DETROIT, MI – A non-descript Fairfield Inn just outside of Detroit, Michigan is the latest target for the unpopular Marriot “Destination” fee, causing many to scratch their heads.
Hotel super chain Marriott continues to find new ways to increase the cost of a room while appearing to be cheaper in search results. For example, Resort Fees were added nearly ten years ago to accomplish this goal for properties in specific locations that provided additional services such as access to kayaks, included bottles of water, or Playstation gaming systems in rooms.
Despite massive consumer outrage over the exorbitant fees, the program has been quite successful and remains to this day, and is perhaps even the inspiration for the “Destination” fee program.
Destination Fees!?
With the unbridled success of Resort Fees (and complete avoidance of regulatory compliance by the FTC), Marriott expanded the program to “Destination Fees” in essence allowing any property to add the additional cost to room rate while at the same time appearing to be less expensive.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Detroit Adds Destination Fee
The latest property to add a Destination Fee is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Detroit. We requested comment from Marriott on the topic but when no such comment was supplied we waited by their car until they left Marriott HQ for the day where a spokesperson said,
“The Fairfield Detroit offers a unique location respective to the rich history of Motor City. Guests will be able to live the movies they love, as the hotel is located on 8 Mile. No other hotel in the city provides such close access to streets and venues that made 8 Mile such a fan-adored film.” John Smithton, Marriott.
Included in the Destination Fee is a microwave on top of a lukewarm mini-fridge for reheating “Mom’s spaghetti,” daily laundering of one tank top with stain removal, and a complementary mixtape of local area rap battles.
