I just had an experience that reinforced my strong belief that you need to keep a very watchful eye on all business you conduct with a casino. Actually this is true for any business matters, but sometimes it seems that casinos may have more tricks up their sleeves – or maybe I just have more business matters with casinos than with other businesses. 

Whatever the case, here is the snafu I just faced. I made a reservation at a locals casino for a relative who was going to be in town for just an overnight stay. I usually make reservations through a host, but this time I just went through the regular reservation system to use a one-night-free offer that came in my monthly mailer. At the time I made the reservation, I asked if there were any extra fees. No, they said, it would be completely free. When I checked in, I asked this same question, specifically mentioning a “resort fee” that I had heard some upscale local casinos sometimes charge. No, that would not be charged. 

You guessed it – what was on the bill when ready for TV checkout the next morning? A $27.49 “resort fee.” 

A simple call to the front desk and this charge was “waived.” But I wonder how many people would just leave their keys in the room and assume that a “free” room night would not have a charge so they wouldn’t check the bill. How many people might not closely check their credit card bills and see the charge for a “free” room?

Did the casino make a simple mistake – or was it a “trick”? 

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