April 11--The reign of the resort fee continues.

This time it's a change at the Venetian and Palazzo, where resort fees have been upped from $20 to $25 a night.

But don't fret: there's a way out.

According to the Venetian website, the fees are not reflected in the total price quoted in a guest's reservation because patrons don't have to accept the fee.

"You may decline the Resort Fee and the services included in the fee at check-in or check-out," a description on the website reads. "If you decide to decline the Resort Fee, the services included in the fee are charged whenever you use them at regular prices."

The $25 fee includes use of the resort's fitness center, Internet access, boarding pass printing, unlimited local and toll-free calls, a newspaper and drink coupons.

Venetian and Palazzo officials did not immediately return a call for comment.

Increasing resort fees, for those who pay them, are a growing trend on the Strip.

After years of marketing no resort fees at its hotels, Caesars Entertainment rolled out a $25 resort fee March 1. Company officials said guests demanded the fees because they prefer to pay a package price over separate amenity fees.

The South Point also started charging a resort fee March 1.

Practically all of the Strip's hotels charge resort fees, but many hotels off-Strip and downtown remain fee free. In total, 59 local hotels charge fees of between $10 and $25, while 32 resorts offer fee-free stays.

___

(c)2013 the Las Vegas Sun (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Visit the Las Vegas Sun (Las Vegas, Nev.) at www.lasvegassun.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services