Stupid Las Vegas…when will you learn? Resort fees are going up again.
I am decidedly in the camp of those who detest Las Vegas. No offense to those who have chosen to live there, but the mix of crass commercialism and hot weather simply do not mix for me. I don’t mind a night or two in Las Vegas on business…the Wynn is great…but I hate nickel and diming and Las Vegas has pioneered the practice.
This is most clearly on display in the form of resort fees, which I have attacked for years on Live and Let’s Fly. At some hotels, the resort fees are higher than than the nightly cost of the room. These are often deceptively hidden, causing consumer confusion. I continue to hope that mandatory disclosures for resort fees become the law of the land, not a surprise on the final booking page or an option you have to opt in to (thanks Marriott).
You might think that with the Las Vegas Strip essentially shut down right now, hotels might think twice about these annoying fees in order to entice guests back. Wouldn’t it make sense to welcome guests back without tacking on fees for things like landline calling or cable TV in an era of smart phones with broadband speeds?
Well, it may make sense but the opposite is happening.
Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Hotel Raises Resort Fees
View from the Wing noticed that the Cosmopolitan, located on The Strip, will be raising resort fees from $39 to $45 per night effective January 21, 2021.
Everyone: “Las Vegas won’t be the same!”
Cosmopolitan: pic.twitter.com/F6G0pKXdYo— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) May 16, 2020
Like seriously?
Las Vegas won’t be the same indeed…
It makes sense why airfare is so high right now. With schedules cut by 90% and demand (slowly) starting to return, there is a supply shortage of seats between certain markets.
Not so with Las Vegas. I don’t think sold out rooms are the reason for a permeant hike in resort fees.
Instead, it is the “kick them while they are down” approach, this idea that we can’t make it up on volume, so let’s try to stick it those brave souls who want to help the economy.
CONCLUSION
I understand how desperate times are for hotels, especially in Las Vegas, but I find it ridiculous the Cosmopolitan (likely with others to follow) are raising resort fees nows. The resort amenities are not getting better. If anything, they will be worse due to the heavy losses being sustained now. So are Las Vegas hotels really just trying to tick off the very people they need to bring business back?
What are your thoughts on resort fees creeping up (again) in Las Vegas?
> Read More: All-In Pricing: Marriott Deserves No Praise For What Should Be A Given
> Read More: It’s About Time Someone Sued Marriott Over Sham Resort Fees…
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Yeah but, you do get unlimited free local calls. I milk that for all it’s worth.
Calling all the hookers from the ads on LV Blvd?
No, there’s an app for that.
*need a like button*
Stuart, you a a naughty boy.
Coming from a Cumstein that says a lot.
I seriously nearly just spit out my coffee. Thanks for the laugh this morning 🙂
Yeah no doubt that was funny
And what’s the app?
Many travel related activities are nickel and diming people. Many years ago I used to like visiting and gambling in Vegas but it has gotten worse. I recall after the economic mess in 2008 I went and instead of people being grateful I was being a customer and thankful I was spending money it was non-stop handouts, taxis trying to screw you, etc.
After that experience I’ve been back once only because of a road trip passing through. I miss the good days but not the crap they have now. Its sad but often things change for the worse.
And I hope they lose more customers with these fees.
I think the last time I sent a fax was around 1999 or so
So, they go back to free parking (how nice since I’m paying for a room in your hotel, eating at your restaurants and gambling in your casino), and so you raise resort fees??? I’ll stay home and gamble at a local casino.
I’m with you. Used to love Las Vegas. Made two or three trips a year. Now, the nickel and diming has gotten so blatant and unnecessary, I don’t go anymore. I miss it so much. The shows, the restaurants, the sun. Changing for the worse seems to be Vegas’ mantra lately.
Knock yourself out, you dump of an overbuilt city. I grew up visiting Boulder City, and getting to go into LV was a treat. Not so anymore, it’s just gross and tacky. If I have to go there for any reason, I’ll stay in Boulder again. They have retained their charm.
“A sunny place for shady people” ( Somerset Maugham on Miami , but even more true of Vegas)
My hunch is that this is part of a strategy to get ready for 1¢ rooms. It’s the Columbia House approach…get the room for a 1¢ as long as you’re willing to pay a ton of other fees.
No doubt this move was made due to high customer demand.
Resort fees, unless optional, are a SCAM. The room rate should be the “all in” room rate whether it’s advertised in print, television, or online.
I lived in Vegas from 2007-2010 and I think those may have been the best years. I could get all in walk up rates on the strip for $99, most properties offered “deals” of some sort, parking was free, cocktails were never over $10, no automatic service charges etc…
But at the same time, there were a ton of new properties, and the city felt nice. Red Rock and GVR were fun as a local and downtown was still charming in a trashy way.
I miss that City
Well I suggest Caesars properties. It doesn’t take much to get Diamond tier status which waives resort fees
Currently traveling as an essential worker. While room rates are down (Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn), free breakfasts are gone and in many places, no housekeeping during your stay. Have to wonder what level of “Normal” services are being offered at the Cosmopolitan.