A:
This is a recent QoD FAQ and, although we already list all the hotels that do charge a resort fee (or some equivalent that may go by another name) -- an increasingly inclusive list -- we do understand the usefulness of a thumbnail guide to those exceptions to the rule. Hence here's that list, which we've also now added as an introduction to the page where we list all the hotel resort fees around town, together with a list of the amenities that they cover.
One last point we'll make is that, although we understand how, on principle, some people flatly refuse to pay a mandatory fee in addition to their room charge, if you're going to use any of the standard amenities included and are prepared to keep an open mind, in some instances you may find that it's to your advantage, financially and in terms of convenience, to pay a resort fee. In other cases, of course, it won't be.
Now, here's that promised list, which we verified last week. All are hotel-casinos unless otherwise indicated:
- California
- Cannery/Eastside Cannery
- Clarion (off-Strip hotel-casino near the Convention Center; formerly Greek Isles)
- Elara (the new tower that was built as part of Planet Hollywood but is now owned by Hilton Grand Vacation; non-gaming but PH is right there)
- Element (non-gaming, non-smoking property in Summerlin, which counts President Obama among its recent guests
- Four Queens
- Fremont
- Main Street Station
- Platinum (non-gaming, non-smoking, off-Strip property)
In addition, Treasure Island (TI) and JW Marriott (in Summerlin, by the Rampart casino) charge an optional resort fee -- check what's included and whether it's cheaper for you to pay for amenities à la carte or to pony up for the inclusive resort fee.
Update 17 March 2014
Here's some reader feedback on this subject, with suggestions regarding how to avoid paying a resort fee:
- #1: "The Ultimatum" move: "In your response to today's QOD and resort fees, I have found my own way to deal with them. I have a small credit line (less then $5,000) at several different casinos in Vegas. I gave them a choice: charge me the resort fee and I will close my credit line at checkout; or waive the resort fee and keep me as a customer. So far they have all chosen to waive the fee and I now have an email contact to contact in or order to get the fee waived before I arrive. Something for your other readers to try."
- #2: "The High Roller" approach: "Like many, I really dislike the resort fees. However, I have found in the past that, if your Total Rewards level with Caesars Entertainment is Platinum or higher, the fee is waived."
Obviously, these are variations on the same theme, where money talks. We've heard others try similar approaches, with mixed success, but it's certainly worth a try.
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