Resort fees

Question

I’m researching for our trip and have come across information that suggests resort fees are not legal in Nevada, and hotels simply charge those fees because they can. So the customer can refuse to pay them. Any local knowledge as to whether this is correct? Not trying to open a can of worms here but interested in learning what others may already know

Answer

The topic of resort fees in Nevada, especially in Las Vegas, is a bit of a gray area. While there has been a lot of debate about whether these fees are legal or not, here's what we currently know:

Legal Status of Resort Fees in Nevada:

Resort fees are legal in Nevada, and they are a standard practice for most hotels and resorts, particularly in Las Vegas. These fees are meant to cover the cost of various amenities that the hotel provides (e.g., Wi-Fi, pool access, fitness center, local calls, etc.). However, while they are legal, there have been many complaints about their transparency, as they are often added on top of the room rate and not clearly disclosed in initial pricing.

Can You Refuse to Pay Resort Fees?

In theory, you cannot refuse to pay the resort fee once you check out because it is part of the hotel's pricing structure. If you have already agreed to the terms and conditions of the booking, which typically include resort fees, the hotel has the right to charge you. However, there are a few exceptions or situations where you may be able to negotiate or reduce the fee:

If you don’t use any of the amenities: If you don’t use any of the services or amenities covered by the resort fee (e.g., pool, gym, etc.), you might be able to request that the fee be waived or reduced, though this is not always successful.
If you book through a third-party service: Sometimes, booking platforms like Expedia or Booking.com include resort fees in the total price, and you might not see them as a separate charge. If you're concerned about resort fees, it’s best to check with the hotel directly before booking.
If the resort fee is exorbitant: In rare cases, if the fee is unusually high or considered unreasonable for the amenities offered, you may be able to argue for a reduction, especially if you're a loyal customer or a member of a rewards program.

Recent Legal Developments:

While resort fees are legal, there have been legal challenges in recent years, particularly regarding how they are disclosed. In 2019, Nevada's attorney general issued a warning to hotels to more clearly disclose resort fees at the time of booking, not just at check-in. Some resorts in Vegas have started to include them in the total price shown on booking websites to comply with these guidelines. Still, you may encounter resorts that list a lower price online and add the resort fee later, which can feel misleading to travelers.

In Summary:

In Las Vegas, resort fees are legal, and it's rare for a hotel to waive them outright. However, if you're not using the amenities provided by the fee or if the fee seems unusually high, you can try to negotiate it down. It’s important to check the resort fee details when booking, as these fees can significantly impact the total cost of your stay. While they might seem like an unfair charge, they’re currently a widespread practice in the hospitality industry, especially in Las Vegas.

Resort fees

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