Hotel Stay Giveaways: What Blackout Dates and Resort Fees Mean

Blackout dates are days when a hotel-stay prize or award cannot be redeemed under that offer's terms. Resort fees are mandatory property charges that may remain payable even when the room itself is complimentary. A "free stay" often covers only the room component.

Before entering or booking, check eligible dates, available room types, taxes, resort or destination fees, and other exclusions.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on September 09, 2026.

How blackout dates limit redemption

Blackout dates are specific calendar dates excluded from an offer. They commonly matter around periods when promotional room inventory is unavailable, but each giveaway or rewards program sets its own restrictions. Some programs limit blackout dates instead of publishing a fixed calendar.

Marriott says participating MGM Collection properties make standard rooms available daily under its "Limited Blackout Dates" policy, subject to program exclusions, according to its current MGM Collection FAQ. Availability is a separate restriction. Even without a listed blackout date, a complimentary room may require an advance reservation and qualifying inventory.

Ocean Casino Resort states that complimentary rooms, upgrades, and late checkout are subject to availability, reservations, and possible blackout dates in its current rewards terms.

What resort fees pay for

A resort fee is a required charge associated with amenities or services selected by the property. Calling the room "free" does not automatically remove that charge. Since May 12, 2025, the FTC's fee rule has required upfront price transparency for U.S.

short-term lodging. The rule does not prohibit resort fees or limit their amount, according to the FTC's rule announcement. For ordinary advertised lodging prices, mandatory resort fees must appear in the total.

The FTC's example combines a $199 nightly rate and required $39 daily resort fee instead of presenting $199 as the prominent total. Hotels may itemize the charges, but the total must be clearer and more prominent than the breakdown, as explained in the FTC's fee-rule FAQ.

Why "free night" may not mean a zero-dollar stay

The party providing the room decides which costs the benefit covers. One prize might include the room and mandatory property fees, while another may leave the recipient responsible for resort fees and taxes. Marriott, for example, says guests redeeming awards at MGM Collection properties pay resort fees.

Its stated exception covers Ambassador members for up to two rooms. Ocean Casino Resort likewise limits its complimentary-room resort-fee waiver to Prime and Reserve cardholders. Do not assume a general fee policy overrides the giveaway rules.

The important question is whether the specific prize terms say fees are "included," "waived," or "the winner's responsibility."

What to check before entering

Read the sponsor's terms before treating the stated prize value as your likely savings. Focus on conditions that could change whether you can use the stay or what you will pay. Save a copy of the applicable terms when you enter and review them again before booking.

Policies and availability can change, while the version tied to the promotion may contain the conditions that govern your stay.

• Eligible travel and booking dates
• Named blackout dates or excluded events
• Required advance reservations
• Promotional or standard-room availability
• Number of guests and included room nights

How to judge the prize's practical value

Start with costs the stay actually replaces, then subtract charges you must still pay. A complimentary room may still offer meaningful savings, but a daily resort fee can reduce that value across several nights. Also consider whether the eligible dates fit your schedule.

A high stated room value provides little practical benefit if blackout dates, limited inventory, or an expiration date prevent you from traveling. Before confirming, ask for a written price breakdown showing the room charge, mandatory fees, taxes, and optional extras. Verify that the reservation reflects the complimentary nights and every promised fee waiver.