When planning a trip to Las Vegas, you may come across the term “resort fees” while booking your hotel room. Resort fees have become a common practice in the hospitality industry and are often added to your hotel bill on top of the nightly rate.
But what exactly are resort fees, and are they optional in Las Vegas? Let’s dive in!
What Are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that hotels add to your bill for the use of amenities and services. These can include things like Wi-Fi, pool access, fitness center use, and even local calls. The fees can vary from hotel to hotel and can range from a few dollars per night to over $40 per night.
Are Resort Fees Optional?
Unfortunately, resort fees are not optional in Las Vegas. Hotels in Las Vegas are legally allowed to charge resort fees as long as they disclose the fee upfront before you book your room. This means that when you book a hotel room in Las Vegas, you will see the nightly rate plus the resort fee listed separately.
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels argue that resort fees allow them to keep their nightly rates low while still providing guests with access to amenities and services. Additionally, hotels claim that charging a separate fee for these amenities allows guests to see exactly what they are paying for.
However, many travelers feel that resort fees are deceptive and unfair. They believe that hotels should include all amenities in the nightly rate so that guests know exactly what they will be paying upfront.
How Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees?
Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to avoid paying resort fees in Las Vegas. Some hotels may waive the fee if you have status with their loyalty program or if you book through certain travel websites. However, these options are not guaranteed.
One thing you can do is to research hotels before booking and choose one with a lower resort fee or no resort fee at all. Additionally, you can try to negotiate with the hotel at check-in to see if they will waive the fee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resort fees are not optional in Las Vegas. While they may be frustrating for travelers, hotels are legally allowed to charge them as long as they disclose the fee upfront. When planning your trip to Las Vegas, be sure to factor in the resort fee when budgeting for your hotel room.