotels add on top of the room rate. They are common at resorts and increasingly common at city hotels, especially in popular wedding destinations.

These fees usually cover amenities like:

• Pool and fitness center access
• WiFi
• Beach chairs or towels at resort properties
• Business center access
• Local phone calls

Even if a guest does not use these amenities, the fee still applies.

Are resort fees usually included in wedding group rates?

The most common scenario

In most cases, resort fees are not included in the advertised group room rate. Instead, they are listed separately and charged directly to each guest at check-in or checkout.

This is very common at:

• Destination wedding resorts
• Major brands like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Westin
• Hotels in places like Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Hawaii, and Southern California

When resort fees might be included or waived

Some hotels are willing to:

• Include the fee in the quoted group rate, or
• Discount or waive the fee entirely for wedding room blocks

This is more likely when:

• You are booking a larger number of rooms
• Your wedding falls on a slower weekend or off season
• The hotel strongly wants your group business

However, this is never guaranteed and must be clearly written into the contract.

Why this matters so much for wedding guests

From a guest’s perspective, resort fees can feel like a surprise. A room that looks affordable at first can suddenly feel expensive once fees are added.

For example:

• A $199 group rate plus a $35 per night resort fee quickly becomes a much higher total.
• Guests traveling with families or staying multiple nights feel this even more.

At the end of the day, you want your loved ones to remember your vows, not a frustrating 'surprise' fee they didn't budget for.

How to confirm whether fees are included 

Ask these questions early

When reviewing hotel proposals, make sure you know:

• Are resort or facility fees charged?
• Are they included in the group rate or billed separately?
• Can the fee be discounted or waived for wedding guests?
• Does the fee apply to all room types and all nights?

If the answer is not written clearly, assume the fee is not included.

Get it in writing

Verbal promises do not protect your guests. If a hotel agrees to include or waive fees, it must appear explicitly in the contract language.

This is one of the biggest advantages of using Room Blocks by Engine. You can compare proposals side by side and see how each hotel handles fees, instead of chasing answers from multiple sales managers.

How to communicate fees to your guests

Even when fees are non-negotiable, transparency helps avoid confusion.

We recommend:

• Listing the room rate and noting any additional resort or facility fees on your wedding website
• Using clear language like “plus applicable taxes and resort fees”
• Encouraging guests to book early so they can plan their budget

Clear communication builds trust and prevents awkward conversations later.

Tips to minimize fee frustration for your wedding weekend

• Offer hotel options: Choose one hotel with fees and one without, if possible
• Negotiate perks: Sometimes hotels will not waive fees but will add value like breakfast or parking
• Book early: The earlier you start, the more flexibility hotels may have

Room Blocks by Engine helps you compare all of this in one place, so you are not guessing or overwhelmed.

Why couples use Room Blocks by Engine for peace of mind

Booking a wedding room block is already emotional and time consuming. Adding hidden fees into the mix makes it even harder.

With Room Blocks by Engine, you can:

• Compare multiple hotel proposals at once
• See rates, fees, and perks clearly organized
• Avoid back and forth emails with hotels
• Feel confident you are choosing the best option for your guests

You do not need to be a hotel expert. That is what the platform is built for.

Plan your wedding hotel block with clarity and no surprises

Resort fees or facility fees are not always included in wedding group rates, but they can often be clarified, negotiated, or at least planned for with the right approach.

The key is asking early, confirming everything in writing, and choosing a process that makes the details easy to understand.

Ready to find your perfect room block without the stress?
Start comparing hotels with Room Blocks by Engine today by first choosing the city where your wedding will take place, reviewing your options, and selecting the hotel that feels right for you and your guests.