Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas and wondering if you can refuse to pay the resort fees? You’re not alone.
Many visitors to Sin City are confused about these fees and whether or not they are mandatory. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at resort fees and explore your options as a traveler.
What are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that hotels and resorts in Las Vegas add to your bill on top of the room rate. They are intended to cover amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, gym access, and other services that the hotel offers. These fees can range anywhere from $10 to $45 per night and can add up quickly over the course of your stay.
Are Resort Fees Mandatory?
Unfortunately, yes. Resort fees are mandatory in Las Vegas, and you cannot refuse to pay them. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stated that these fees must be included in the advertised price of the room, but hotels have found ways around this by advertising a lower rate and then adding on the resort fee later.
Why Can’t I Refuse to Pay?
Hotels in Las Vegas have implemented resort fees as a way to increase revenue without raising room rates. By breaking down the cost of amenities into separate charges, they can advertise lower prices and attract more guests. Additionally, because these fees are listed as “mandatory,” there is no legal way for guests to refuse payment.
What Can I Do About Resort Fees?
While you cannot refuse to pay resort fees in Las Vegas, there are some things you can do to minimize their impact on your budget:
- Research hotels before booking: Look for hotels with lower resort fees or no resort fees at all.
- Negotiate: Call ahead and ask if there is any way to waive the resort fee or reduce it. This is especially effective if you are a loyal customer or traveling for a special occasion.
- Use rewards points: Many hotel loyalty programs allow you to use points to cover resort fees.
The Bottom Line
Resort fees are an unfortunate reality of staying in Las Vegas hotels and resorts. While you can’t refuse to pay them, you can take steps to minimize their impact on your budget. Do your research, negotiate with hotels, and use rewards points to make the most of your stay in Sin City.