Key Points:
- On the Strip, the only hotel that never charges a resort fee is Casino Royale.
- Treasure Island also offers a “TV Ad Special” deal that makes resort fees optional.
- On Fremont Street, 4 Queens and Binion’s don’t charge a resort fee.
Although they’ve been around forever, people still get all fired up about resort fees.
They’re detested.
And yes, you’re not getting out of ’em unless you’re a big-time gambler or have a legit gripe about your stay.
Since some folks refuse to stay at resorts that charge a resort fee, I figured it’d be fun to keep a rundown of hotels in Vegas that don’t.
Consider this, however: Don’t “swear off” hotels that charge a fee.
Instead, factor the resort fee into the nightly rate and compare resorts “apples to apples.” I’ve stayed at every hotel detailed below… and trust me… You can often get more for your money at a resort that charges a resort fee.
You’ll see what I mean.
The Strip
Best Western at Casino Royale
A small, mid-Strip hotel, Casino Royale doesn’t charge a resort fee.
The property caters to low rollers with a vintage vibe, $3.99 foot-long hot dogs, and $1 bottled beer around the clock.
Casino Royale’s location is the real draw. The hotel is smack dab in the middle of the Strip, surrounded by a plethora of entertainment and cheap dining options.
While I love nearly everything else about Casino Royale, the hotel product isn’t my favorite. Even if there wasn’t water dripping from my ceiling, the room was comparable to an aging roadside motel.
Related: Casino Royale Standard King Review, or watch it on YouTube.
Treasure Island
While TI typically charges a resort fee, guests who book online through their “TV Ad Special” can opt out.
TI’s strategy appears to respond to guest complaints about paying for services they don’t intend to use, like WiFi, fitness center access, and the business center.
TI’s TV Ad Special allows you to opt out of the fee in exchange for not using those services. Rooms through the offer start at $69/nt.
You need to book the TV Ad Special specifically, and you can’t add the deal retroactively if you’re already booked.
Of all the hotels on this rundown, TI’s is my favorite. A solid, budget-friendly hotel.
Related: Watch our TI review on YouTube or read about my Petite Suite (with a weird layout).
Fremont Street
4 Queens
Opening in 1966 in the middle of what is now the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas, 4 Queens has never charged a resort fee to hotel guests.
Like Casino Royale, 4 Queens extends its value proposition to the gaming floor where low rollers are welcomed with open arms. Unpretentious, a little grimy, and smoky. My kind of place.
Unfortunately, that “grimeyness” carries into a large chunk of their rooms. This was my South Tower Royal Suite, which was unexciting and clean… sans a shoeprint on the ceiling and a hole in the wall.
There was also a distinct smell. Smoke? Not sure.
Before I show you some pictures, I should share that they just finished renovating their North Tower, and those rooms are much better.
Related: 4 Queens Royal Suite Review, or video review on YouTube:
More recently, I stayed in their renovated North Tower and was impressed.
The rooms, while small, are modern and genuinely nice. These are a solid option, but pay a few extra bucks for a room on the back side of the tower, as it faces away from Fremont Street and is much quieter.
Binion’s Hotel Apache
Recently remodeled and reopened after years of being shuttered, Binion’s Hotel Apache doesn’t charge a resort fee.
The boutique hotel’s 81 rooms hide behind the neon facade that wraps around the casino property, so there isn’t much of a view.
In fact, most rooms have stained glass windows that don’t allow you to see through them at all.
The rooms are actually pretty cool, designed to look as they did in the 1930s, with modern amenities, but they’re pretty bare-bones.
The bathroom is tiny, and they don’t even have space for a closet/armoire to store the ironing board.
Certainly not for everybody.
My biggest concern is Fremont Street noise.
I’ve stayed at Hotel Apache twice now, and have lucked out with quiet rooms, but many will be rockin’ until the wee hours of the morning.
Uniquely, guests at both Binion’s and 4 Queens have access to the rooftop pool atop the old Mint Hotel tower, offering great views of downtown Las Vegas.
Related: Binion’s Hotel Apache Room Review – Or check out my video review on YouTube:
Take my opinions with a grain of salt. I’ve gotten snootier over time about what I expect from a hotel… But there’s usually a reason that hotels don’t charge a resort fee… To make up for their room product, which often lacks.
My suggestion?
Just factor the resort fee into the nightly room rate as you shop for a hotel, and compare “apples to apples.” You’ll often get a better room for the same price, or even less.
Related: Resorts running “No Resort Fee” promotions.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
KT3
Friday 8th of December 2023
Treasure Island may not have a resort fee through the TV ad, but it still ends up being more than paying the resort fee and doing their BOGO. You still end up paying it.
Jake Hoffman
Friday 8th of December 2023
That's a good callout - Important to price out your dates with both deals. I am seeing the TV Ad special being a cheaper option vs. the BOGO deal in a lot of booking scenerios, however.
GB123
Thursday 2nd of January 2020
Thank you for the list . I'd like to add that the Westgate charges a resort fee but parking is FREE :)