Golden Nugget spa questions

My girlfriend is interested in a spa service at the Nugget. She called to make a reservation. She asked if there were any additional fees in addition to the price she saw online. She had a hard time understanding the woman on the Nugget's end of the call, but she clearly heard a reference to additional 20%. She wasn't clear if that was a mandatory tip or some stupid add on that they do just because it's Vegas and you should want to pay more than the advertised price. Anyone who can provide a clarification would be our hero.

I've been looking for spa deals for the spa, but am not finding any. Am I missing one?

 

Yes, that's a 20% "service charge" for all treatments (most spas in Vegas have one these days, 15, 18 or 20%)

I haven't seen any spa specials at GN in a while but always check their FB page, their website, and keep an eye on Vegas Groupons (I've not seen one for GN but plenty of other spas....)

They do have Fall Specials posted online http://www.goldennugget.com/lasvegas/pdf/spa_fall_specials.pdf
That link mentions the 20% service fee too

 

I don't know when you are going, but if you have time, keep an eye on groupon Las Vegas.

I've been able to buy my wife this one twice now (it's not offered right now):
http://www.groupon.com/deals/spa-and-salon-at-the-golden-nugget-1

 

I did check for deals, but didn't find anything.

So there's a 20% service fee. I did see it denoted at least once during a review of the GN website last night. It's still not clear to me, is that an automatic gratuity? If not, what is the service fee supposed to be for?

 

Most people (including me) will tell you that yes, that included service fee is the gratuity. I've only seen one person on this board say that the tip is on top of that fee.

http://spas.about.com/od/spaetiquettebasics/a/Spa-Tipping.htm

 

I think it's crap that they build in a 20% tip. I assume they hire good people when they charge such high rates, but it sucks that on a $160 service you're obligated to tip $32 even if the service is mediocre. But good to know that this "service fee" is a mandatory tip. If it's not intended to be, too bad for the service provider. $192 is more than enough for the service. Thanks for the info HoyaHeel.

 

I got a massage there in 2011 and they had the disclaimer about the fee, I was able to opt out if it and tip as I seen fit

 

I emailed them in case I went for a massage and they confirmed it is a gratuity.

But you're welcome to add more tip!