Do I Legally Have to Pay Resort Fees in Vegas?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas? If so, you may have come across the term “resort fees.”

These fees are becoming increasingly common in the hotel industry, and they can add up quickly. But do you legally have to pay resort fees in Vegas? Let’s take a closer look.

What are Resort Fees?

Resort fees are additional charges that hotels add on top of their advertised room rates. These fees are meant to cover various amenities and services that hotels provide to their guests, such as internet access, gym access, and pool usage. The average resort fee in Las Vegas is around $40 per night.

Why Do Hotels Charge Resort Fees?

Hotels charge resort fees for several reasons. First, they allow hotels to advertise lower room rates than they would be able to otherwise. This can make their rooms more appealing to potential guests who are price-sensitive.

Second, resort fees help hotels increase their revenue without having to raise their room rates across the board. This means that guests who don’t use the amenities covered by the resort fee aren’t paying for them.

Are Resort Fees Legal?

Yes, resort fees are legal in Las Vegas and many other cities throughout the United States. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stated that hotels can charge resort fees as long as they are clearly disclosed to customers upfront.

However, some consumers have argued that resort fees violate consumer protection laws because they can be misleading or deceptive. For example, if a hotel advertises a room rate of $100 per night but then adds on a $40 resort fee at checkout, some consumers may feel like they’ve been misled about the true cost of their stay.

Do You Have to Pay Resort Fees?

If you book a hotel room with a resort fee included in the advertised price, then yes, you will have to pay the fee. However, some hotels may allow you to opt out of certain amenities covered by the resort fee if you don’t plan on using them. For example, if you don’t plan on using the gym or pool during your stay, you may be able to ask the hotel to waive those fees.

It’s also worth noting that some hotels may offer resort fee waivers as part of their loyalty programs or other promotions. Be sure to check with your hotel before booking to see if any such offers are available.

The Bottom Line

While resort fees can be an annoying and unexpected expense for travelers, they are legal in Las Vegas and many other cities. Make sure to read the fine print when booking a hotel room and ask about any options for waiving or reducing resort fees if available. With a little bit of research and planning, you can avoid any unwanted surprises at checkout and enjoy your stay in Sin City.