LAS VEGAS — During Valentine’s Day weekend, sneaky resort fees surprise many guests who weren’t aware of the added costs upon booking.
The city draws thousands of visitors for Valentine’s Day, driving up occupancy rates, foot traffic, and room prices. While Las Vegas has earned a reputation for impulsive and affordable weddings, indulgence, and plenty of entertainment, it comes at a cost.
One of the biggest sources of confusion for travelers is resort fees. Resort fees are a mandatory daily charge that nearly all Las Vegas hotels charge. These fees range from $35 to $55 per night, plus tax, and cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness center access, local phone calls, and pool use. These resort fees apply even if guests didn’t use the services, and they can’t opt out.
But many travelers are unaware of this because hotels advertise low nightly rates to stay competitive. The resort fees are not listed on the reservation and collected directly by the hotel at check-out. Some hotels may also include add-ons for parking and other optional charges that can significantly increase the cost of accommodation.
Because this weekend is very busy, hotels will advertise bundles with what appear to be discounted rates, but in reality, the cost is made up from the resort fees and add-ons. Experts recommend ignoring nightly rates and looking at the total price before booking.
