Las Vegas is notorious for its numerous fees that can quickly add up during your stay. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to avoid resort fees, restaurant fees, parking fees, and internet fees. One simple tip is to ask your server or manager to remove any unnecessary charges from your restaurant bill. Additionally, certain hotels on the Las Vegas Strip do not charge parking fees, so you can park at those establishments and take an Uber to your destination. Obtaining status in a casino loyalty program can also help you avoid parking fees and resort fees. Furthermore, bringing your own travel router can save you from additional charges for internet access. Lastly, contacting the casino host at the end of your stay and providing feedback to the hotel staff may result in a refund or discount on resort fees. Embark on your Las Vegas adventure with peace of mind, knowing that you have the knowledge to avoid these pesky fees.
Tips for Avoiding Resort Fees
Las Vegas hotels are notorious for charging additional fees for various services, which can quickly add up and significantly impact your budget. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to avoid resort fees and other sneaky charges that can put a dent in your wallet.
Asking to Remove Unnecessary Fees from Restaurant Bill
One of the first areas where you can save money is by scrutinizing your restaurant bill and asking the server or manager to remove any unnecessary fees. Restaurants in Las Vegas often tack on additional charges, such as concession fees, location fees, or inflation fees, which can range from three to six percent of your total bill. These fees are often added without your prior knowledge or consent, but simply asking the server or manager to remove them can save you a significant amount of money. Remember, it never hurts to ask, and in most cases, they will accommodate your request.
It’s also essential to understand the different types of restaurant fees commonly imposed in Las Vegas. By familiarizing yourself with these fees, you can identify which ones are legitimate and which ones can be contested. This knowledge will empower you to advocate for yourself and ensure you’re not being charged for services you didn’t actually receive.
Utilizing Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip without Parking Fees
Parking fees are another significant expense that can quickly add up, especially if you’re staying on the Las Vegas Strip. However, not all hotels charge parking fees, and by strategically choosing your accommodation, you can avoid this unnecessary cost altogether.
Identify hotels on the Strip that do not charge parking fees. Venetian and Palazzo, Wynn and Encore, Resorts World, and Treasure Island are some of the hotels where you can park without incurring additional charges. By parking at one of these hotels and using alternative transportation methods like Uber or Lyft, you can save up to $20 or more per night. Depending on the duration of your stay, this can add up to significant savings.
Obtaining Status in a Casino Loyalty Program
One effective way to minimize or eliminate parking fees and resort fees is by obtaining status in a casino loyalty program. Casino loyalty programs offer a range of benefits and perks, including access to exclusive discounts and promotions.
By achieving status in a casino loyalty program, such as the first level, you may qualify for complimentary parking at participating hotels. Some programs, like those offered by MGM Resorts and Caesars, provide free parking to members with the first level status. Since most hotels on the Strip are owned by either MGM Resorts or Caesars, this can be a valuable perk to have.
Additionally, casino loyalty programs can also help you avoid resort fees. Higher-tier statuses, such as Gold at MGM or Diamond at Caesars, may grant you complimentary resort fees during your stay. This can translate to savings of up to $50 per night, depending on the hotel and length of your stay.
To achieve status in a casino loyalty program, there are various methods you can employ. Military personnel can present their military ID at the Players Club desk in the casino to automatically receive first-level status, which often includes free parking. If you’re not a service member, playing and concentrating your gambling activities at a specific casino can earn you enough points and play to reach the first level status. While gambling solely for the purpose of attaining status is not recommended, if you enjoy gambling, it can be an added bonus to save on parking and resort fees.
Bringing Your Own Travel Router
Internet fees are another common charge in Las Vegas hotels. While the resort fee is supposed to cover internet access, many resorts have limitations on the number of devices you can connect or charge extra fees for additional connections. To avoid these fees and enjoy unlimited internet access, consider bringing your own travel router.
A travel router allows you to set up your own private Wi-Fi network in your hotel room without incurring additional charges. Simply plug the travel router into the room’s Ethernet port, and you can connect as many devices as you want without worrying about exceeding any restrictions. This not only saves you money on internet fees but also provides you with a more secure and private network.
Getting a Founder’s Card
Another option to unlock exclusive benefits and discounts is by obtaining a Founder’s Card. While the Founder’s Card is not a credit card, it provides you with a membership that grants access to various perks and privileges.
The Founder’s Card comes with an annual fee of $600, so it may not be suitable for everyone. However, if you’re a frequent traveler to Las Vegas or want to enjoy the benefits offered by the Founder’s Card, it can be a worthwhile investment. The card offers discounts on accommodations, dining, entertainment, and other amenities that can help offset the cost of resort fees and other charges.
Contacting the Casino Host
When nearing the end of your stay in Las Vegas, consider reaching out to the casino host to discuss your experience and potentially negotiate refunds or discounts on resort fees. Casino hosts are responsible for maintaining relationships with guests and can often provide incentives or compensation for any issues you encountered during your stay.
To contact the casino host, simply pick up the phone in your hotel room and ask to speak with the casino host on duty. Explain your situation and politely request a review of your play and expenses. In some cases, the casino host may be able to offer a refund or discount on your resort fees, especially if you experienced any significant inconveniences or challenges during your stay.
Providing Feedback to Hotel Staff
Lastly, providing feedback to the hotel staff can also lead to discounts or waivers of resort fees. Hotels value guest feedback and are typically willing to address any concerns or issues you may have encountered. By expressing your dissatisfaction with any aspects of your stay, you may receive a discount or even a waiver of resort fees as a gesture of goodwill.
Remember to be polite and constructive when providing feedback. Rather than simply complaining, offer specific suggestions or highlight areas where improvements can be made. This approach demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in improving the quality of your stay and can increase the likelihood of a positive resolution.
Conclusion
Las Vegas may be known for its extravagant fees and charges, but by employing these tips and strategies, you can avoid many of the common expenses associated with staying in the city. From requesting the removal of unnecessary restaurant fees to utilizing hotels without parking fees, attaining status in a casino loyalty program, bringing your own travel router, getting a Founder’s Card, contacting casino hosts, and providing feedback to hotel staff, you can significantly reduce or eliminate resort fees and other sneaky charges. With careful planning and savvy decision-making, you can enjoy your time in Las Vegas without breaking the bank.