A popular TikTok influencer has ignited a conversation about travel costs in the United States after sharing her shocking experience with a Hawaii hotel. The influencer, known as @funkshe online, detailed on her honeymoon how she was hit with over $500 in unexpected “resort fees” at checkout. These fees, she explained in a viral clip, were for amenities she neither requested nor utilized, including a flower and coconut greeting, daily yoga for two, banana bread muffins, and branded water bottles, all under the guise of Marriott Bonvoy member benefits.
Adding to the frustration, the influencer pointed out that essential amenities like beach chairs were not included in the base rate or the resort fee. Guests wishing to reserve a chair in the sun faced an additional $200 charge. She expressed disbelief at the policy, questioning the value proposition for guests already paying significant amounts, and criticizing the hotel for charging for basic comforts simply because they could.
The video resonated with many viewers, sparking a wider discussion about “corporate greed” and “hidden fees” in the hospitality industry. Social media users echoed her sentiment, with some suggesting that travel experiences in Europe or Asia offer better value for money compared to domestic US travel. Others lamented the increasing trend of businesses passing on operational costs to consumers through mandatory additional charges.
Social Media Reactions
The video has gone viral on social media, with many users supporting her critique.
One user commented, “Corporate greed hidden fees is something we should absolutely address but also native Hawaiian has been warning us. Telling us to boycott Hawaii as a travel destination because of how much capitalism has destroyed the island and drive away people who are native to the island. It’s a lesson for all of us really, to do a bit of research before booking for holidays at any particular destination,”
Another user wrote, “I realized as an American, save up money for the flights to Europe, Asia, etc because the experience is 1000x better than US ever could for the same price.”
“That’s why you don’t travel in the US not to Hawaii definitely not Vegas or anywhere that they have passed legislation to pass city expenses on to tourists. Because those companies then begin to charge you for everything that you should be getting for free,” wrote a third user.