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Originally posted by: BoilermanThe concept is completely ludicrous at any hotel, regardless of the quality. Why this bothers anyone................well, that is what confuses me? Just add two numbers and make a decision. Paris Hotel and Casino can charge $200 for the room, or they can charge $165 + $35 for the same hotel room. Somehow the second method makes people crazy.
Possibly the angst percolates because some folks on this site are mathematically challenged. I'm smart and can do such arithmetic inside of my head. If any of you have having trouble, feel free to send my a private message and I'll help help you with the math. Another option is a $5 calculator. (Sarcasm)
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Originally posted by: CowboyKell
I too look at the total picture of cost and then make my decision. I almost (I said 'almost') agree with the fees since I think that consumers need to get off their dead brains and conduct a little due diligence. That said it does seem ludicrous that a place like the Golden Gate charges a resort fee. I mean really, a "resort" fee?? No pool, no spa, no gym, no coffee maker in the standard room. They don't even have covered parking. They should at least call it something else....Perhaps "better rating on .com sites fee".
No, you don't get the point. The reason that Derek Stephens, the owner of The "D" Hotel and Casino gives his this podcast, they implemented the fee is to get on the first page of the travel sites when people are looking for a room in Vegas. NOTHING ELSE!!!!! Here's the link to the podcast done by the Vegas Gang interviewing Mr. Stephens. To listen to the interview, click the play button located under the "Play MP3" Interview
Like I've posted many, many times this is a scam that should be investigated by the Federal Trade Commission. These things commit fraud by doing three things.
First it gives an artificially deflated room price tricking the consumer into thinking they are getting a good deal. This is an old "bait and switch" tactic from the 60's and 70's.
Second, it cuts the amount of commission that the travel sites receive for selling the room. They only get paid for he price charged for the room, not the total amount with the Resort fee added in. Say they receive 10% for selling the room. If the room NORMALLY would cost $100 they would be paid $10. Now, by lowering the price of the room by say $25 and tacking that same amount on as a Fee, they save $2.50 per night, per room in commissions. Just figure out how much money the travel sites are losing out on because of these tactics.
Third, this may be a way of avoiding paying the hotel tax paid to the city, county and the state. I'm not sure if this is the case but the tax rate paid on the Resort Fee may be lower than the Hotel Room tax rate charged by these three entities. If it is they're screwing the government by not paying their rightful share of taxes.
The Feds went after the airlines over the little things about not disclosing the taxes and fees not being shown up in the price of a ticket. Now they're getting around it by charging bag fees, early boarding fees, and early check-in fees. At least with these fees, you have a choice of not paying these add-ons and still being able to fly on the plane. With these Resort Fees being charged by the casinos, you HAVE to pay them, even if you don't use any of the things they say are included in the fees, if you want to stay in the hotel.
They may be able to get away with getting other people's money, but they won't be getting mine.
Ray
