In an effort to challenge what it describes as exploitative practices in the hotel industry, the hospitality union Unite Here has launched a significant campaign aimed at exposing the hidden costs associated with hotel stays, particularly resort fees. Through its “Resort Fee Ripoff” initiative, the organization has created an informative website designed to assist consumers and travel advisors in navigating the often murky waters of hotel pricing. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the financial implications of resort fees, which are frequently viewed as opportunistic financial grabs that disadvantage both consumers and travel professionals alike.
One of the critical components of Unite Here’s campaign is the scrutiny it places on the commission policies of major hotel chains like Marriott International, Hilton, and Hyatt. The union alleges that there is a growing trend of declining commissions for travel advisors coinciding with rising resort fees, which are frequently excluded from commission calculations. For instance, Hyatt’s commission policy specifically states that items categorized as “incidentals, taxes, [or] mandatory fees” do not count toward commissionable revenue. Similarly, Hilton limits commission earnings strictly to room revenue, a policy that significantly reduces the earning potential for travel advisors, particularly on bookings that include resort fees.
These commission structures are coming under increased scrutiny at a time when there is a robust call for greater price transparency within the hospitality sector. Regulatory pressure is mounting from various levels, including new state laws and proposed federal measures aimed at simplifying the costs associated with hotel bookings. For example, in 2023 Marriott began integrating resort fees into its room rates as part of a consumer-protection agreement, a move that further underscores the shift towards transparency. Additionally, California has passed legislation targeting so-called junk fees, which includes mandatory hotel charges, signaling a changing landscape that may benefit consumers in the long run.
A Broader Context: Worker Strikes and Collective Action
The Unite Here campaign also aligns strategically with broader labor movements impacting the hotel industry. Recently, the organization has played a central role in orchestrating strikes at numerous high-profile hotels in cities like San Francisco, underscoring the growing unrest among hotel workers. These walkouts, now in their 55th day, involve well-known establishments such as the Grand Hyatt San Francisco and the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, illuminating a larger narrative of workers advocating for fair treatment and better working conditions. This labor unrest goes hand-in-hand with the union’s campaigns against corporate practices that exploit both consumers and employees.
Unite Here’s “Resort Fee Ripoff” campaign illuminates a critical conversation about fairness in pricing within the hospitality industry while simultaneously advocating for the rights of workers. By shedding light on the commission practices of major hotel chains and the ongoing regulatory changes aimed at increasing price transparency, this initiative serves as a call to action for both travelers and advisors alike to question and challenge the status quo. As the movement gains momentum, it may well reshape the future of hotel pricing and labor relations in the industry.