Conquering Vegas: How to Dodge the Resort Fee Dragon (and Maybe Get Upgraded While You're At It)
Ah, Las Vegas. The glitzy oasis in the desert, a gambler's paradise, a buffet enthusiast's dream. But lurking beneath the neon lights and clinking slot machines lies a shadowy foe: the dreaded resort fee. This mysterious charge can leave your wallet feeling lighter than a showgirl's feather boa. But fear not, intrepid traveler! This battle guide will equip you with the knowledge (and maybe a dash of charm) to conquer the resort fee dragon and emerge victorious (with extra spending money for that Elvis impersonator wedding you've always secretly wanted).
 |
| How To Get Out Of Paying Resort Fees In Las Vegas |
The Enemy: Unveiling the Resort Fee
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Resort fees are those sneaky little charges that hotels hit you with on top of the advertised room rate. They supposedly cover a variety of amenities, like fitness centers, internet access, and in some cases, even bottled water (because, you know, the desert air can be drying). The problem? Sometimes these amenities are things you wouldn't use anyway, or the quality is, well, let's just say it wouldn't win any awards.
Battle Tactics: Defeating the Resort Fee
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
So, how do we vanquish this foe? Here are a few battle-tested strategies:
Become a Booking Buccaneer: Avast, ye landlubbers! Many travel websites and booking services allow you to filter hotels that don't charge resort fees. So, before you set sail on your Vegas voyage, do some comparison shopping and find a hidden gem that won't nickel and dime you.
Embrace the Award Show: Loyalty programs can be your secret weapon! Many hotel chains waive resort fees for guests who book using points or a combination of points and cash. So, rack up those points beforehand and enjoy the show (without the resort fee bill at the end).
Negotiate Like a High Roller: Okay, this one requires a bit of chutzpah. But hey, if you don't ask, the answer is always no! ** politely** inquire at check-in if there's any way to waive the resort fee, especially if you're a returning guest or celebrating a special occasion. You never know, a friendly smile and a bit of Vegas charm might just work some magic (and hey, it might even score you an upgrade!).
Bonus Round: The $50 Trick (Use with Caution!)
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
This one's a bit of a legend on the Vegas forums. The idea is to discreetly slip a $50 bill to the check-in staff and politely ask if there's a way to reduce the resort fee. Be aware This is not a guaranteed method, and it's important to be respectful. More importantly, some hotels frown upon this practice, so proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Remember: Always be courteous and professional when dealing with hotel staff. A little kindness can go a long way!
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
FAQs for the Fee-Fearing Traveler
- How to avoid resort fees altogether? - Book at hotels that don't charge them, or use points for award stays!
- How to negotiate a resort fee waiver? - Be polite, inquire at check-in, and explain your situation.
- How to use the $50 trick? - Proceed with caution, use discretion, and remember, it's not a guaranteed method.
- What if the hotel won't waive the resort fee? - Don't fret! Enjoy the amenities (or pretend to) and consider it the price of admission to the Vegas experience.
- Is there a secret handshake to avoid resort fees? - Sadly, no secret handshake exists (yet). But the methods above should be enough to arm you for battle!
So, there you have it, intrepid traveler! With these tips and a little bit of Vegas luck, you can conquer the resort fee dragon and emerge victorious, ready to take on the buffets, the blackjack tables, and maybe even that Elvis impersonator wedding (because hey, you deserve it after saving all that cash).
 |
