Bucking a Las Vegas trend that spread across the country, much to the anger of customers and consumer law advocates, Virgin is opening its new Las Vegas hotel without a resort fee, saying “We are so proud to be one of the first major casino-resorts in Las Vegas without a resort fee.”
The fees, which hotels claim covers enhancements that could include faster Wi-Fi, or use of pools and gyms, or nothing at all, have not only become common, during the pandemic some Las Vegas resorts have raised them sharply to recoup lost income. In some cities where the hotel is not a resort, they’re now labeled ‘destination fee’ or ‘amenity fee.’
Some cities and states have banned them under a variety of laws against deceptive advertising and other titles; the fees enable hotels to quote rates that look low, but are not when the fee is added. In the case of Virgin Las Vegas, the rates are hardly low; the opening week minimum comes out to a bit of $300 a night with a three-night minimum.
