Introduction
Picture this: You’ve been dreaming about your Las Vegas getaway for months. You’ve envisioned yourself basking in the desert sun, trying your luck at the tables, and indulging in the city’s vibrant nightlife. You meticulously research hotels, find a seemingly great deal, and book your stay with excitement. Then, just before your arrival, you stumble across something called a “resort fee” that suddenly throws a wrench in your budget. Sound familiar?
Many visitors to Las Vegas, particularly those seeking value and family-friendly experiences, choose Excalibur as their hotel of choice. Located at the southern end of the Strip, Excalibur, with its medieval castle theme, promises an affordable and memorable vacation. However, just like many other hotels in the city, Excalibur Las Vegas charges a resort fee, and understanding this fee is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises and budget effectively. This article aims to provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee, including what it covers, its cost, and potential strategies for minimizing or even avoiding it. We’ll explore if the fee is truly worth it, and offer alternatives if you find it a deal-breaker, allowing you to make an informed decision and ensure a smooth, enjoyable Las Vegas experience.
Deciphering the Concept of a Resort Fee
Before diving into the specifics of Excalibur’s resort fee, let’s clarify what resort fees are in general. Resort fees are mandatory daily charges levied by hotels to cover amenities and services intended to enhance the guest experience. These fees are typically added to the room rate and are charged regardless of whether you actually use the included amenities. Common amenities covered by resort fees include internet access, fitness center access, pool access, local calls, and sometimes even things like daily newspapers or bottled water.
While hotels often justify resort fees as a way to offer bundled services at a reasonable price, they are frequently a source of frustration for travelers. The main complaint is a lack of transparency. Often, the resort fee is not prominently displayed during the initial booking process, leading to a surprise at check-in or checkout. Many argue that these fees should simply be included in the advertised room rate, providing a more honest and upfront representation of the total cost. This lack of transparency and the perception that resort fees are a hidden add-on contribute to their unpopularity among many travelers.
Excalibur’s Resort Fee: Breaking Down the Specifics
So, what exactly does the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee entail? Let’s get into the specifics.
The resort fee at Excalibur is charged per room, per night, regardless of occupancy. This means even if you are staying alone in a room, you’ll be paying the same resort fee as a family of four. This fee is also subject to tax. It’s crucial to confirm the most current rate directly on the Excalibur Las Vegas website or by contacting the hotel directly, as these fees can change over time.
The Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee includes:
- Internet Access: Complimentary high-speed internet access for connecting devices throughout your stay. This can be particularly useful for checking emails, streaming movies, or staying connected with loved ones.
- Fitness Center Access: Access to the Excalibur’s fitness center, equipped with various cardio machines, weights, and other exercise equipment. If you like to maintain your fitness routine while traveling, this can be a valuable perk.
- Local and Toll-Free Calls: Unlimited local and toll-free calls from your room. While many people rely on their cell phones, this can still be convenient for making local reservations or contacting services in the area.
- Digital Newspaper Access: Access to digital versions of newspapers, allowing you to stay informed during your trip.
It’s important to remember that the inclusion and specific details of amenities covered by the resort fee can be subject to change. Always double-check the official Excalibur Las Vegas website or contact the hotel directly for the most current and accurate information. You should also confirm whether this fee applies on comped rooms if you are receiving a complimentary stay.
Evaluating the Value: Is the Excalibur Resort Fee Worth It?
The question of whether the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee is “worth it” is subjective and depends entirely on your individual needs and travel style. To determine if the fee offers value for you, consider how likely you are to use the included amenities.
For families traveling with children, the inclusion of internet access may be particularly valuable, as it allows children to stay entertained with streaming services or online games. However, if you have a robust data plan on your cell phone, you may not need the hotel’s internet access. Fitness center access is beneficial for those who prioritize exercise, but if you don’t plan on using the gym, this perk is essentially useless to you. The same goes for local calls; if you rely primarily on your cell phone, this amenity might not be necessary.
Budget travelers might be more inclined to find the resort fee less valuable, especially if they are looking for the most affordable option possible. For example, many travelers on a tight budget may find free wireless internet at coffee shops and fast food locations around Las Vegas sufficient for their basic needs.
Ultimately, determining the value of the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee requires careful consideration of your own travel habits and priorities.
Exploring Options to Minimize or Avoid the Resort Fee
While resort fees are often mandatory, there are a few potential avenues to explore for minimizing or even avoiding the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee. It’s important to note that these strategies are not guaranteed to work and often depend on specific circumstances and hotel policies.
One option is to join the MGM Rewards loyalty program. Higher tiers of the MGM Rewards program may offer exemptions from resort fees. Researching the benefits of each tier and understanding the requirements for achieving those levels can be worthwhile.
Another approach is to politely inquire about waiving the resort fee at check-in. Explain that you don’t plan to use the included amenities and see if the front desk agent is willing to make an exception. However, be prepared for the possibility of rejection, as this is not always successful. Remember to be courteous and respectful throughout the interaction, as being polite can increase your chances of success.
Occasionally, booking through third-party travel websites may offer deals that include the resort fee in the overall price. However, it’s crucial to carefully read the fine print and confirm that the resort fee is indeed included, as some websites may not always display this information prominently. Look for language like “taxes and fees included” to verify that the resort fee is covered.
It may be possible to get a resort fee waiver if you are active duty military personnel. Inquire before booking to ensure proper procedures are followed.
Considering Alternatives: Hotels Without Resort Fees
If the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee is a significant concern for you, it might be worthwhile to explore alternative hotels that either do not charge resort fees or have significantly lower fees. Several hotels off the Strip, for example, may offer more affordable options with fewer additional charges. These hotels might not have the same level of amenities or be as conveniently located, but they can represent a significant cost savings.
Some smaller hotels or motels, particularly those located further from the main tourist areas, may not charge resort fees at all. While these options might not offer the same level of luxury or convenience as Excalibur, they can be a viable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Exploring hotels outside the immediate vicinity of the Strip can often yield more affordable options with potentially lower or no resort fees. While you might need to rely on taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation to access the main attractions, the savings on accommodation costs can often outweigh the added transportation expenses.
Making an Informed Decision: Concluding Thoughts
The Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee is a mandatory charge that adds to the overall cost of your stay. Understanding what this fee covers and exploring potential strategies for minimizing or avoiding it can help you make a more informed decision about whether Excalibur is the right choice for your Las Vegas trip.
By weighing the value of the included amenities against the cost of the fee, considering alternative hotels, and exploring potential avenues for negotiation, you can ensure that your Las Vegas vacation is both enjoyable and budget-friendly. Always remember to research thoroughly, compare options, and ask questions to find the best value for your money and create a memorable experience without unnecessary financial surprises. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make the best choice for your personal needs and preferences, leading to a more relaxed and fulfilling Las Vegas adventure. Now go out there and enjoy the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas, knowing you have a handle on those pesky resort fees!
