Are 'resort fees' a rip-off?

QUESTION: We have booked a four-star hotel in Miami and have noticed that we have to pay a daily 'resort fee' of 12 US dollars. I emailed the hotel and was told this was for use of pool loungers, beach chairs and other facilities. Surely these should be included in the price? - Jane Miles

ANSWER: Of course this charge is ludicrous and is an example of how some hotels, especially in the United States, are sneakily increasing their effective room rates. An explanation I have heard is that the charge was instituted in hotels which had a high percentage of long-term guests who objected to paying for facilities they did not use. Those who wished to use the pool, etc, were therefore charged for it. However, over time this has become a compulsory fee for all guests, a nice income-booster for the hotels. As you have been advised about the charge, you cannot refuse to pay. You can cancel your reservation in protest or calculate the true cost of the hotel room (with all the extras and taxes added in) and decide whether it represents fair value.