By Ed Komenda, Las Vegas SunMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News 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 |
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