Introduction
Have you ever meticulously planned a Las Vegas getaway, budget in hand, only to be blindsided by a mysterious charge at checkout? The dreaded resort fee. It’s a widespread practice, and the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, a castle-themed icon on the Las Vegas Strip, is no exception. But what exactly does the Excalibur resort fee entail? Is it worth the cost, or is it just another Vegas trick? This article will delve into the specifics, revealing everything you need to know about the Excalibur’s resort fee so you can make informed decisions about your trip. We’ll explore what it covers, assess its value, and discuss potential ways to mitigate its impact on your travel budget.
Located on the bustling south end of the Las Vegas Strip, the Excalibur Hotel & Casino is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, and distinctive medieval theme. It’s a popular choice for those seeking an accessible Vegas experience. However, like most major hotels in Las Vegas, it levies a daily resort fee, a charge that has become increasingly prevalent in the hospitality industry and a source of considerable debate among travelers. Understanding this fee is crucial to accurately budgeting for your stay.
Understanding the Excalibur Hotel Resort Fee
The Excalibur Hotel charges a mandatory resort fee that is added to your room rate each night of your stay. This fee is unavoidable, regardless of whether you choose to use the amenities it purportedly covers. It’s designed to bundle certain services into a single charge, often perceived as more convenient for guests. However, this convenience comes at a price, and it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for. The cost is currently a significant amount of dollars per night. (Please confirm the exact amount on the hotel’s website closer to publication, as these fees are subject to change.)
The Excalibur’s resort fee is added to the cost of the room even if the guest chooses not to use any of the offered amenities. This means that it should be a consideration when budgeting for a stay at the resort. It is also worth noting that this fee does not include any gratuities for the services offered.
A Detailed Look at What’s Included
The resort fee at the Excalibur encompasses several amenities and services, aimed at enhancing your overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect to be included:
Internet Access
The resort fee grants you access to high-speed internet throughout the hotel, including in your room and in designated public areas. This allows you to stay connected, browse the web, stream movies, and keep up with emails, which can be essential for both leisure and business travelers. The type of internet access should be determined before you check in, and guests should know if they can only access it with one device at a time.
Fitness Center Access
For those who like to maintain their fitness routine while traveling, the resort fee covers access to the Excalibur’s fitness center. This usually includes a range of cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights, allowing you to get in a workout. It’s recommended to confirm the fitness center’s hours of operation before planning a visit.
Local and Toll-Free Phone Calls
The resort fee typically includes unlimited local and toll-free phone calls from your hotel room. This can be useful for making reservations, confirming travel arrangements, or simply staying in touch with local contacts. However, long-distance and international calls are generally not included and will incur additional charges.
Other Amenities
This is where the specifics can vary, so it’s important to confirm with the hotel directly. In some cases, the resort fee might cover access to digital newspapers or magazines, printing services in the business center, or even discounts on certain hotel services. Furthermore, the swimming pool is typically accessible to all guests, though towels may only be included with the resort fee.
It’s essential to note that these inclusions can change, so always verify the exact details on the Excalibur Hotel’s website or by contacting the hotel directly before your stay. Be sure to ask questions about any restrictions or limitations associated with each amenity. For instance, the internet access might be limited to a certain number of devices, or the fitness center might have restricted hours.
Determining the Value: Is It Worth the Cost?
The ultimate question is whether the Excalibur resort fee represents good value for your money. This depends entirely on your personal usage patterns and travel style. To assess the value, consider the following:
Cost Comparison
Research the individual costs of these amenities if purchased separately. For example, how much would it cost to purchase high-speed internet access for the duration of your stay? How much would it cost to use the fitness center on a per-day basis? Comparing these costs to the resort fee can give you a clearer picture of its value. Also, consider the price compared to the amenities at other hotels with resort fees.
Usage Analysis
Be honest with yourself about how likely you are to use the included amenities. If you primarily plan to spend your time gambling, exploring the Strip, or attending shows, you might not get much value from the internet access or fitness center. On the other hand, if you plan to work remotely, stay in touch with family, or maintain your exercise routine, the resort fee might be a worthwhile investment.
Family Considerations
Families traveling with children might find the resort fee more beneficial, as the included amenities, such as internet access and pool access, can help keep kids entertained. Business travelers who need reliable internet access for work purposes will likely find the fee useful as well.
Essentially, the value of the resort fee is highly subjective. Those who actively use the included amenities are more likely to find it worthwhile, while those who don’t might view it as an unnecessary expense.
Strategies to Potentially Reduce the Impact
While avoiding the resort fee altogether can be challenging, there are some strategies you can employ to potentially mitigate its impact:
Leveraging Loyalty Programs
The Excalibur is part of MGM Resorts International (now MGM Rewards). Higher tiers in the MGM Rewards loyalty program sometimes offer resort fee waivers as a perk. Research the program’s benefits and requirements to see if you can achieve a status that qualifies you for a waiver. The rewards system offers perks for loyalty, so it could be a benefit to look into for frequent guests.
Exploring Package Deals
Keep an eye out for bundled packages or promotions that include the resort fee in the overall price. These packages can sometimes offer better value than booking the room and amenities separately.
Negotiation (Rare)
While it’s rare for hotels to waive the resort fee entirely, it’s never hurts to politely inquire, especially if you experience any service issues during your stay. Some guests have reported success in negotiating a partial discount or a complimentary upgrade in exchange for the inconvenience.
Resort Fees: The Broader Landscape of Las Vegas
The proliferation of resort fees in Las Vegas is a complex issue with both pros and cons. Hotels argue that resort fees allow them to offer a wider range of amenities and services at a lower advertised room rate, making their properties more attractive to budget-conscious travelers. However, critics argue that resort fees are deceptive and misleading, as they are often hidden until the final stages of the booking process.
The legality and transparency of resort fees have been the subject of legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny in recent years. Some consumer advocacy groups have called for greater transparency and standardization in the way resort fees are disclosed.
In Conclusion: Make an Informed Decision
The Excalibur Hotel’s resort fee is a factor to consider when planning your Las Vegas trip. By understanding what’s included in the fee, assessing its value based on your personal needs, and exploring potential ways to mitigate its impact, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
Ultimately, whether the Excalibur resort fee is worth it depends on your individual circumstances. If you plan to take full advantage of the included amenities, it might be a reasonable expense. However, if you’re a minimalist traveler who only needs a place to sleep, you might view it as an unnecessary burden.
Before you book your stay at the Excalibur, take the time to research the resort fee, compare it to other hotels, and factor it into your overall travel budget. With careful planning, you can avoid any surprises and enjoy a memorable and affordable Las Vegas experience. What are your experiences with resort fees in Las Vegas? Do you think they offer good value, or are they just a hidden cost? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
