Resort fees on points bookings

[iamlost]

I always understood that Hilton waives resort fees on award stays. Even their website says so:

No resort fees Reward stays booked using all Points, or for promotional free night stays (e.g., issued by credit card partners, etc.).

Has this policy changed? I have a points booking for April at The Reach Key West (95k/night for a Key West View King, so 380k with 5 for 4). It is showing in my account as:

Points 380,000
Price US$0.00
Fees $0.00
Taxes
Total for stay 380,000 Points + US$253.13

What is that about? Hilton advertises resort charges at The Reach of $45 plus taxes. 5 nights at $45 with 12.5% tax adds up to exactly $253.13. Will I actually be asked to pay this even though I paid fully with points?

[NorthernLass]

I just replied but it’s disappeared …

[Peter K]

NorthernLass wrote:

I just replied but it’s disappeared …

Press the back button on your browser and it will appear as an unposted comment ready to be sent in the comment box. You can then copy and edit it to see if it’ll then post.

[The Savage Squirrel]

Wouldn’t worry. I’ve had plenty of US Hilton stays where resort stay was quoted on reservation, but not charged.

[NorthernLass]

I think the hotel is technically supposed to remove the resort fee from your bill at the end of the stay but I’ve also heard of people having to argue their case with Hilton. It might be worth contacting Hilton on chat and getting confirmation that no fees are payable, then take a screenshot of the conversation – or send a message/email to customer support.
I think it’s going to be more and more difficult to avoid these fees – even some Hampton Inns are charging them now!

[NorthernLass]

…and there it is!

[iamlost]

Thanks – I will argue it there if needed, the Hilton site is very clear about no resort fees on reward stays.

[Rob]

Really shouldn’t be an issue – hotel will have multiple reward guests per day and knows what the rules are.

Hilton told me that they pay the fee on your behalf so the hotel isn’t even losing out.

[Scottpat78]

I just completed a 5 night points stay in Las Vegas (Resorts World) and the resort fee wasn’t charged, wasn’t even on my bill then credited back.

What I noticed when booking this was the slight difference in ‘standard’ rewards vs ‘premium’ rewards. I couldn’t get 5th night free for example if I booked a premium reward room, only applicable to standard room rewards. I can’t imagine that would also mean resorts fees are payable for premium, but they seem to have differing rules for different room / reward types.

Also, you need to have the full points amount available. If you are booking with points & cash then resorts fees are payable in my dummy booking test experience.

[John]

It’s a Hilton IT error. Happens quite often but this error usually doesn’t show on the hotel’s side