Are Vegas Resort Fees Mandatory?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, you may be wondering about the infamous resort fees. These fees have become a hot topic in recent years, with some travelers feeling frustrated by the extra expense. In this article, we’ll explore what resort fees are and whether or not they’re mandatory.

What are Resort Fees

Resort fees are additional charges that hotels in Las Vegas (and many other tourist destinations) add to your bill on top of the nightly room rate. They cover a variety of amenities and services that the hotel provides, such as pool access, Wi-Fi, fitness center usage, and more. Some hotels also include things like local phone calls and shuttle service as part of their resort fee.

How Much are Resort Fees in Las Vegas

The amount of your resort fee will vary depending on which hotel you choose. Generally speaking, though, most Las Vegas hotels charge between $25 and $45 per night for their resort fee. Some luxury properties charge even more.

Are Resort Fees Mandatory

Yes, in most cases resort fees are mandatory. When you book a room at a Las Vegas hotel, you’ll see the nightly room rate listed separately from the resort fee. While it’s technically possible to find hotels that don’t charge a resort fee (or waive it for certain guests), they’re few and far between.

The reason why hotels charge resort fees is simple: it allows them to advertise lower room rates. By separating out the cost of amenities and services into a separate fee, they can make their rooms appear cheaper than they really are.

Can You Avoid Paying Resort Fees

Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to avoid paying resort fees at most Las Vegas hotels. Some travelers have had luck calling the hotel directly and asking for the fee to be waived, especially if they have elite status with the hotel’s loyalty program or if they’re celebrating a special occasion.

Another option is to book your room using rewards points, since some loyalty programs will waive resort fees for award stays. However, keep in mind that this isn’t always the case.

Conclusion

While resort fees can be frustrating, they’re a fact of life when it comes to Las Vegas hotels. Make sure you budget accordingly and read the fine print before booking your room. And remember: while you may not like paying extra for amenities that used to be included in the nightly rate, there’s not much you can do about it except enjoy your stay in Sin City!