Resort Fees Re-Examined: The Economics of the Mandatory Charge
The Las Vegas resort fee has evolved from a minor nuisance into a critical revenue pillar. As of 2023, top-tier Strip properties routinely charge $45 to $50 per night (plus tax), effectively adding over $50 to the advertised nightly rate.
Why Resort Fees Exist
Casinos cite the provision of amenities—Wi-Fi, fitness center access, boarding pass printing, and local calls. However, the true economic drivers are twofold:
- OTA Commissions: Online Travel Agencies (like Expedia and Booking.com) charge commissions (15-25%) on the base room rate, but traditionally *not* on the resort fee collected at the property. By shifting $50 of the true room cost into a fee, the property saves roughly $10 per night in OTA commissions.
- Perceived Value/Search Rankings: A lower advertised base rate improves visibility in price-sorted search engines.
The Current Fee Landscape (Top Properties)
| Property | Resort Fee (pre-tax) | Total w/ 13.38% Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Wynn / Encore | $45.00 | $51.02 |
| Bellagio (MGM) | $45.00 | $51.02 |
| Caesars Palace | $45.00 | $51.02 |
| Venetian / Palazzo | $50.00 | $56.69 |
How to Avoid Resort Fees
Waiving fees has become increasingly difficult. The primary methods remain:
- Status: Caesars Rewards (Diamond tier or higher) and MGM Rewards (Gold tier or higher) waive resort fees entirely on comped and paid stays.
- Casino Comps: Direct mail offers for rated casino players often include waived resort fees, separate from tier status.
- Off-Strip Alternatives: Properties like Casino Royale (Center Strip) historically charged no resort fees, though these options are disappearing.
Use our Resort Fee Calculator to model the true cost of your stay.