Resort Fees: A Scam Behind the Scenes of Las Vegas Hotels' Pricing Strategies

The term 'resort fees' in the world of Las Vegas hotels can often feel like a hidden tax, adding an unwanted shock to your final bill. These fees are often labeled as amenities and services, but they are more accurately described as a tactic to make room prices look better on comparison sites, leading to what many travelers report as a fortnight of 'ticket shock' when they finally reconcile their expenses.

The Origin and Spread of Resort Fees

Resort fees originated in Las Vegas as a means to avoid penalizing their hotels for adding new amenities and services without having to increase their room rates. However, this practice has since expanded to larger North American cities and beyond, spreading like a cancer into the hospitality industry. The fees often range from $20 to over $80 per day, along with a wide range of taxes, which are hidden from consumers until the last stage of their stay.

Best Western Plus Casino Royale: A Personal Experience

Among the properties that have stood against the trend of resort fees, the Best Western Plus Casino Royale offers a refreshing alternative, which is personally recommended by a satisfied repeat customer. Located on the Strip, this hotel provides a clean and pleasant environment, with free WiFi, a Keurig machine with supplies, a room safe, and ironing equipment. The rooms are relatively small, but they are more than sufficient for most travelers.

In addition to their room amenities, the hotel also offers free parking for residents, which is an added bonus. The resident parking is a significant improvement over many other properties, as well as the lower room prices when these fees are factored in. Accommodations like the Best Western Plus Casino Royale are a stark contrast to the extra charges levied by other hotels on the Strip.

Alternatives and Nearby Amenities

The casino in the Best Western Plus Casino Royale, while not up to par, is conveniently located near the Venetian, Palazzo, Mirage, TI, Harrah's, and the Linq. This proximity to a diverse range of facilities, games, and entertainment options offers visitors a range of choices and enhancement to their Las Vegas experience. For those who are more inclined towards fine dining, the Outback Steakhouse on the upper floor is a standout option, providing a service that competes with some of the high-end establishments around the city.

Consumer Advocacy and Online Travel Agencies

Part of my work involves consumer advocacy, and there is an ongoing effort to force major online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia and Orbitz to include resort fees as part of the nightly rate. This could help to prevent consumers from being blindsided by hidden costs. I strongly believe that these fees need to be transparent and properly included in the initial quote to give travelers a truthful and accurate representation of their total cost.

Efforts are being made to make the entire reservation process more clear and challenging, ensuring that hidden costs are no longer a surprise. By pushing for a more transparent billing and pricing system, I hope to see an end to such practices, benefiting both consumers and the travel industry as a whole.