In a recent development, MGM Resorts, the renowned parent company overseeing several major casino hotels in Las Vegas, has implemented an increase in resort fees across many of its properties.
The move has sparked a broader conversation about the transparency of such fees in the hospitality industry, impacting travelers and potentially reshaping the landscape of accommodation costs.
MGM Resorts Adjusts Resort Fees
MGM Resorts, operator of iconic establishments like the MGM Grand Las Vegas and Bellagio Hotel & Casino, has adjusted resort fees, with some now reaching up to $50.
The fees, added after a reservation is made, have been augmented by $2 to $6 per night, varying depending on the property.
The adjustments, effective as of Tuesday, are part of the company’s strategy to enhance the services provided.
The new resort fees cover a range of amenities, including unlimited local and domestic phone calls, airline boarding pass printing, digital newspapers, fitness center access, and in-room Wi-Fi.
Additionally, guests at the MGM Grand Las Vegas can enjoy complimentary access to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME On Demand through their in-room television.
Current Resort Fees at MGM Resorts:
- ARIA Resort & Casino: $50.00
- Bellagio Hotel & Casino: $50.00
- Delano Las Vegas: $45.00
- Excalibur Hotel & Casino: $37.00
- Luxor Hotel & Casino: $37.00
- Mandalay Bay: $45.00
- MGM Grand Las Vegas: $45.00
- New York-New York Hotel & Casino: $42.00
- NoMad Las Vegas: $42.00
- Park MGM: $42.00
- Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas: $50.00
MGM Resorts has also adjusted its cancellation policy, extending the notice period to 72 hours before check-in, up from the previous 48 hours.
Membership Benefits and Status Waivers
MGM Rewards members at the Gold, Platinum, or NOIR levels can waive the resort fee.
Furthermore, in a recent partnership announcement with Marriott, MGM Resorts revealed that members of the Marriott Bonvoy program at the Ambassador level can also waive their resort fee through a status match opportunity.
Other prominent Las Vegas hotels, including Wynn Las Vegas and Caesars Palace Las Vegas, also impose resort fees on guests. However, they did not respond to inquiries regarding potential changes in their fee structures.
Industry Response and Government Action
The increase in resort fees by MGM Resorts comes amid a broader discussion about such fees within the industry.
Lawmakers and oversight groups are evaluating measures to address these surprise fees. In October 2023, the Biden administration issued guidance proposing laws against “junk fees,” explicitly citing resort fees.
The potential rule would encompass various industries, including hotels and lodging, with non-compliant companies facing monetary penalties and possible consumer refunds.
ESTA and the Travel Experience
As travelers navigate changes in accommodation costs and industry practices, it’s essential to consider tools like the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
ESTA plays a pivotal role for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, streamlining the entry process into the United States.
ESTA serves as an automated system, assessing the eligibility of visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to travel to the United States without the need for a visa.
This online authorization enhances security measures while providing a convenient and efficient process for eligible travelers.
The application process is quick and straightforward, completed online to save time and effort.
Approved ESTA travelers experience a streamlined entry process upon arrival in the United States, and their authorizations are generally valid for two years or until the passport expires, facilitating multiple visits.
Specifically advantageous for citizens of VWP countries planning short-term visits for tourism, business, or transit, ESTA provides a straightforward alternative to the complexities associated with obtaining a traditional visa.
In the evolving landscape of travel, understanding tools like ESTA becomes crucial for seamless entry into the United States.
As discussions around resort fees unfold, travelers can find solace in ESTA’s simplicity and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience during their visit to the USA.