Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas soon? If so, you may have heard about resort fees.
These fees are mandatory charges that hotels in Las Vegas add to your bill on top of the room rate. They can range from $15 to $45 per night, and they cover amenities like internet access, fitness centers, and pool access.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your Las Vegas trip, you might be wondering if there’s any way to avoid paying resort fees. In this article, we’ll explore some ways to minimize or eliminate these fees.
What Are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are mandatory charges that hotels in Las Vegas add to your bill in addition to the room rate. These fees cover amenities that used to be included in the room rate, such as internet access, fitness centers, and pool access.
The idea behind resort fees is that they allow hotels to advertise lower room rates while still making money from guests who use the amenities covered by the fee. However, many travelers feel that these fees are deceptive and unfair.
Why Are Resort Fees So High in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas hotels charge some of the highest resort fees in the world. There are a few reasons for this:
- Competition: Because there are so many hotels in Las Vegas, each one is trying to offer more amenities than its competitors. This leads to higher costs and higher resort fees.
- Tourism taxes: The state of Nevada charges a 13% tax on hotel rooms and resort fees.
This means that hotels have an incentive to charge higher resort fees since they get a percentage of the revenue.
- Profitability: Hotels in Las Vegas are some of the most profitable in the world. They know that tourists will pay high prices for their rooms and amenities, so they charge as much as they can.
How Can I Avoid Resort Fees?
While it’s difficult to completely avoid resort fees in Las Vegas, there are some ways to minimize or eliminate them:
Book Directly with the Hotel
One way to avoid resort fees is to book your room directly with the hotel. Some hotels offer lower room rates or waive resort fees for guests who book directly through their website or reservation line.
Use Loyalty Programs
If you’re a frequent traveler, consider joining a hotel loyalty program. Many hotels offer perks like free Wi-Fi, waived resort fees, and room upgrades to members of their loyalty programs.
Pick a Hotel Without Resort Fees
Not all hotels in Las Vegas charge resort fees. Some hotels, like the Four Queens and El Cortez, have chosen not to add these fees to their bills. Keep in mind that these hotels may have fewer amenities than those that charge resort fees.
Negotiate with the Hotel
If you’re booking a large group or staying for an extended period of time, you may be able to negotiate with the hotel to waive or reduce resort fees. It never hurts to ask!
Conclusion
Resort fees are an unfortunate reality of staying in Las Vegas hotels. While it’s difficult to completely avoid them, there are some ways to minimize or eliminate these charges. By booking directly with the hotel, using loyalty programs, picking a hotel without resort fees, and negotiating with the hotel, you can save money on your next trip to Sin City.