Las Vegas is always a trendy destination and tourism has recently increased, but so have hidden fees. This city offers travelers the best shows, entertainment, casinos, quick weddings, and a unique ambiance that can only be found here.
From January to June over 18.5 million tourists visited this city this year. Compared to the same period last year, tourism increased by 37%. Sin City has been one of the busiest destinations in the United States this summer.
And many visitors stayed or plan to stay at the iconic resorts that offer travelers fascinating amenities but also absurd fees and taxes. Travelers have been complaining about these extra fees for the past few years but this 2022 these hidden charges seem to be higher than ever and could even surpass the room base price!
Not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, especially when guests end up furious due to these extra charges that aren’t usually as visible and clear as people would like them to be. Here’s what travelers should know about hidden charges in hotels in Las Vegas:
Resort Fees in Las Vegas
These “resort fees” refer to extra costs that are not included in the price that travelers first see when booking a night at a hotel. At the moment, these “taxes and charges” extra costs range from $40 to $80. This fee is frequently written in fine print and charged when checking out.
For years, hotels in Las Vegas are known for charging these extra fees that companies excuse as taxes, special services, or amenities. The amount changes depending on the hotel and the location, but travelers must know that these fees are frequently charged on a daily basis.
Usually, these extra costs are attributed to “perks” that guests are used to having included in the price —as they are in other hotels across the US— like:
- Parking spots.
- Gym entry.
- Internet services.
- Pool access.
- Minibar use.
It doesn’t matter if visitors didn’t make use of those amenities or services. Travelers generally end up paying for these extra costs and almost every hotel in Las Vegas —especially on the Strip— has these fees.
Many reservation platforms make it confusing or unclear and only highlight the base room price and only at checkout the fees are added. This is a strategy many hotels use to stand out among other hotels and make their stay look cheaper than it really is.
For example, in Booking, a basic room for one night at the iconic Caesars Palace seems to cost $80 dollars, compared to other hotels, and considering that it’s a very special location, doesn’t seem expensive. However, in fine print, there’s that special fee of $63 for “taxes and charges”; the real price per night, at a low fare room, is $143. It also features —as perks— very basic services included such as shower, towel, radio, telephone, alarm clock, and elevator access.
Some hotels even charge fees for the same price as the room —or more— and can add special charges at the end of the stay. And tips are also expected. Travelers must bear this in mind when going to Las Vegas and carefully read the fine print.
Is there a way to avoid resort fees?
Many travelers wonder if they really have to pay for these extra fees. According to some sites, travelers are not legally obliged to pay for these hidden fees and could fight back, but hotels have their way out.
Frequently, through the fine print, hotels get to prove that these fees were shown and included and customers signed a contract or accepted the long terms and conditions where this was disclosed.
The best ways to avoid surprises are to carefully read and find all extra costs before booking, sign up for a hotel membership program, search specifically for hotels without resort fees, or rent a place directly from the owner.
