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opt-out of resort fee?

Discussion in 'LV Strip Hotels' started by pink_paradise, Feb 21, 2013.

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  1. pink_paradise

    pink_paradise Low-Roller

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    I'm sure this has been asked before, but is it possible to opt-out of a resort fee if you won't be using any of the 'services' provided? Mom and I staying at MGM in July and won't use any of the amenities offered by this fee, not even the Wifi. If it isn't possible to clear-cut opt-out of resort fees, do you think it would be possible if we asked at check-in and instead of asking for a room upgrade with the $20 'trick', we asked instead for dropping the resort fees?

    Any other creative ways of getting around it (besides booking a hotel without the fee)? We're staying 9 nights, so would be a fair bit of money (to us!).

    thanks for the advice everyone!
     
  2. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

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    Unless specifically noted, no.

    A few places (like TI) either have an optional fee, or make it optional on certain offers/packages.

    But most its a mandatory fee. Just roll it into your total cost when comparing prices.
     
  3. VegasKing

    VegasKing High-Roller

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    No way out of it. That is what makes it a scam. They can advertise one price, get someone to book their room, then charge them anything they want once they arrive. If it is not optional, which it is not for all places except TI, then it should be included in the advertised price when the room is booked either with hotel or Orbitz or Travelocity or whoever.

    I usually get comp rooms and does not normally apply to me, but this is a scam if it is not optional.
     
  4. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    If you could opt out - then it would not be an issue.

    But - instead it is a way for them to get more money.
     
  5. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

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    Optional or not doesn't make it a scam.

    Its a scam if the fee is not noted anywhere on booking. Just did a test MGM case on travelocity, and the resort fee is noted in multiple places through the reservation process.

    Of course, it isn't included in the first price as it should be. Then again, neither are taxes and fees of the discounter themselves.

    Anyway, I'd call scam a bit strong. For most of the places I've seen, if you manage to book without knowing there is a resort fee, you really were not paying enough attention.
     
  6. pink_paradise

    pink_paradise Low-Roller

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    just thought I would check! I don't feel like it's a scam either, just frustrating. I was completely aware when booking, but got a decent price on the renovated room at MGM so I'm happy anyway. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't a way that you vegas vets were aware of to get around it. No biggie, we'll just have to pay! I was just hoping the check-in (or check-out) clerks would have some way of clearing them like they have the ability to upgrade rooms, but I guess not!

    thanks though!
     
  7. C0usineddie

    C0usineddie VIP Whale

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    Its should not come as a suprise to anyone that they charge these things.

    Its clearly listed when you book the room.

    What happens is people get all worked up about a cheap price and then they realize it was not as cheap as they first thought because of the resort fee, taxes and the like.

    Then they figure they can get that feeling back somehow by determining which fee does not really apply to them.

    Does anyone remember the "good old days" where you paid for wifi and the gym?

    There are lots of things in hotels I dont use but they are still factored into the price of the rooms. Some people dont use maid service yet its still there and they are paying for it.

    The alternative for hotels is to simply raise their prices.
     
  8. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    I remember the "good old days" when you weren't required to pay for crap in Las Vegas that you do at home.
    I don't want to pay money to use the Internet, that's why i'm in Vegas. I don't read the newspaper in Vegas because i can do it AT HOME. I don't give a crap about the Spa and Gym because i came to Vegas to get away from that. That's why buffets are so popular, you gain 50lbs during the week in Vegas but when you come home THEN you go to the Gym. I have never used their phone because i'm paying $50 a month ON MY CELL.
    Now that CET properties are ripping off customers with a resort fee, i may as well use my "free" Internet to watch porno instead of paying for it on TV.
     
  9. farkingidiot

    farkingidiot High-Roller

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    QFT

    Pink Paradise, there IS a way you might be able to get the resort fee waived if you feel like making the effort and if the stars align. My parents stayed at a Vegas strip hotel and I told them to let the front desk person know they were older, didn't use the internet, would not be using the fitness center, etc. The waived the fee. I've gotten the resort fee waived at smaller hotels, but not the big boys like MGM, if you can make a valid arguement why the fee's perks don't pertain to you, it can be waived. If the front desk person can't help, politely ask if you can see the desk manager and make you plea again.
     
  10. Gogie

    Gogie Tourist

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    Resort Fee Optional at Venetian

    At least as of the last week or so, you now have the option of declining the resort fee at the Venetian. I just booked a room for June and they asked me if I wanted to pay the resort fee or decline it - I didn't have to bring the subject up at all, they mentioned it first.
     
  11. pink_paradise

    pink_paradise Low-Roller

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    hmm..maybe I will try this then! It would save us about $250, so a little work might be worth it!
    Thanks!
     
  12. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    V/P seems to be a real anomaly in that they give you a choice. In my mind, that means they do not have one, but instead have a package price for various amenities.

    Strange, strange indeed.
     
  13. Starz22

    Starz22 Low-Roller

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    I booked my room at the Flamingo for Jun 12-18. Will I still have to pay resort fees? Or did I make it before the March 1st deadline?
     
  14. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    Yes, you made it. My countdown timer reflects that.
     
  15. Star Loves Buffets

    Star Loves Buffets Tourist

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    No. Just pay the nominal fee and enjoy your hard earned vacation. If this is non-negotiable, there are still some properties without the fee.
     
  16. JDinTN

    JDinTN MIA

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    buffet lover -- I don't understand something. Are you still happy to pay the $20 resort fee even though we've learned the WiFi that's included only covers one device? Because you were so happy and described saving $8 per day as being a huge "bundle" of money earlier when you thought the resort fee would cover WiFi for multiple devices -- but actually you're going to end up paying more for those multiple devices now then you did before so no more saving a "bundle" as you described it.

    What gives? Why the change of heart?
     
  17. Star Loves Buffets

    Star Loves Buffets Tourist

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    I haven't heard this. Where can I confirm this information?

    If true, I will be a tad disappointed, yet not so disillusioned that I will cease to visit Vegas.

    And besides, V/P offers multiple device Internet included in the resort fee. Why stay at a CET property if V/P is available?
     
  18. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    A few different things have popped up in this thread - are you asking about CET and resort fee?

    It is confirmed.
     
  19. Star Loves Buffets

    Star Loves Buffets Tourist

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    Apologies, I neglected to quote. I was referring to the message directly above mine - re: a limit of one mobile device at CET.
     
  20. StormHawk

    StormHawk Yuma, where I work in software.

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    Guys, the resort fees are equal to 1-2 hands of BJ, craps, etc or 5-10 mins of slot play for even the lowest playing guests. If $25-$125 for your entire stay isn't doable I'd seriously reconsider even going to Las Vegas.
     
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