Avoiding Resort Fees in Las Vegas: Tips and Tricks
Las Vegas is a city known for its vibrant nightlife, dazzling casinos, and luxurious hotels. However, with these perks come hidden fees, specifically resort fees, that can quickly add up and put a damper on your vacation budget. These fees are often tacked onto your hotel bill and cover amenities such as internet access, gym usage, and pool towels, whether you use them or not. According to USA Today, the average resort fee in Las Vegas was $30.57 in 2019, an increase of nearly 88% since 2012. This means that a four-night stay at a hotel with a resort fee could cost you over $120 in additional charges. In this post, we will share some tips and tricks on how to avoid resort fees in Las Vegas and save money on your next trip to Sin City.
Understanding Resort Fees
Resort fees, also known as hotel fees or hidden fees, have become a common practice in the hospitality industry. Las Vegas hotels are notorious for charging these additional fees that can add up quickly and catch travelers off guard.
So what exactly are resort fees? These fees are mandatory charges that hotels impose in addition to the advertised room rate. They are meant to cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, gym access, pool towels, and other services that were once included in the room rate. However, many guests argue that these fees are unnecessary and feel like a money grab by hotels.
In Las Vegas, resort fees can range from $30 to $50 per night, depending on the hotel and the season. This means that a four-night stay could easily cost an extra $120 to $200 in fees alone. It’s important to note that resort fees are not included in the online booking price and are often only disclosed at check-in.
While resort fees may seem unfair, hotels defend their use by stating that they allow guests to customize their experience by opting out of certain amenities and paying only for what they use. They also argue that it helps to keep the advertised room rates competitive.
However, as a traveler, understanding resort fees and how they work can help you avoid surprises and plan your budget accordingly. One way to do this is to research your hotel options ahead of time and compare the total cost of each stay, including resort fees. You can also try negotiating with hotels to waive or reduce the fees, especially if you’re a loyalty member or are willing to book directly with them.
By educating yourself on resort fees and being proactive about your hotel bookings, you can save money and ensure a more enjoyable travel experience.
Researching Your Hotel Options
When it comes to avoiding resort fees in Las Vegas, researching your hotel options is key. By taking the time to carefully consider your lodging choices and weigh their pros and cons, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle down the line. Here are a few tips for researching your Las Vegas hotel options:
1. Look Beyond the Basic Room Rate: While room rates are certainly an important factor to consider, they’re not the only one. Make sure to also think about what amenities each hotel offers, such as free parking or complimentary breakfast. These perks could end up saving you more money than a lower room rate.
2. Check Online Reviews: Before booking a hotel, take the time to read online reviews from previous guests. This can give you a good sense of what to expect in terms of cleanliness, quality of service, and overall experience. Keep in mind that some negative reviews may be outliers, but if you see a consistent pattern of complaints, it’s probably best to steer clear.
3. Consider Booking Directly: While third-party booking sites like Expedia and Hotels.com can be convenient, they may not always offer the best prices. Some hotels offer discounts or other promotions for booking directly through their website, so make sure to do your research before clicking “confirm.”
4. Think About Location: Depending on what you plan on doing during your trip to Vegas, location may be a crucial factor to consider. If you’re looking to spend most of your time on The Strip, for example, you’ll want to find a hotel that’s within walking distance or offers shuttle service. If you’re attending a conference or event at a specific venue, you might want to look into hotels that are nearby.
By keeping these factors in mind when researching your Las Vegas hotel options, you can find the best deal for your needs and avoid paying unnecessary resort fees.
Booking Your Stay Strategically
When it comes to booking a hotel stay in Las Vegas, timing is everything. By strategically planning your travel dates and taking advantage of promotions and direct booking options, you can save a significant amount of money and avoid unnecessary resort fees.
One of the easiest ways to save money on your Las Vegas hotel stay is by traveling during the off-season. Typically, the off-season in Las Vegas is from November to March, excluding holidays and major events. During this time, hotels offer lower rates and promotions to attract visitors who may be hesitant to travel during the cooler months. By booking your stay during this time, you can save up to 50% compared to peak season rates.
Another factor to consider when booking your hotel stay is whether to stay on weekdays or weekends. Generally speaking, weekday rates are much lower than weekend rates due to the higher demand for rooms over the weekend. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, consider staying during the week to take advantage of lower rates.
In addition to off-season travel and weekday rates, keep an eye out for promotions offered by Las Vegas hotels. These promotions often include discounted room rates, free meals, or other incentives to stay at their property. You can find these promotions by visiting hotel websites or signing up for their email newsletters.
Finally, consider booking directly with the hotel rather than through a third-party booking site. Many hotels offer discounts and promotions exclusively for direct bookings, so be sure to check their website or call their reservations line to see if any special offers are available.
By using these strategies to book your Las Vegas hotel stay strategically, you can save money and avoid hidden resort fees while still enjoying all that the city has to offer.
Negotiating with Hotels
Negotiating with Hotels can be a valuable tool for avoiding resort fees in Las Vegas. Whether you’re looking for discounts, waived resort fees, upgrades, or loyalty program perks, the key is to be assertive and strategic in your approach.
One effective tactic is to simply ask for a discount. Hotels may offer promotional codes or special rates for certain groups, such as military personnel, AAA members, or seniors. It never hurts to inquire about these options when making your reservation. Another approach is to negotiate directly with the hotel manager or front desk staff. Explain that you are interested in staying at their property, but that the resort fees are a concern. Ask if they can waive the fees or offer a reduced rate.
If you are a frequent traveler or loyal customer, consider joining the hotel’s loyalty program. These programs often provide perks such as room upgrades, free Wi-Fi, and waived resort fees. It’s also worth noting that some credit cards offer benefits such as automatic elite status in certain hotel loyalty programs, which can provide additional negotiating leverage.
When negotiating with hotels, it’s important to remember that there is often flexibility built into the system. Hotels want to fill their rooms and keep their guests happy, so they may be willing to work with you to find a mutually beneficial solution. Be polite, but firm, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel that the hotel is not willing to meet your needs.
In summary, negotiating with hotels can be an effective way to avoid resort fees in Las Vegas. By asking for discounts, joining loyalty programs, and being strategic in your approach, you can save money on your next hotel stay and enjoy all that Sin City has to offer.
Preparing for Check-In
When it comes to avoiding resort fees during your stay in Las Vegas, the key is to be proactive. Once you’ve selected your hotel and booked your room, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you’re not caught off guard by unexpected fees.
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to ask about fees upfront. When you check in at the front desk, inquire about any additional charges or resort fees that may be tacked onto your bill. This gives you a chance to negotiate or explore alternate options if necessary.
It’s also important to review your bill carefully throughout your stay. Keep an eye out for any charges that don’t seem right or that you don’t recognize. If you do spot an error, bring it to the attention of the front desk staff immediately.
In addition to avoiding unnecessary charges, you can also save money by being strategic about using hotel services. While it’s tempting to order room service or use the spa, these amenities often come with hefty price tags. Instead, consider exploring local restaurants and attractions to get a taste of everything Las Vegas has to offer.
Finally, self-parking options can be a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding resort fees. Many hotels charge steep fees for parking, but there are often nearby lots or garages that offer more affordable rates. Do your research ahead of time to find the best option for your trip.
By taking these steps to prepare for check-in and throughout your stay, you can avoid resort fees and make the most of your Las Vegas vacation.
Las Vegas is a vibrant and exciting destination to visit, but hidden resort fees can quickly add up and put a damper on your vacation. The good news is that by understanding resort fees, researching hotel options, booking strategically, negotiating with hotels, and preparing for check-in, you can avoid these fees and save money on your stay. Remember to always ask about fees upfront, review your bill carefully, and take advantage of loyalty programs and promotions when possible.
By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer without breaking the bank. Don’t let unexpected fees ruin your trip – take control of your hotel stay and make the most of your time in Sin City. With a little planning and preparation, you can have an unforgettable experience without paying extra for amenities you may not even use. Happy travels!