How to avoid resort fees in Las Vegas? Answer is – Resort fees are a ubiquitous charge added to your final bill at most Las Vegas hotels. These pesky fees can significantly increase the cost of your stay, but there are several ways to avoid or minimize their impact. Some proven methods include booking hotels that don’t charge resort fees, using points for hotel stays, leveraging your elite hotel status, or politely negotiating at the front desk.
Summary
- Resort fees are often unavoidable in Las Vegas, but there are smart ways to dodge them.
- Some hotels don’t charge resort fees at all, providing a significant cost advantage.
- Using hotel loyalty points often waives the resort fee on award stays.
- Achieving elite status with certain hotel chains can lead to waived resort fees as a perk.
- Sometimes politely asking the front desk to remove the fee can be surprisingly successful.
How to Avoid Resort Fees in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, the city of dazzling lights and non-stop entertainment, is also known for another, less glamorous aspect: resort fees. These mandatory charges, tacked onto your hotel bill, can significantly increase the overall cost of your stay. But what are they, why are they charged, and how much do they typically cost? Let’s break it down.
What are resort fees?
Resort fees are additional nightly charges imposed by hotels, ostensibly to cover the cost of amenities and services.
These fees sound innocuous, but they’ve become a major source of revenue for hotels and a point of contention for travelers.
The amenities supposedly covered by resort fees can range from basic Wi-Fi and gym access to bottled water and local phone calls.
Why do hotels in Las Vegas charge resort fees?
There are several reasons behind the existence of resort fees:
Inflating Revenue: Resort fees offer a way for hotels to advertise lower nightly rates while still generating significant revenue. By separating the resort fee from the base room rate, hotels make their prices appear more competitive at first glance.
Shifting the Burden: In theory, resort fees mean that only guests who use specific amenities pay for them. However, with the broad range of amenities often rolled into resort fees, it’s nearly impossible for a guest to avoid them entirely.
Less Regulation: Unlike room rates, which are subject to taxes, resort fees are often less regulated. This can enable hotels to retain a larger portion of the fee as income.
How much are typical resort fees in Las Vegas?
Unfortunately, resort fees in Las Vegas are on the rise. They can range anywhere from $35 to upwards of $60 per night.
This means a seemingly affordable $100 room could end up costing you $160 per night after the resort fee is added. It’s essential to factor in these extra costs when budgeting for your trip.
Norma Meyer Expert Opinion
“Resort fees are a deceptive practice that allows hotels to mislead consumers about the true cost of their stay,” says Norma Meyer, a travel consumer advocate based in Las Vegas. “They disproportionately harm budget-conscious travelers who are lured in by seemingly low room rates.”
How to Avoid Resort Fees in Las Vegas
One of the most effective ways to completely escape resort fees in Las Vegas is to choose hotels that simply don’t charge them.
While these hotels can be fewer in number, especially on the Strip, they offer a significant cost advantage for your Vegas getaway.
1. Stay at Hotels Without Resort Fees
Here’s a list of notable Las Vegas hotels that do not charge resort fees:
Off-Strip Options: Many off-Strip hotels tend to forgo resort fees as a way to attract guests who are looking to prioritize value. Consider options like:
Downtown Gems: The Downtown Las Vegas area is seeing a renaissance, and a few hotels there have chosen to stay free of resort fees:
Other Notable Options:
Important Note: It’s crucial to always double-check the hotel’s booking policies directly. Resort fee policies can change, and you want to be sure of the exact fees associated with your chosen hotel.
Trade-offs to consider (location, amenities)
While dodging resort fees is a big money-saver, it’s essential to consider potential trade-offs when selecting one of these properties:
Location: Many resort fee-free hotels might be located off the main Las Vegas Strip or in Downtown. This means you may need to factor in transportation costs (taxis, rideshares, buses) to reach the heart of the action. Assess how important it is for you to be within easy walking distance of the major casinos and attractions.
Amenities: Hotels without resort fees might occasionally offer a slightly reduced range of amenities compared to their counterparts on the Strip that do charge the fee. Research carefully to determine if the hotel’s offerings align with your desired vacation experience.
Brian Connors Expert Opinion
“Choosing a hotel without a resort fee can be a smart money-saving move for Las Vegas visitors,” says Brian Connors, a Las Vegas-based travel blogger. “However, it’s important to weigh the potential trade-offs in location and amenities to ensure the overall experience fits your needs.”
2. Book Your Stay with Hotel Points
One of the most powerful strategies for avoiding resort fees is leveraging hotel loyalty points. Many major hotel chains offer generous rewards programs with an added perk: waived resort fees on stays booked entirely with points.
Hotel loyalty programs that waive resort fees on award stays
Here are the top programs to consider if your goal is to dodge resort fees:
Hilton Honors: Hilton stands out as one of the most consistent programs when it comes to waiving resort fees on award stays. No matter where you book with Hilton points, you can be confident that those pesky fees won’t be added to your final bill.
World of Hyatt: Hyatt is another fantastic option for point-based stays that are free of resort fees. Their award stays offer a significant value proposition.
Wyndham Rewards: While there have been reports of occasional inconsistencies, Wyndham Rewards is generally known to waive resort fees on eligible award bookings. Always double-check the specific hotel’s policy for clarity.
Marriott Bonvoy: Unfortunately, Marriott Bonvoy is less reliable in waiving resort fees on award stays. It’s essential to research individual properties, as their policies can vary widely.
Earning points through hotel credit cards
If you’re looking to quickly accumulate hotel points, consider applying for a co-branded hotel credit card. These cards offer:
Welcome Bonuses: Many cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses after meeting a specified spending requirement in the initial months of card ownership. This can quickly jumpstart your point balance.
Ongoing Points Earning: Hotel credit cards reward you with points for everyday spending as well as for hotel stays.
Additional Perks: Perks like free nights, airport lounge access, and elite status benefits often come with hotel credit cards.
Jessica Patel Expert Opinion
“Using points to cover your Las Vegas stay is doubly rewarding,” says Jessica Patel, a points and miles expert. “Not only do you get a ‘free’ hotel room, but you also avoid those frustrating extra fees, maximizing the value of your hard-earned rewards.”
3. Leverage Elite Hotel Status
Achieving elite status within a hotel loyalty program can open up a world of perks, including the potential to have resort fees waived on your Las Vegas stays. While this method may require some dedication, the payoff can be substantial.
How to achieve elite status
The path to attaining elite status typically involves one or both of these strategies:
Frequent Stays: Most hotel loyalty programs award elite status tiers based on the number of nights you stay within a calendar year. The higher the tier, the more valuable the benefits become.
Strategic Spending: Several hotel chains offer a faster route to elite status by spending a certain amount with their co-branded credit cards. If you anticipate significant spending on a hotel’s credit card, this could be a way to reach elite status quickly.
Which programs offer resort fee waivers for elite members
Here’s a look at the top contenders for achieving resort fee-free Vegas vacations through elite status:
Caesars Rewards: The Caesars Rewards program, associated with casinos like Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and more, is a worthwhile option for frequent Vegas visitors. Their Diamond and Seven Stars tiers both include automatic resort fee waivers.
MGM Rewards: If your Vegas loyalty lies with MGM properties (Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, etc.), earning higher tiers in MGM Rewards can also lead to fee waivers, although the specific benefits vary depending on your status level.
Hilton Honors: As mentioned previously, Hilton offers a consistent advantage in that resort fees are waived on award stays. However, their higher-tier elite members (Gold and Diamond) occasionally receive resort fee waivers even on paid stays as a perk.
World of Hyatt: Select elite tiers (Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist) within the World of Hyatt program may see waived or reduced resort fees on certain properties.
Mark Ostermann Expert Opinion
“If you visit Las Vegas often, investing in elite status with a hotel chain can be a smart long-term play,” says Mark Ostermann, a Las Vegas travel advisor. “Resort fee waivers, along with other benefits like room upgrades and late checkout, can significantly enhance the value of your stays.”
4. Negotiate at the Front Desk
Don’t underestimate the potential of politely inquiring about having the resort fee removed from your bill. While success is not guaranteed, this tactic is surprisingly fruitful in certain circumstances, making it well worth attempting.
Tips for polite and effective negotiation
Attitude is Key: Approach the front desk staff with courtesy and a smile. Remember, they’re not the ones who established the resort fee policy. Express genuine appreciation for their help, even if your request is ultimately denied.
Timing Matters: Avoid negotiating during peak check-in or check-out times, as the front desk will be at its busiest. Choose a less hectic time for a better chance of having your request heard.
Focus on Unused Amenities: If you genuinely don’t plan on utilizing the services covered by the resort fee (pool, gym, Wi-Fi, etc.), emphasize this point. Explain that you won’t be taking advantage of those inclusions and inquire if there’s any flexibility on the fee.
Special Occasions: If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or another special milestone, mention it tactfully. Sometimes, hotels are more accommodating with fee waivers as a goodwill gesture during these occasions.
Loyalty Counts: While not a guarantee, reminding the staff of your loyalty program membership (even if it’s a lower tier) could increase your odds of success. Hotels value repeat customers.
When negotiation is most likely to work
Certain situations increase your chances of having the resort fee waived:
Booking Directly with the Hotel: When you book directly through the hotel’s website or call center, they’re more likely to have some leeway on the fee as opposed to bookings made through third-party sites.
Shorter Stays: A one or two-night stay could make resort fee removal more feasible, as the overall impact on your bill is less significant.
Slower Seasons: Your negotiating power is likely to be stronger during off-peak periods or when the hotel isn’t at full capacity.
Issues on Arrival: If you encounter issues with your room upon check-in (cleanliness, noise, etc.), use this to your advantage. Politely express your concerns to the front desk staff. As a method of service recovery, they may be more inclined to waive the resort fee.
Emily Collins Expert Opinion
“While you shouldn’t expect the resort fee to disappear automatically, it never hurts to politely ask about having it removed,” says Emily Collins, a Las Vegas-based travel writer. “Persistence and a friendly demeanor can sometimes go a long way.”
5. Consider the Total Cost (Including Resort Fees)
It’s easy to get fixated on avoiding resort fees altogether. However, sometimes fixating on the fee itself can lead you to miss out on a potentially better deal overall. Savvy travelers focus on the total cost of their hotel rather than the base room rate alone.
How to factor in resort fees when comparing hotels
Do the Math: Don’t simply glance at nightly room rates. Thorough calculation is key. Multiply the nightly rate by the number of nights of your stay, then add the resort fee multiplied by the same number of nights. This gives you the true cost to compare between hotels.
Assess the Value: Ask yourself what you are truly getting for the resort fee. If you plan to fully utilize the amenities it covers, it can mitigate the additional cost. However, if you won’t use them, focus on a hotel that doesn’t charge the fee.
Beware of Hidden Fees: Las Vegas hotels are increasingly adding other fees like parking fees, early check-in fees, etc. Always factor these additional costs into your comparison alongside resort fees for the most accurate picture.
When a hotel with resort fees might still be cheaper overall
There are instances where, despite the resort fee, a hotel with a more expensive nightly rate could offer a better deal overall:
Significant Promotions: A hotel running a compelling promotion (such as a third night free or a resort credit) might compensate for the higher room rate and resort fee, ultimately leading to a lower total price.
Superior Location: If a hotel’s location on the Strip is crucial to you, it might be worth paying a slightly higher overall price, including the resort fee, versus staying off-Strip and incurring transportation costs daily.
Exceptional Amenities: A hotel boasting amenities that are particularly appealing or important to you (luxurious pool complex, high-end fitness center, etc.) could be worth the resort fee, even if the nightly rate is higher.
Alex Miller Expert Opinion
“Obsessing over resort fees in isolation can sometimes make you lose sight of the bigger financial picture,” says Alex Miller, “Remember, your goal is to get the best overall value for your Vegas vacation, which may or may not mean prioritizing the hotel with the lowest base room rate.”
6. Look for Special Offers and Packages
Sometimes, the key to beating resort fees lies in finding special promotions or packages that explicitly include a resort fee waiver as a perk. These offers can provide great value, bundling the fee forgiveness with other enticing benefits.
Resort fee waivers as part of promotions
Keep an eye out for these types of promotions:
Seasonal Offers: Hotels occasionally roll out seasonal deals, especially during slower periods, which might include a waived resort fee to attract more guests.
Midweek Packages: Las Vegas thrives on weekend traffic. Snagging a midweek package may give you access to a fee waiver, as hotels seek to entice guests during less busy times.
Targeted Promotions: Signing up for hotel loyalty programs’ email alerts or following hotels on social media can uncover exclusive promotions aimed at loyalty members, sometimes including those coveted resort fee waivers.
Special Event Bundles: If you’re planning your Vegas trip around a major event or festival, look for packages specifically designed around those events, as they might include fee waivers as a perk.
How to find deals and packages
Here’s where to start your search for resort fee-friendly promotions:
Hotel Websites: Always start by checking the hotel’s website directly. Look for sections titled “Deals,” “Specials,” or “Packages.” Scrutinize the details of each offer for explicit mention of a waived or included resort fee.
Flash Sale Websites: Websites specializing in flash sales for hotels, like HotelTonight or Groupon Getaways, can sometimes offer packages with reduced or waived resort fees.
Deal Aggregators: Websites like Kayak or Booking.com allow you to filter search results to hotels with special offers, making it easier to spot potential deals including resort fee waivers.
Travel Agents: A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in Las Vegas vacations might have inside access to package deals with resort fee waivers or discounts that are not publicly advertised.
Sarah Nelson Expert Opinion
“Flexibility is key to taking advantage of promotions with waived or reduced resort fees,” advises Sarah Nelson, a Las Vegas-based travel blogger. “If your dates have some wiggle room and you’re open to exploring various hotel options, you’re more likely to stumble upon the perfect fee-free deal.”
7. Book Through a Third-Party Travel Site
Booking your Las Vegas hotel through a third-party website sometimes opens the door to rates that already incorporate the resort fee, saving you the hassle of paying it on arrival.
Potential for inclusive rates
Here’s why resort fee-inclusive rates might appear on third-party sites:
Negotiated Rates: Third-party booking sites often negotiate bundled rates with hotels, which may include the resort fee.
Opaque Pricing Models: Sites like Hotwire or Priceline, where you don’t always know the exact hotel until after booking, might mask the resort fee within the final room rate.
Bundled Packages: Certain travel sites specialize in creating packages, bundling flights and hotels and sometimes even including the resort fee to present an attractive total price.
Things to watch out for
While the promise of resort fee-inclusive rates is appealing, exercise caution with third-party bookings:
Lack of Transparency: Not all third-party sites are transparent about whether the resort fee is included or separate. Some might deceptively display a lower rate only to reveal the mandatory resort fee later in the booking process.
Limited Flexibility: Often, bookings secured on third-party platforms have stricter cancellation or change policies compared to reservations made directly with the hotel.
Reduced Customer Support: Should you encounter any issues with your reservation or require changes, dealing with the third-party booking site’s customer service rather than the hotel directly can sometimes lead to a less efficient resolution process.
Hidden Costs: Carefully scrutinize all terms and conditions for any additional fees beyond the advertised room rate when using third-party sites.
Jennifer Stevens Expert Opinion
“Third-party travel sites can offer a chance to find resort fee-inclusive rates, but it’s vital to do your homework” cautions Jennifer Stevens, editor of a consumer travel website. “Always compare prices with the hotel’s official website and carefully read the fine print to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal and avoiding surprise fees.”
8. Take Advantage of Travel Credit Card Perks
Savvy travelers know that credit cards can offer far more than just rewards points. Certain travel credit cards offer perks like annual travel credits that can be cleverly used to offset the cost of resort fees.
Cards that offer statement credits for travel-related expenses
Here’s how these credits typically work:
Annual Credit: The card provides a specific dollar amount as a statement credit each year (e.g., $200 or $300).
Eligible Expenses: The statement credit can be applied to a defined category of travel-related purchases, which often include hotel stays.
Automatic or Reimbursement: Some cards automatically apply the credit when eligible expenses are charged, while others require you to apply the credit to your statement manually.
Using statement credits to offset resort fees
Here’s how to turn your credit card’s travel credit into a resort fee antidote:
Coverage: Ensure the specific hotel where you plan to stay in Las Vegas falls within the card’s eligible expense category for the travel credit.
Booking Strategy: Charge the room and associated resort fee directly to the card with the travel credit.
Offset: Depending on the card’s mechanics, your statement credit will either automatically reduce the balance on your card statement or be available to apply manually, essentially covering some or all of the resort fee cost.
Cards to Consider
Here are some popular travel credit cards that offer annual statement credits that may be applicable to cover resort fees:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This premium card boasts a $300 annual travel credit, automatically applied to eligible travel expenses.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card comes with a $200 annual hotel credit that can be used on prepaid bookings made through American Express Travel.
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card: While having a more niche focus, this card offers a $250 Hilton resort statement credit.
Brian Kelly Expert Opinion
“If you strategically choose a travel credit card with an annual credit, it can be a sneaky way to counteract those pesky resort fees,” says Brian Kelly, founder of travel rewards website The Points Guy.
9. Understand What The Resort Fee Covers
Resort fees are meant to cover a bundle of amenities and services. However, the specific inclusions can vary greatly between hotels.
Typical inclusions (Wi-Fi, pool, gym, etc.)
Some of the most common amenities often bundled within a resort fee include:
Basic Wi-Fi: Internet access, usually limited to a standard connection speed for a few devices per room.
Fitness Center Access: Use of the hotel’s gym and its facilities.
Pool Access: Entry to the hotel pool complex and use of lounge chairs.
Local and Toll-Free Calls: The ability to make local and toll-free phone calls from your room.
Bottled Water: A few bottles of water provided in your room, sometimes replenished daily.
Other Potential Inclusions: Newspaper delivery, in-room coffee/tea, or access to limited on-site activities.
How to determine if the value justifies the cost
Here’s how to decide if you’re truly getting your money’s worth from the resort fee:
Itemize the Inclusions: Make a list of the amenities and services bundled into the resort fee.
Assign Value: Consider how much you personally value each of those amenities. Would you be willing to pay for them separately if they weren’t included in the fee? Be honest with yourself about what you are likely to use during your stay.
Look for Alternatives: Research if the amenities offered within the resort fee are easily accessible and more affordable outside the hotel. For example, free Wi-fi is readily found in cafes and restaurants, and public gyms offer day passes.
Calculate vs. Individual Costs: Estimate the cost of utilizing the amenities offered in the resort fee if you had to pay for them individually or seek them outside the hotel. Compare this estimated cost to the actual resort fee amount.
Christine Sarkis Expert Opinion
“Just because a long list of amenities is tied to the resort fee doesn’t automatically mean it’s a good deal,” says Christine Sarkis, a Las Vegas-based travel writer. “The true value lies in whether you’ll genuinely utilize enough of the bundled services to justify the cost.”
10. Dispute the Fee (If All Else Fails)
Disputing the resort fee should generally be viewed as a last resort. However, there are certain limited circumstances where it might be a viable option.
When it might be appropriate
Misrepresentation: If you can clearly demonstrate the resort fee was either not disclosed upfront at the time of booking or the services represented as being included were unavailable during your stay, you have a stronger case for disputing the fee.
Unused Amenities: If you genuinely did not utilize any of the amenities supposedly covered by the resort fee, you could try stating your case. Just be aware that hotels are unlikely to waive the fee solely because you chose not to use the amenities.
Poor Service: Should you have multiple significant service issues during your stay (room not ready, cleanliness problems, etc.), you could use those as leverage in your fee dispute, in addition to rectifying those issues themselves.
How to go about disputing the fee
If you feel you have a valid reason to dispute the resort fee, here’s the best approach:
During Your Stay: Address the issue while you’re still at the hotel. This increases your chances of resolution compared to disputing it after departure.
Speak to a Manager: Politely explain your reasons for disputing the fee to the front desk manager. Be specific in your concerns, and document issues if applicable (photos of a messy room, etc.)
Focus on Resolution: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor. Frame your request as seeking a resolution rather than a blanket refusal to pay. You may be able to negotiate a partial reduction of the fee even if they’re unwilling to remove it entirely.
Credit Card Dispute: If the hotel is completely unyielding, paying the fee but subsequently disputing it with your credit card company is an option. Ensure you have documentation to support your claim (booking confirmation, proof of issues during your stay).
Melissa Thomas Expert Opinion
“While success is not guaranteed, disputing a resort fee can occasionally work in your favor if you have a legitimate grievance,” says Melissa Thomas, a consumer rights advocate specializing in travel issues. “Being prepared, polite, and focusing on seeking a fair resolution is key.”
What Does This Mean For Your Vegas Trip?
Resort fees have unfortunately become an entrenched part of the Las Vegas hotel landscape. The most effective way to combat them isn’t through frustration, but by understanding your options and proactively planning your trip:
Acceptance, Not Resignation: While resort fees might be unavoidable at most Vegas hotels, that doesn’t mean you should passively let them deflate your vacation budget.
The Total Cost Mindset: Always look beyond the advertised room rate. Factor in the resort fee from the very beginning of your hotel search to accurately assess the true cost per night.
Value vs. Principle: Be honest about whether fighting resort fees on principle is worth potential sacrifices in location, amenities, or the overall convenience of your trip.
Opportunities, Not Obstacles: Many of the outlined tactics open up possibilities. Earning points for ‘free’ stays, leveraging your travel credit card perks, or politely negotiating at the front desk can all turn the resort fee battle into a victory of sorts.
1. Planning is key to minimizing resort fees
The earlier you start planning your Las Vegas trip, the better equipped you’ll be to minimize the impact of resort fees:
Flexibility is Your Ally: If your dates are flexible, consider off-season or midweek stays when special offers and package deals with waived fees are more likely to be found.
Research Pays Off: Meticulously compare hotels, investigate resort fee-free options, and read the fine print of any promotions before booking. This avoids unpleasant surprises at check-in.
Prioritize Your Needs: Clearly define what matters most to you. Is the absolute lowest price your primary goal, or are location and specific amenities non-negotiable? Knowing your priorities steers your hotel selection strategy.
2. The best strategy depends on your individual circumstances
There’s no single best solution that works for everyone when facing Las Vegas resort fees. These factors will shape your optimal strategy:
Your Travel Style: Are you a budget-conscious traveler seeking basic accommodations, or do you crave a luxurious stay with extensive amenities? Your priorities will dictate which fee-minimizing strategy serves you best.
Trip Frequency: If you’re a frequent Las Vegas visitor, achieving elite hotel status or strategically obtaining a co-branded hotel credit card could offer long-term payoff in resort fee waivers.
Loyalty Programs: Assess the potential of utilizing existing hotel points balances. Even if you don’t have enough for a full award stay, applying points to partially offset the cost can soften the blow of the resort fee.
Mark Ostermann Expert Opinion
“There’s no magic bullet to make resort fees disappear,” says Mark Ostermann, a Las Vegas travel advisor. “However, by understanding the tactics available and tailoring them to your individual needs, you can significantly minimize their impact, allowing you to focus on enjoying your Vegas experience.”
Conclusion
While resort fees in Las Vegas are a reality for most travelers, they don’t have to spoil your vacation budget or cause undue frustration. Throughout this series, we’ve explored a wide range of strategies to minimize their impact, from choosing fee-free hotels to leveraging loyalty programs and even politely negotiating at the front desk.
By being proactive, researching thoroughly, and factoring in resort fees from the outset, you can make informed decisions. The ‘best’ approach will always depend on your specific travel style and priorities. Armed with the knowledge you’ve gained, you’re now equipped to combat resort fees like a Vegas pro.
FAQs
Q: Are resort fees in Las Vegas mandatory?
Yes, for the vast majority of hotels located on or near the Las Vegas Strip, resort fees are a mandatory charge added to your final bill.
Q: Do off-Strip hotels charge resort fees?
Many hotels away from the Strip do not charge resort fees, making them a budget-friendly alternative. However, consider transportation costs if you’ll be relying on rideshares or taxis to reach the heart of the action.
Q: Can I refuse to pay the resort fee?
While you can try politely disputing the fee, hotels are under no obligation to remove it. The best way to ‘refuse’ is to avoid hotels that charge the fee in the first place.
Q: Do Airbnb or vacation rentals charge resort fees?
No, typically Airbnb and vacation rental properties do not have an equivalent to a resort fee. Be sure to read the property listing and owner policies carefully for any additional cleaning or service charges.
Q: Are resort fees worth it?
Whether the bundled amenities in a resort fee offer value is highly subjective. If you plan to fully utilize things like the pool, gym, and Wi-Fi, it may mitigate the extra cost. However, if you won’t use those amenities, you’re essentially paying for things you don’t need.
Q: Can I negotiate the resort fee at the hotel?
In some cases, yes. While hotels are unlikely to completely waive the fee, politely explaining that you won’t utilize the included amenities could lead to a reduced fee or alternative compensation like a dining credit. Timing matters; it’s best to try negotiating during less busy check-in periods.
Q: Is there a way to find out the exact resort fee for a hotel before I book?
Always visit the hotel’s official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date resort fee amount. Websites like Resort Fee Checker are also excellent resources, though it’s always good to double-check with the hotel itself.
