Thursday, April 4, 2013

Of Resort Fees and Good Times

Hi Vegas fans,

As I write you today, I consider myself very blessed. It's my 43rd birthday, and although I'm not in Las Vegas right now, I'm happy. I'm in a great relationship, my day job is great, my book is selling like hot cakes, and I'm healthy. What else could I ask for?

I know what you're thinking: "A trip to Vegas!" Yes, and it's coming in August. And as I plan my trip, I'm constantly looking at rates, flights, and what's going on in Vegas. The latest is that Caesars Entertainment Corp (CEC) is going to charge a resort fee. Most casinos on the Strip charge somewhere around $15 per day for this type of fee, which covers the pool, workout room and other amenities. If you don't use them, your loss. Most of us Vegas travelers find this annoying, but there's really no way around them right now. In all fairness, I have a win-win proposal for casinos. Execs, please listen up:

Make the resort fee an optional add-on fee. If you want to use the pool or workout room or other stuff, inform the guest at check-in that he or she must pay this fee. This will be added to your hotel bill per day per guest per room and is non-negotiable after you sign the agreement. If you sign, your room key allows you to access the stuff you paid for. If you do not agree, then your room key only gets you into your dwelling. Simple enough. It's a win-win. The guest cannot complain that he or she is paying an extra fee, and the hotel can cover expenses for all things that are extra.

Let's end this discussion about resort fees and get on with the fun. Pool season is coming up in Vegas, and good times are about to roll. We have more important things to discuss.

Thanks for your continued support. When all else fails, remember my motto... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike

3 comments:

Teresa said...

56That would be great if Vegas hotels did away with "resort fees" or only charge to those that did use the facilities, like pool, weight room, etc. I guess they feel like no one would use them if they had to pay extra so by making one fee for all that would level the playing field. I agree do away with resort fees -- I never use the pool, some times the weight room, but not often. Viva Las Vegas

Cecilia said...

That's awesome that you are planning a trip there. Vegas has so many wonderful things to offer! My husband and I love the gambling and the clubs, but we are also avid golfers, so we love to check out the Las Vegas gold specials they have. It is just beautiful!

dan from blacksburg said...

I agree,resort fees stink.
But atleast for upper level card holders they are waived. We have not been to vegas since the resort fees started,So I do not yet know if the services included in the resort fees are offered for diamond and 7 star players but just not charged? Surprised it has not come up in conversations with other diamond players,free wifi would be nice especially if its not charged.