Resort Fees Explained: The Hawaii Hotel Costs They Don't Advertise— Ep 48

Navigating Hawaii Resort Fees: How the 2025 FTC Rule Impacts Your BudgetIn this episode, Marcie from Hawaii Travel Meet Easy addresses the issue of unexpected resort fees that can disrupt travel budgets. She discusses the new 2025 Federal Trade Commission rule requiring hotels to disclose total prices upfront, including all mandatory fees. Marcie explains what resort fees cover, why they exist, and strategies for managing these costs effectively. She offers a five-point navigation strategy to help travelers budget accurately and compare accommodations fairly. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding resort fees and suggests alternatives like vacation rentals or boutique hotels for better value. Marcie also provides resources for personalized travel consultations and detailed information about resort fees and alternative accommodations.00:00 Introduction and Hidden Resort Fees01:30 Understanding Resort Fees and New Rules02:21 The Real Cost of Resort Fees03:48 Strategies to Navigate Resort Fees07:01 When to Avoid Resort Fees07:43 Alternative Accommodation Options08:14 Conclusion and ResourcesWho this episode is for: Anyone booking Hawaii accommodations who wants to understand resort fees, how the new 2025 FTC disclosure rule affects pricing, and how to budget accurately.What you'll learn: What resort fees actually cover, how the 2025 FTC rule requires hotels to disclose total prices upfront, and a five-point strategy for navigating and comparing accommodation costs fairly.Activities discussed:Comparing accommodation total costsBooking vacation rentals or boutique hotels as alternatives to resort-fee propertiesMarcie's recommendations:Understand what resort fees typically cover before assuming they're pure profit-paddingFactor the new 2025 FTC rule into your booking process — hotels must now disclose total prices, including mandatory fees, upfrontUse the five-point strategy to navigate resort fees and compare accommodations on a true total-cost basisKnow when it's worth avoiding resort-fee properties altogetherConsider vacation rentals or boutique hotels as alternatives that may offer better valueAlways compare the full price, not just the advertised nightly rateRelated Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: Where to Stay in Hawaii: Resort vs Condo vs Hotel vs Vacation Rental Guide— Ep 38Budgeting for a Hawaii Vacation: What to Expect— Ep 16Related articles:The Best Maui Family Resorts to Book for Your Next Trip7 Huge Mistakes Families Make at Hawaii Resorts and How to Avoid Them!10 Best Resorts in Kauai for Families7 Best Resorts in Oahu for Families7 Cheap Places to Stay in Maui for Budget-Friendly TravelBest Places to Stay in Hana Maui for Every TravelerPlanning Your Trip? Find Out the Best Area to Stay in Maui18 Best Places to Stay for a Hawaii Christmas Vacation With KidsBeware of Hawaii's Vacation Rentals: What No One Tells You About Staying with KidsWhere to Stay on the Big Island: Kona or Hilo?13 Best Places to Stay on the Big Island with KidsAdditional resources:Free Email Planning CoursesEtsy ShopDiscount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.comConnect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/