Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas and wondering about the resort fees? You are not alone.
Many visitors to Las Vegas are surprised by the mandatory resort fees charged by hotels. The question is, can you refuse to pay these fees?
What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that hotels in Las Vegas and other tourist destinations charge guests for amenities and services beyond the room rate. These fees can range from $10 to $45 per night, and they cover things like Wi-Fi access, gym use, pool access, and other services.
Why do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels claim that resort fees help them cover the cost of providing additional amenities and services to guests. However, many travelers believe that these fees are just a way for hotels to increase revenue without raising room rates.
Can You Refuse to Pay Resort Fees?
The short answer is no. If you book a hotel in Las Vegas that charges a resort fee, you are obligated to pay it. Most hotels will add the resort fee to your bill automatically, so there is really no way around it.
However, some travelers have reported success in negotiating with hotels to waive or reduce the resort fee. This is especially true if you have a loyalty program membership with the hotel or if you have booked directly with the hotel instead of using a third-party booking site.
What Should You Do About Resort Fees?
The best thing you can do is research the hotel’s policy on resort fees before booking your stay. Look for hotels that offer amenities and services included in their room rate or those that don’t charge resort fees at all.
If you do end up staying at a hotel that charges a resort fee, make sure you understand what it covers so you can take advantage of those amenities during your stay.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to avoid resort fees in Las Vegas. While some travelers have had success negotiating with hotels, it is ultimately up to the hotel’s discretion whether or not to waive or reduce the fee.
However, by doing your research and understanding what the resort fee covers, you can make an informed decision when booking your stay. And who knows, you may even find that the amenities and services included in the resort fee are worth the extra cost.