MGM sued over use of resorts fees in D.C.

A lawsuit has been filed in Washington, DC civil court against MGM Resorts by a self-proclaimed nonprofit travel advocacy group, Travelers United, over resort fees.

MGM Resorts operates the MGM National Harbor in Forest Heights, Maryland, a short drive away from the district.

The complaint was filed on Feb. 18, where it claims such charges violate the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, News 3 reports. It details how the resort owner fails to include these charges in its daily advertising rates on the property's website or on online travel agencies.

While resort owners have often said the fees cover amenities like pools, fitness center and wireless Internet, some amenities are also available at no-charge for non-hotel guests.

In addition, the complaint alleges that MGM uses "misleading language" due to the charges imposed during "comped" room nights, which can run up to $45 per night.

“Resort fees are a clear violation of DC’s consumer protection laws. It is time to end the abhorrent practice of illegal resort fees by the hotel industry,” Lauren Wolfe, counsel for Travelers United, said in the Wednesday statement. “All mandatory hotel fees must be included in the advertised price in order to be legal. MGM’s deceptive practice of hotel resort fees must end.”