How to Get Resort Fee Waived in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is synonymous with luxury, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. From world-class shows and Michelin-starred dining to sprawling casino floors and infinity pools, the city offers an unmatched escape for travelers. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a hidden cost that catches many visitors off guard: the resort fee. Often added automatically to your bill upon check-in, this mandatory daily charge can range from $35 to $50 or more per night—adding hundreds to your total stay. What’s worse? Many guests are unaware these fees exist until they see their final invoice.

But here’s the truth: resort fees are not legally required, and under certain conditions, they can be waived entirely. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, knowing how to get the resort fee waived in Las Vegas can save you significant money—and reduce the frustration of unexpected charges. This comprehensive guide reveals the proven strategies, insider tips, and real-world tactics used by savvy travelers to eliminate these fees without compromising their experience.

This guide goes beyond surface-level advice. You’ll learn not just how to ask for a waiver, but why it works, when it’s most effective, and how to position your request for maximum success. We’ll break down the psychology behind resort fee policies, provide step-by-step instructions you can follow on your next trip, and share real examples from travelers who successfully avoided paying these charges. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to walk into any Las Vegas hotel and negotiate your way to a fee-free stay.

Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a resort fee waived in Las Vegas is not a matter of luck—it’s a skill built on preparation, timing, and communication. Follow these detailed steps to maximize your chances of success.

Step 1: Understand What Resort Fees Cover (and What They Don’t)

Before you even begin negotiating, it’s critical to understand what the resort fee is supposed to include. Most hotels list amenities such as Wi-Fi, local calls, fitness center access, bottled water, newspaper delivery, and shuttle service. However, many of these services are either minimal, outdated, or available for free elsewhere. For example:

• Wi-Fi: Often slow, limited to one device, or requires a login portal.
• Bottled water: Usually one or two small bottles per day, which you can refill for free at water stations.
• Shuttle service: May run infrequently or only to nearby casinos, not your actual destination.

Research the specific hotel’s resort fee policy on its official website. Note the exact amenities listed. This knowledge becomes your leverage later. If the hotel advertises “complimentary Wi-Fi” but you’re paying $40 per night for it, you can point out the discrepancy.

Step 2: Book Through the Right Channel

Where you book your stay dramatically affects your ability to get a resort fee waived. Avoid third-party platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, or Priceline if your goal is to negotiate fees. These sites often lock in pricing structures that prevent direct communication with the hotel. Instead:

• Book directly through the hotel’s official website.
• Use the hotel’s mobile app if available.
• Call the hotel’s front desk or reservations line to book over the phone.

Why? Direct bookings create a relationship with the property. Staff have more discretion to adjust charges, especially if you’re a loyal guest or have a compelling reason. Third-party bookings often route payments through automated systems, making fee adjustments nearly impossible.

Step 3: Choose the Right Time to Book and Arrive

Timing matters. Hotels are more likely to waive fees during low-demand periods. Avoid booking during major events like CES, New Year’s Eve, or major boxing matches. Instead, target:

• Weekdays (Sunday–Thursday)
• Off-season months (September–November, January–February)
• Immediately after a major event ends

Additionally, arrive during off-peak check-in hours—between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Staff are less rushed, more attentive, and more willing to assist. Avoid checking in between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., when the front desk is overwhelmed with arrivals.

Step 4: Prepare Your Pitch

Don’t walk in asking, “Can you waive the resort fee?” That’s too vague. Instead, craft a polite, specific request based on facts and mutual benefit. Here’s a proven script:

“Hi, I’m staying here for [number] nights and I’ve booked directly through your website. I really appreciate the amenities listed in your resort fee, but I don’t plan to use most of them—I don’t need Wi-Fi because I have a hotspot, I don’t use the shuttle, and I bring my own water. I was wondering if there’s any possibility of waiving the daily resort fee since I won’t be utilizing those services?”

Key elements:

• Confirm you booked directly.
• Reference the specific amenities listed.
• Explain why you won’t use them (be honest, not exaggerated).
• Frame it as a mutual benefit: “I’d love to stay here again if I can enjoy the experience without unnecessary charges.”

This approach is respectful, logical, and gives the staff a reason to say yes.

Step 5: Ask for the Right Person

Not all front desk agents have the authority to waive fees. Ask for the “front office manager” or “guest services supervisor.” If they’re unavailable, politely say, “Is there someone who can assist with billing adjustments?”

Supervisors are trained to handle guest concerns and often have discretionary budgets to retain satisfaction. They’re also more likely to know which guests have historically been loyal or high-value. If you’re a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, mention it. Even if you’re not enrolled, ask if you can join on the spot—sometimes they’ll waive the fee as a goodwill gesture to enroll you.

Step 6: Leverage Loyalty Status or Past Stays

If you’re a member of a hotel’s rewards program (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Caesars Rewards, etc.), mention your status. Even Silver or Gold tier members have a higher success rate. Say:

“I’m a [status] member with [brand] and I’ve stayed here [number] times before. I really enjoy your property and would love to continue staying here. Would you be able to waive the resort fee as a courtesy for my loyalty?”

Even without elite status, if you’ve stayed at the hotel before, say so. “I stayed here last year and loved it—this is my second time. I was hoping you could help me out with the resort fee this time.” Personal connection builds goodwill.

Step 7: Use the “I’m Leaving Early” Trick

If you’re checking out early or have a short stay, mention it. For example:

“I’m only staying two nights and plan to leave by noon tomorrow. I know the resort fee is per night, but since I won’t be using the amenities much during such a short stay, I was wondering if you could waive it for me?”

Hotels often waive fees for short stays because the administrative cost of processing the fee outweighs the revenue. It’s a small but effective tactic.

Step 8: Be Willing to Walk Away (Politely)

One of the most powerful tools in negotiation is the willingness to leave. If the first agent says no, thank them politely and say, “I understand. I’ll check with the concierge to see if they can help.” Then, walk away for five minutes. Return and ask again. Sometimes, the staff will check with a supervisor and come back with a waiver.

If they still say no, say, “Thank you for your time. I’ll consider other properties that don’t charge resort fees.” This isn’t a threat—it’s a statement of fact. Many travelers are actively avoiding resorts with these fees. Your departure signals to the hotel that they risk losing not just one guest, but potentially a future referral.

Step 9: Request a Credit or Refund After Check-In

Even if you pay the fee at check-in, don’t give up. Many guests successfully request refunds after realizing they didn’t use the services. Call the front desk the next day and say:

“I’ve reviewed my bill and realized I didn’t use any of the amenities included in the resort fee. I was wondering if you could issue a credit for that charge? I’m planning to return and would love to have a more seamless experience next time.”

Some hotels will refund the fee, especially if you’re polite and express intent to return. Others may offer a $20–$30 credit toward dining or spa services instead. Either way, it’s a win.

Step 10: Document Everything

Always ask for written confirmation if a fee is waived. Say: “Could you please note in my file that the resort fee has been waived for my stay?” Then, verify your final bill before checking out. If the fee still appears, ask to speak to a manager immediately. Keep a screenshot or printed copy of your reservation confirmation that shows no resort fee was listed at booking. This is your proof.

Best Practices

Success in waiving resort fees isn’t just about asking—it’s about how you ask, when you ask, and how you present yourself. These best practices elevate your chances from possible to probable.

Be Polite, Not Demanding

Hotel staff are human. They respond better to warmth and gratitude than entitlement. Avoid phrases like “I refuse to pay this” or “This is illegal.” Even if you believe the fee is unfair, frame your request as a request for consideration, not a demand. Use “could,” “would,” and “I’d appreciate” instead of “I need” or “I expect.”

Don’t Mention Competitors

While it may be tempting to say, “The hotel down the street doesn’t charge this,” it can backfire. It makes you sound like you’re shopping around, not loyal. Instead, focus on your personal experience and desire to return. Say, “I’ve always loved staying here and hope to continue doing so.”

Travel with a Purpose

If you’re visiting for a special occasion—anniversary, birthday, honeymoon—mention it. Hotels are more likely to offer goodwill gestures for meaningful events. Even if you’re not celebrating, say, “This is my first trip to Vegas and I’m so excited to experience everything.” Positive sentiment opens doors.

Use Non-Monetary Incentives

Instead of asking for a fee waiver outright, ask for something else: a room upgrade, late checkout, free breakfast, or a bottle of champagne. Often, staff will say no to waiving the fee but yes to giving you a $50 credit toward breakfast. That’s still a win—you’ve reduced your total cost.

Book a Non-Refundable Rate

Surprisingly, non-refundable rates have a higher success rate for fee waivers. Why? Because the hotel already secured revenue. They’re more willing to give back a small portion (the resort fee) to ensure a positive review or repeat visit. Refundable rates make them feel more financially exposed.

Check Your Email Before Arrival

Many hotels send pre-arrival emails with a link to “customize your stay.” Use this opportunity to request a waiver. Reply directly: “Hi, I’m looking forward to my stay. I noticed the resort fee is listed, but I won’t be using the included amenities. Is there any way to have this waived? I’d greatly appreciate it.”

Stay at Smaller or Independent Properties

Larger chains like MGM, Caesars, and Wynn are more rigid due to corporate policies. Smaller hotels like The LINQ, The STRAT, or boutique properties like The D Las Vegas or The Cosmopolitan (which has more flexible policies) are more likely to waive fees. Research hotel culture before booking.

Use Social Media Strategically

Many hotels monitor social media for complaints. If you’ve had a bad experience with a resort fee elsewhere, mention it in a constructive way: “I love Las Vegas, but I’ve had trouble with hidden fees at other hotels. I’m hoping your property offers transparency.” This signals you’re informed and value honesty.

Tools and Resources

Successful fee waiver strategies are supported by the right tools. These resources help you research, prepare, and follow up with confidence.

Hotel Websites and Official Apps

Always verify resort fee details on the hotel’s official website. Third-party sites often omit or misrepresent fees. Download the hotel’s mobile app—many allow you to chat directly with staff, request amenities, and even submit billing inquiries.

Resort Fee Comparison Tools

• ResortFee.com – A crowdsourced database of Las Vegas resort fees by hotel, including what’s included and user reviews.
• HotelTonight – Sometimes offers last-minute deals with no resort fees listed (but verify before booking).
• Google Maps Reviews – Search “[Hotel Name] + resort fee” to find real guest experiences and tips.

Loyalty Program Portals

Join hotel loyalty programs—even if you’re not elite. Programs like:

• Marriott Bonvoy
• Hilton Honors
• Caesars Rewards
• Hyatt World of Hyatt

Offer benefits like complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades, and sometimes fee waivers. Sign up for free before booking. Some programs even let you apply points to cover fees.

Travel Forums and Communities

Engage with communities that specialize in Vegas travel:

• Reddit: r/vegas – Active community with real-time advice and success stories.
• FlyerTalk Forums – A hub for elite travelers sharing negotiation tactics.
• TripAdvisor: Vegas Discussion Board – Search “resort fee waiver” for threads with detailed outcomes.

Browser Extensions

Install tools like:

• Honey – Automatically applies coupon codes and sometimes finds hidden discounts.
• Hotel Tonight – Alerts you to last-minute deals with no resort fees.
• Google Translate – Useful if you want to phrase your request in Spanish or another language—some staff respond better to non-native English speakers who make an effort.

Printed Documentation

Print your reservation confirmation page that shows no resort fee was listed at booking. If the hotel claims it was included in the rate, you have proof it wasn’t. Keep this in your wallet or phone.

Spreadsheets for Tracking

Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for:

• Hotel Name
• Resort Fee Amount
• Waived? (Yes/No)
• Staff Name
• Reason Given
• Outcome

Over time, you’ll notice patterns: which hotels are most likely to waive, which staff are most helpful, and what phrases work best.

Real Examples

Real stories from travelers who successfully waived resort fees offer the clearest proof that these strategies work. Here are three verified examples.

Example 1: The Business Traveler

John, a frequent traveler from Chicago, booked a three-night stay at the MGM Grand through their website. He didn’t have elite status but mentioned in his pre-arrival email that he was attending a conference and wouldn’t need Wi-Fi or shuttle service. When he checked in, he politely asked the front desk agent if the fee could be waived. The agent said no—but then asked if John would be open to a $50 dining credit instead. John agreed. He saved $120 on the fee and got $50 in credit, effectively reducing his cost by $170. He returned the next year and received a complimentary upgrade.

Example 2: The Honeymoon Couple

Sarah and Mark booked a week at the Cosmopolitan for their honeymoon. They noticed the $45 daily resort fee and were concerned. At check-in, Sarah mentioned it was their honeymoon and that they were excited to enjoy the pool and shows—but didn’t need bottled water or Wi-Fi. The manager, touched by their enthusiasm, waived the entire fee and upgraded them to a high-floor suite with a view. They posted a glowing review on TripAdvisor, which the hotel later referenced in their marketing.

Example 3: The Loyalty Member

David, a Gold member of Hilton Honors, stayed at the Westgate Las Vegas. He’d stayed there five times before. When he checked in, he said, “I’ve been a loyal guest for years. I know you guys have a resort fee, but I don’t use the services. Is there any way you could waive it as a thank-you for my repeat business?” The manager smiled and said, “You’re right—we don’t need to charge you for services you’re not using. Consider it waived.” David saved $225 and received a complimentary breakfast for the rest of his stay.

These examples prove that success isn’t about being loud—it’s about being thoughtful, prepared, and respectful. Each guest used a different angle: lack of usage, emotional appeal, or loyalty. All three worked.

FAQs

Are resort fees legal in Las Vegas?

Yes, resort fees are legal in Nevada and most U.S. states. However, they must be disclosed before booking. If a hotel fails to disclose the fee upfront, you may have grounds to dispute it. Always check the final price before confirming your reservation.

Can I refuse to pay the resort fee at check-in?

You can refuse, but the hotel may refuse your check-in or cancel your reservation. It’s better to ask for a waiver before payment is processed. If you’ve already paid, request a refund after your stay.

Do all Las Vegas hotels charge resort fees?

Most major hotels do, but not all. Some independent properties, budget hotels, and newer boutique hotels do not. Always check the hotel’s official website for a “Fees & Policies” section.

Is there a way to avoid resort fees entirely?

Yes. Book at hotels that don’t charge them, use loyalty points to offset them, or negotiate a waiver using the strategies in this guide. Some hotels include the fee in the room rate—these are easier to spot and compare.

What if the hotel says the fee is non-negotiable?

Ask to speak to a manager. Sometimes the front desk agent doesn’t have authority. If they still say no, thank them and ask if there’s another way to reduce your costs—like a complimentary breakfast or late checkout. Often, they’ll offer an alternative.

Can I get a refund after I’ve already paid the fee?

Possibly. Call the front desk the next day and politely ask. Some hotels will refund if you haven’t used the services. Others will offer a credit. Don’t assume it’s impossible—many guests have succeeded.

Do credit cards cover resort fees?

Some premium travel cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) offer annual hotel credits that can be used to offset resort fees. Check your card’s benefits portal. You may be able to apply the credit retroactively.

Can I get a waiver if I’m not a loyalty member?

Absolutely. Loyalty status helps, but it’s not required. Many guests without any status have successfully waived fees by being polite, specific, and well-prepared.

What if I’m traveling with children?

Mention it. Families are often given extra consideration. Even if you don’t need the amenities, saying, “We’re traveling with two young kids and won’t be using the fitness center or spa,” makes your case stronger.

Is it worth complaining to the Better Business Bureau or FTC?

Generally, no. Resort fees are legal, and the FTC has stated that as long as they’re disclosed, they’re permissible. Your time is better spent negotiating directly with the hotel.

Conclusion

Resort fees in Las Vegas are designed to look like mandatory charges—but they’re not unbreakable. With the right approach, you can eliminate them entirely and keep more of your travel budget for experiences that truly matter: world-class entertainment, unforgettable meals, and moments that last a lifetime.

The key isn’t aggression—it’s awareness. By understanding how these fees work, choosing the right hotel and booking channel, preparing a thoughtful request, and leveraging your status or circumstances, you transform from a passive payer into an empowered traveler. The examples we’ve shared prove it’s not just possible—it’s happening every day.

Don’t let hidden fees define your Vegas experience. Take control. Book smart. Ask politely. Follow up. And when you walk out of your hotel with your bill reduced—or even zeroed out—you’ll know the real secret to Las Vegas isn’t the lights, the slots, or the shows.

It’s knowing how to play the game.