Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas anytime soon? If so, you might be wondering about the infamous resort fees that many hotels in the city charge.
These fees, which can range from $10 to $45 per night, cover amenities such as Wi-Fi access, gym use, and pool access. But with the COVID-19 pandemic causing a decline in tourism, will Vegas hotels waive these resort fees?
The Current Situation
As of now, most Vegas hotels are still charging resort fees despite the decrease in tourism. This is because these fees are a significant source of revenue for the hotels. In fact, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA), resort fees generated over $3 billion in revenue for U.S. hotels in 2019.
However, some hotels have temporarily waived their resort fees due to reduced amenities during the pandemic. For example, Caesars Entertainment waived its resort fees at all of its Las Vegas properties from March through May 2020. Additionally, MGM Resorts International waived its parking and valet fees during this time period.
The Future of Resort Fees
It’s difficult to predict whether or not Vegas hotels will permanently waive their resort fees in the future. Some experts believe that consumers may push back against these fees and demand more transparency from hotels about what they cover.
In fact, several lawsuits have been filed against major hotel chains over their resort fee practices. These lawsuits allege that hotels are engaging in deceptive pricing practices by not including resort fees in their advertised room rates.
On the other hand, some argue that eliminating resort fees could result in higher room rates overall. Hotels may choose to increase their base rates to make up for lost revenue from waiving these fees.
What You Can Do
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and want to avoid paying resort fees, there are a few things you can do. First, research hotels that don’t charge resort fees. These may include budget chains like Motel 6 or boutique hotels like the Artisan.
Alternatively, consider using a hotel booking website that includes resort fees in its advertised rates. This will give you a better idea of the total cost of your stay upfront.
Finally, you can try negotiating with the hotel to waive the resort fee. This may be more successful if you’re a member of the hotel’s loyalty program or if you’re willing to book directly with the hotel instead of through a third-party website.
The Bottom Line
While some Vegas hotels have temporarily waived their resort fees during the pandemic, it’s unclear whether or not these fees will be permanently eliminated in the future. As a consumer, your best bet is to do your research and negotiate with hotels to avoid paying these fees if possible.