Have you ever paid the dreadful resort fees in Las Vegas? Probably yes, if you have traveled before and stayed on the Las Vegas strip. The concept of resort fees in Las is not new. Most of the nettlesome resort fees are collected by the high-end hotels for use of certain amenities which are ought to be free. These resort fees add up to the profit of the hotels and are collected on nightly basis offering facilities for 1 or 2 persons only, irrespective of the occupancy of the room.
Typically you would not find much difference in the hotels which do not charge resort fees as these hotels also offer almost the same facilities excluding one or two which are also very less significant. Except for the strip, there is no shortage of hotels without resort fees in Las Vegas.
Who charges Resort Fees?
Most of the Las Vegas strip hotels do collect resort fees for basic facilities like internet/Wi-Fi, newspaper, drinking water, pool and spa access, etc. The high-end hotels and big hotel chains mostly charge a resort fee which can be commonly seen in the strip hotels. There are also a few hotels in other areas like Offstrip, Downtown and Henderson which do collect the resort fees. A comprehensive list of all the hotels charging resort fees in Las Vegas is put up at Not Just Deals. The list also includes the hotels which do not charge resort fees and offer the same facilities for free or a minimal charge on using a particular facility.
The hotels charge the resort fees at the time of check-in to the hotel which add up to the hotel profits. Collecting resort fees separately from the room rates may be a possible tactic of the hotels to give less pain to the guests. The resort fees are also changed frequently by the hotel authorities.
How can Resort Fee be more than your room rate?
Yes, you have heard correctly. Resort fees can sometimes be more than your room rate. When you get lured by the amazingly low room rates being displayed by the hotels, always keep the dreadful resort fees in mind. The room rates are displayed without the taxes and resort fees. As a result, you might actually end up paying more than double the room rate after making the reservation. The image below is a example of the resort fees being higher than the room rates.
The room rates at Circus Circus hotel at Las Vegas strip is offering room rates from $22 as a part of a 5-day sale. However, the resort fee at Circus Circus is $23.52 which is higher than the room rate being displayed.
Tracking and avoiding Resort Fees
Resort fees can be tracked only when you arrive at the booking page after selecting the room. So it can be considered a sort of hidden fees. Tracking resort fees can be complicated as these are kept hidden from the advertised rates. And the amenities included in the resort fees are also not mentioned clearly. So for a list of all the resort fees and facilities included you can visit the Not Just Deals resort fee page mentioned above.
The best way to avoid the resort fees is to opt for a hotel in other areas excluding the Las Vegas strip. Many Offstrip hotels are close to the strip which does not charge resort fees and give the same facilities for free. Choosing these hotels can be a good bargain as you do not have to pay the additional fees and also stay close to the strip for all the fun and activities. For example, Alexis Park All Suite Resort at East Harmon Avenue does not have resort fees and gives complimentary airport/hotel shuttle service, free internet Wi-Fi and free admission to the Health and Fitness Center.
The image below gives the final price of booking the room, which comes out to be $48.16 including the resort fees and the taxes. So you end up paying $48.16 for $22 room.
Tracking and avoiding Resort Fees
Resort fees can be tracked only when you arrive at the booking page after selecting the room. So it can be considered a sort of hidden fees. Tracking resort fees can be complicated as these are kept hidden from the advertised rates. And the amenities included in the resort fees are also not mentioned clearly. So for a list of all the resort fees and facilities included you can visit the Not Just Deals resort fee page mentioned above.
The best way to avoid the resort fees is to opt for a hotel in other areas excluding the Las Vegas strip. Many Offstrip hotels are close to the strip which does not charge resort fees and give the same facilities for free. Choosing these hotels can be a good bargain as you do not have to pay the additional fees and also stay close to the strip for all the fun and activities. For example, Alexis Park All Suite Resort at East Harmon Avenue does not have resort fees and gives complimentary airport/hotel shuttle service, free internet Wi-Fi and free admission to the Health and Fitness Center.
Can you earn loyalty points on Resort fees?
The answer to this question is big. You do not get reward points or loyalty credits for paying the resort fees. Except for the resort fees all other expenses can earn you the loyalty points. So considering the big picture, resort fee is a way of charging more from the guests for the facilities which are supposed to be offered for free.