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, neither 4 Queens nor Binion’s charge a resort fee.
Visitors still feel rage about paying resort fees, and while booking websites have done a better job of communicating them, they’re still despised.
Nightly resort fees in Las Vegas range from $0 (at a few select hotels) all the way up to the mid $40s at high-end properties like Wynn, Venetian, Aria, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Waldorf Astoria.
While it’s a common question posed on social media, yes, you (almost) always need to pay resort fees at hotels that charge them. There’s little recourse beyond losing your shirt in the casino or complaining about an aspect of your stay.
It’s important to note that resort fees are also taxable which makes the hit to your wallet a bit more painful. While some visitors simply accept resort fees as a fact of life, others have pledged to never pay them.
With that in mind, I wanted to start and maintain an up-to-date list of Las Vegas hotels without resort fees so you can plan accordingly.
One final note before diving in: While nobody likes paying a nightly resort fee, I wouldn’t recommend excluding resorts that charge them from your hotel search.
Instead, simply take the resort fee into account when comparing and contrasting your options.
Commonly, resorts that charge a resort fee end up being a better fit at a better price than the resorts below that don’t – The absence of resort fees doesn’t necessarily mean that an option is “cheaper” or “a better deal”.
In addition to that, the resorts that don’t charge a resort fee in Las Vegas tend to be on the “less luxurious” side of the spectrum than their fee-charging counterparts. Those who value a mid-tier or upscale resort experience are likely better off paying up.
Las Vegas Strip Hotels Without a Resort Fee
Best Western at Casino Royale:
A budget option, this small, center Strip hotel doesn’t charge resort fees or parking.
The value doesn’t stop with the advantageous fee structure, however, as the hotel is part of Casino Royale, which caters to low rollers. The gaming floor has a vintage Vegas vibe and offers $3 bottled beer around the clock.
Casino Royale’s location is the real win, however, as the hotel is smack dab in the middle of the Strip surrounded by a plethora of entertainment and cheap dining options.
Treasure Island
While TI does typically charge a resort fee, guests who book online via their “TV Ad Special” can opt not to pay it.
TI’s strategy appears to be a response 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.
Note that you need to book the TV Ad Special specifically and the deal cannot be added retroactively if you’ve already booked.
Fremont Street Hotels Without Resort Fees
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.
In addition to cheap gaming, 4 Queens is home to one of my favorite spots to grab a cheap breakfast in Vegas – Magnolia’s Veranda.
Binion’s Hotel Apache
Recently remodeled and re-opened after being shuttered for years, Binion’s Hotel Apache doesn’t charge a resort fee.
The boutique hotel’s 81 rooms hide behind the blue 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.
Uniquely, guests at both Binion’s and 4 Queens have access to the rooftop pool that sits atop the old Mint hotel tower, providing great views of downtown Las Vegas.
Related: Binion’s Hotel Apache Room Review – Check out my recent experience!
Condo Properties are an Option
Renting an owner-operated condo will oftentimes allow you to skip resort fees without forcing you to sacrifice the resort experience. An added bonus, these rentals commonly offer enhanced amenities within the room that can include full kitchens, balconies, etc.
Ensure you read the listing carefully to ensure the option allows you to forego resort fees, as not all do. They’ll mention it in the description if so, as it’s a coveted perk.
I remain hopeful that more and more resorts in Las Vegas eliminate resort fees and simply charge a flat rate for rooms.
Without legislation outlawing this type of fee, however, I’m doubtful that many will as resort fees allow hotels to offer lower rates on 3rd party booking websites allowing their offering to rise to the top when sorted by price.
Additionally, hotels pay a commission to 3rd party booking websites on the room rate booked. Charging less upfront, and utilizing the resort fee which is paid directly to the resort by the customer helps to lower their commission burden.
As I mentioned above, don’t exclude hotels that charge a fee from your search – Just figure the fee into the nightly rate when comparing.
Hotels in Las Vegas are amazing. Don’t limit your search to a few resorts.
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 :)