Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas? If so, you may have heard about the infamous “resort fees” that hotels in the city charge.
These fees are in addition to the advertised room rate and can add up to a significant amount. But can you refuse to pay them? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are daily charges that hotels in Las Vegas and other tourist destinations add to their room rates. They are meant to cover various amenities and services offered by the hotel, such as Wi-Fi, access to the fitness center or pool, and local phone calls.
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels argue that resort fees allow them to offer lower advertised room rates while still covering their costs for providing extra services. However, critics of resort fees point out that they can be deceptive and make it difficult for travelers to compare prices between different hotels.
Can You Refuse to Pay Resort Fees?
Unfortunately, most hotels in Las Vegas require guests to pay resort fees regardless of whether they use the amenities covered by them or not. While some travelers have tried refusing to pay these fees at check-out, this is not recommended as it could result in additional charges or even legal action.
What Can You Do Instead?
If you want to avoid paying resort fees in Las Vegas, there are a few options available:
- Look for hotels that don’t charge resort fees – While most hotels on the Strip do charge these fees, some off-Strip properties may not.
- Use loyalty points – Some hotel loyalty programs allow you to use points instead of cash for resort fees.
- Negotiate – While it may not always work, some travelers have had success negotiating with hotel staff at check-in or check-out to have the resort fees waived.
The Bottom Line
Resort fees are an unfortunate reality of staying in a Las Vegas hotel. While you may not be able to refuse to pay them, you can take steps to minimize their impact on your travel budget. By researching hotels that don’t charge these fees, using loyalty points, or negotiating with hotel staff, you can save money and enjoy your trip to Sin City.