Las Vegas Resort Fees: What They Are And How to Avoid Them
Heading to Las Vegas? Beware of the surprising additional charges known as “resort fees.” I’ve faced this unexpected cost before and found out that it isn’t included in your reservation total.
It’s collected directly by the hotel! In this article, we’ll demystify these resort fees, helping you understand their purpose, average costs, benefits, drawbacks, and even how to potentially avoid them altogether.
Ready for some savings? Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of Las Vegas resort fees.
What Are Las Vegas Resort Fees?
Las Vegas resort fees are additional charges collected directly by hotels, separate from the room rate, and cover amenities and services provided to guests. The average cost of Las Vegas resort fees ranges from $25-$40 per night away from the Strip, while on the Strip it can be between $35-$40 per night.
Definition and purpose of resort fees
Resort fees are nightly charges that you’ll find added to your hotel bill in many popular destinations, including Las Vegas. Essentially, they’re a way for hotels to recover part of the cost of the complimentary features they offer to guests.
These extras can vary between hotels but often span from Wi-Fi and access to the gym, right through to newspapers and bottled water waiting in your room when you arrive. Even though these charges can seem like an unpleasant surprise, especially since they’re mandatory and unavoidable, it’s worth remembering that their intention is to enhance your stay by covering hotel-specific services not included in room rates.
What Services Are Included In Las Vegas Resort Fees?
Las Vegas resort fees may seem like an extra expense, but they often come with a range of included amenities and services that can enhance your stay. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:
Access to pools: Many hotels in Las Vegas have incredible pool areas, complete with cabanas, loungers, and even water slides. Paying the resort fee means you have unlimited access to these luxurious pool facilities throughout your stay.
Fitness center usage: Staying active while on vacation is important for many travelers. With the resort fee, you’ll have complimentary access to state-of-the-art fitness centers equipped with the latest exercise equipment and sometimes even fitness classes.
High-speed internet access: In today’s connected world, having reliable internet access is essential. Paying the resort fee ensures that you can enjoy high-speed internet in your room and throughout the hotel property, allowing you to stay connected and share your Las Vegas adventures.
Local phone calls: Need to make a reservation at a nearby restaurant or call a friend? Included local phone calls mean you won’t need to worry about extra charges for making those important calls from your hotel room.
Shuttle services: Some hotels offer free shuttle services to popular attractions along the Las Vegas Strip or to and from the airport. This can save you money on transportation costs and make getting around more convenient.
In-room perks: Depending on where you’re staying, resort fees may also cover additional in-room amenities such as a coffee maker, mini-fridge, or access to premium TV channels.
Concierge services: Hotels often provide concierge services to help guests with various needs such as booking show tickets, arranging transportation, or recommending local attractions and dining options.
Resort-wide discounts: Some hotels offer exclusive discounts on food and beverages within their property for guests who pay the resort fee. This can be a great way to enjoy high-quality dining experiences at a reduced price.
Average Cost Of Resort Fees In Las Vegas
If you’re planning a trip to Sin City, there’s something important you need to factor into your budget – the Las Vegas resort fees. As of late, most hotels in this vibrant city have started charging these additional costs, which aren’t included in the room rate listed on your reservation.
Instead, they are collected directly by the hotel upon checkout. The cost of these Las Vegas resort fees can vary greatly depending on location and specific hotel; however, you’ll often find an average night’s fee around $25-$40 if you move away from the Strip.
On the infamous Strip itself though, expect those numbers to climb up! Average estimates for such high-end locations fall approximately between $35-$40 per night. Keep in mind that these amounts cover various amenities and services provided by the hotel like Wi-Fi access, gym facilities usage or pool entry and are subject to taxation as well.
Drawbacks Of Additional Charges
Las Vegas resort fees may come with some drawbacks that you should keep in mind when planning your trip. Here are a few important points to consider:
- Increased overall cost: Resort fees can significantly increase the total cost of your stay. It’s essential to factor in these additional charges when budgeting for your trip to Las Vegas.
- Lack of transparency: The inclusion of resort fees is often not clearly stated during the booking process, leading many visitors to feel deceived when faced with unexpected charges upon arrival.
- Limited control over charges: Unlike other optional hotel services, such as room service or spa treatments, resort fees are non-negotiable and cannot be declined or removed from your bill. This lack of control can be frustrating for travelers seeking more flexibility in their accommodations.
- Mandatory payment for unused amenities: Resort fees cover a range of amenities and services, but it’s important to note that not all guests may utilize or have access to them. Despite this, the fees are typically charged regardless of usage.
- Perception of unfairness: Some travelers argue that charging resort fees is unfair because they essentially force customers to pay for amenities they may not necessarily want or need. This perceived lack of choice can leave a negative impression on guests.
- Potential impact on affordability: For budget-conscious travelers, the additional cost of resort fees can make certain hotels seem more expensive than they initially appear. This can limit accommodation options for those looking for more affordable choices while staying in Las Vegas.
- Variability among hotels: The amount charged for resort fees can vary among different hotels in Las Vegas, making it difficult to compare prices accurately and choose the most cost-effective option.
- Taxation on top of fees: It’s important to remember that resort fees are subject to additional taxes and charges, which further contribute to the overall expense.
Additional Taxes And Charges
During your stay in Las Vegas, it’s essential to be aware of the additional taxes and charges that come along with resort fees. These fees are not only an extra expense on top of your hotel room rate but can also significantly increase the total cost of your stay.
In Las Vegas, resort fees are subject to a 13.38 percent tax, which means you’ll need to budget accordingly. It’s important to keep in mind that these hidden fees can make it challenging to determine the actual price of your hotel stay upfront.
So, when planning your trip, be sure to include these additional taxes and charges in your overall budget calculation.
Tips For Dealing With Las Vegas Resort Fees
While resort fees are pretty standard at most Las Vegas Strip hotels, there are some tips and tricks you can use to reduce or eliminate these fees.
To avoid excessive Las Vegas resort fees, join hotel loyalty programs for potential discounts or waived fees, book directly with the hotel to inquire about possible fee waivers, look for hotels without resort fees, and negotiate fees at check-in.
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs For Potential Discounts Or Waived Fees
As someone planning a trip to Las Vegas, it’s worth considering joining hotel loyalty programs for potential discounts or waived resort fees. By becoming a member of these programs, you may be eligible for special perks such as discounted rates or even having the resort fees waived altogether.
Some hotels offer this benefit specifically to their elite members, making it worthwhile to explore different loyalty programs and their associated benefits. Additionally, booking award stays through hotel loyalty programs can often result in waived resort fees, saving you money on your overall hotel expenses.
So before finalizing your accommodation plans, take the time to research and join these loyalty programs – it could make a significant difference in your vacation budget!
Book Directly With The Hotel To Inquire About Possible Fee Waivers
When planning your trip to Las Vegas, it’s important to remember a few tips for dealing with resort fees. One effective strategy is to book directly with the hotel and inquire about possible fee waivers.
By directly contacting the hotel, you can discuss any additional charges and explore options for getting them waived. Some hotels may be willing to accommodate your request, especially if you express your concerns or dissatisfaction with the resort fees.
Additionally, joining the hotel’s loyalty program may also provide potential discounts or waivers on these fees. It’s worth taking the time to reach out and see what options are available to help minimize these extra costs and make your stay in Las Vegas more enjoyable without breaking the bank.
Look For Hotels Without Resort Fees
I always make it a point to look for hotels in Las Vegas that don’t charge resort fees. It’s a great way to save some extra money during your trip. Here are some tips on finding these hidden gems:
- Some hotels in Las Vegas have made the choice not to charge resort fees. These hotels often offer competitive rates and still provide excellent amenities and services.
- When searching for accommodations, pay close attention to the fine print and choose hotels that explicitly state they do not charge resort fees.
- Consider staying off the strip. Many of the hotels located away from the main tourist area do not impose resort fees. You can still enjoy a comfortable stay and access all that Las Vegas has to offer without the added charges.
- Check out Fremont Street hotels. Some of these establishments do not enforce resort fees, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Take advantage of travel aggregator websites or online travel agencies that have filters allowing you to search specifically for hotels without resort fees. This can save you time and effort in finding suitable accommodations.
- If you have a particular hotel in mind but are unsure about their policy on resort fees, it’s worth reaching out directly to inquire about any potential waivers or discounts they might offer.
- Keep in mind that credit cards with certain benefits may waive resort fees as part of their perks. Check if your credit card offers this feature before booking your Las Vegas accommodations.
Negotiate fees at check-in
When you arrive at your Las Vegas hotel, don’t be afraid to negotiate the resort fees at check-in. While it may not always be successful, there are instances where hotels have agreed to waive or reduce these charges upon request.
Keep in mind that different casinos have varying policies regarding fee negotiation. Some may automatically waive fees for comped rooms, while others require a formal request. It’s worth trying your luck and politely asking the front desk if they can make any adjustments to the fees associated with your stay.
You never know – you might just end up saving some extra cash during your trip!
Conclusion: Las Vegas Resort Fees
In conclusion, Las Vegas resort fees are a topic that travelers should be aware of before booking their accommodations. While these fees come with added amenities and services, they can also be an additional cost to consider.
By following some tips and strategies, such as joining loyalty programs or looking for hotels without resort fees, visitors can navigate the world of Las Vegas resort fees more effectively. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to make an informed decision when planning a trip to Sin City.
