Poll : 26 March - 08 April 2014

Analysis

We knew this poll would draw a big response, since Las Vegas hotel resort fees are such a contentious issue among many of our readers. We were, however, surprised at some of the voting (that in-room safe use beat out the Internet had us stunned, for example), although less so to find that shoe-shine and notary services, or tennis-court access, are not highly valued components of any resort-fee package. Go figure!

Below is some of your as-ever thoughtful email feedback:

• A better poll might be: 'How have Resort Fees changed your travel plans to Las Vegas?' The combination of resort fees, airline fees and rental-car fees and taxes have reduced my annual trips by about 30%. Many of the items included in the resort fees are included in the hotel room costs in the rest of the country. Overall customer service has declined as these fees increased, further reducing the perceived value."
  
  
• "I don't use anything offered for the resort fees. I deduct the daily fee total from my gambling funds that I spend during each visit."
  
  
• "We would probably do without any of these amenities if we weren't paying a resort fee. So whatever is included, we're taking advantage of it"
  
  
• "Interestingly, many of the items you listed were already available free BEFORE they instituted daily resort fees. I also loved Caesars' press release when they went to the resort fees a year or so ago - 'we had so many of our customers who were requesting them'! Well good, make them optional for 'all those many' who want them."
  
  
• "The only thing we use a room for is to sleep. We leave in the morning and do not return until late at night and time to go to bed. The pass to get into the restaurants ahead of others is the only plus on the list we would normally take advantage of."
  
  
• "Funny you should mention notary services. I was at the Rio a few years ago and needed a notary for one of their promotions and could not find one. Even the business center didn't have a notary on duty. I was able to work things out with a host, but I do take notice now when resort fees include notary service." [Ed: Aha! So it's YOUR fault lol.]
  
  
• "The Mirage offers access to their computers, but the hours and dates make them almost impossible to use. I get on the smart phone and forget them."
  
  
• "We use parking at all the casinos we go to so don't know how you included it as part of the resort fee. The typical stuff they include we DO NOT use and it really upsets us to pay for something we don't use. We'd rather see fees attached if you do use something (a l carte). Also, many of the other things we never see as included in resort fees, such as free cocktails or free buffet. What hotel does that?" [Ed: Right, those are unusual add-ons, but Circus Circus, El Cortez, JW Marriott, Palazzo, Treasure Island, and the Westin are among those resorts offering food and drink discounts or freebies as part of their fee. Click the link at the top of this for more info on who charges how much and for what.]
  
  
• "Slot-tournament entries and shuttles are things I like, but don't see very often in my resort fee coverage." [Ed: Agreed, but as with the previous writer, check our Resort Fee listings to see where these amenities are included.]