Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas and wondering about resort fees? You’re not alone.
Many travelers are confused about this extra charge that hotels and resorts in the city often tack onto their room rates. In this article, we’ll explore what resort fees are, why they exist, and whether it’s possible to ask for them to be waived.
What Are Resort Fees?
Resort fees are additional charges that hotels and resorts in Las Vegas add to their nightly room rates. These fees are intended to cover the cost of amenities and services that guests may use during their stay, such as Wi-Fi access, gym facilities, pool access, and more. The fees can range from a few dollars per night to over $50 per night, depending on the property.
Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?
Hotels and resorts in Las Vegas claim that resort fees allow them to keep their advertised room rates low while still providing guests with access to amenities and services. By breaking out these costs into a separate fee, hotels can avoid paying taxes on them in some cases or advertise lower base room rates to attract customers.
Can You Ask to Waive Resort Fees?
The short answer is yes; you can ask for resort fees to be waived. However, your chances of success will depend on several factors.
Firstly, it’s essential to know that most hotels will not waive resort fees unless there is a specific reason for doing so—for example, if there was an issue with your room or service during your stay. If you simply don’t want to pay the fee or don’t plan on using any of the included amenities, asking for a waiver is unlikely to be successful.
Secondly, if you booked your stay through a third-party website like Expedia or Booking.com, it may be more challenging to get resort fees waived. In these cases, the hotel may not have as much flexibility to adjust the fees since they are paid directly to the booking site.
How to Ask for a Resort Fee Waiver
If you feel that you have a legitimate reason for requesting a resort fee waiver, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of success:
- Be polite and respectful when speaking with hotel staff
- Explain your situation clearly and concisely
- Be prepared to negotiate or compromise
- Consider speaking with a manager or supervisor if the front desk staff is unwilling or unable to help
In Conclusion
Resort fees can be an unwelcome surprise for travelers, but they are becoming increasingly common in Las Vegas and other popular tourist destinations. While it is possible to request a waiver, it’s important to approach the situation carefully and with reasonable expectations. If you plan on staying at a Las Vegas hotel or resort, be sure to factor in the cost of resort fees when budgeting for your trip.