Vegas “Resort Fees” Killing the Golden Goose

What’s wrong with this picture?

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported today that Caesars Entertainment Group is raising its mandatory “resort fees” – covering things like wi-fi and use of the pool – to $37/night.  With tax that comes to $42.

I checked Expedia today and found that a room at the Flamingo Hilton – part of the Caesars chain – is going for $33 next Wednesday night.  That means the resort fee is actually HIGHER than the room rental.

Outrageous.

This is a scam no matter how you slice it.  And tourists ain’t stupid.  Many are already by-passing Vegas thanks to the introduction of resort fees and paid parking on the Strip.

Penny-pinching corporate bean counters at many of Vegas’ top resorts are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.  Bring back the mob!