Introduction
The Excalibur Las Vegas, with its iconic castle facade, offers a uniquely themed and often budget-friendly lodging option right on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Its whimsical design and relatively accessible price point make it a popular choice for families, first-time visitors, and those looking to experience the energy of Vegas without breaking the bank. However, like many Las Vegas hotels, Excalibur charges a resort fee, a daily charge added to the room rate that can significantly impact your overall vacation budget. Understanding the Excalibur resort fee is crucial for planning a transparent and financially sound trip. This article aims to provide a complete and up-to-date guide to the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee, debunking myths, uncovering potential value, and equipping you with the information you need to make an informed decision before you book your stay.
What is the Excalibur Las Vegas Resort Fee?
The Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee is a mandatory daily charge that’s automatically added to your room rate each night of your stay. This fee is in addition to the advertised room rate and any applicable taxes. It covers access to a bundle of amenities and services within the resort. Think of it like a package deal where you pay one price for several things. The price hovers around the forty dollar mark. Always check the most current official Excalibur website for the precise dollar amount, including any applicable taxes, as it can change without notice. This fee is charged per room, per night, regardless of whether you actually use the included amenities. Even if you spend your entire day exploring the Strip and never step foot in the Excalibur fitness center or connect to the resort Wi-Fi, the resort fee will still be applied to your bill.
What’s Included in the Excalibur Resort Fee?
It’s essential to understand exactly what you’re paying for when you pay the Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee. The resort fee aims to provide value and convenience, so here’s a breakdown of what it typically includes. Note that this list can change, so always verify the inclusions directly with the hotel.
Internet Access WiFi
This usually includes basic wireless internet access in your room and in public areas of the hotel. Often, there are limitations on the number of devices that can connect simultaneously with the included internet. If you have a large family or multiple devices per person, you might need to consider upgrading to a higher bandwidth package, which would incur an additional cost. Check the speed and allowed devices before relying on this for work or streaming.
Fitness Center Access
If you’re dedicated to maintaining your workout routine even while on vacation, the resort fee includes access to the Excalibur fitness center. This typically includes cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights. Hours of operation may vary, so it’s a good idea to check them upon arrival.
Local and Toll-Free Calls
The resort fee usually covers local and toll-free calls from your hotel room phone. While many people rely on their mobile phones these days, this can still be useful for making reservations or contacting local businesses.
Digital Newspaper Access
Often, the resort fee provides access to digital versions of newspapers. This can be a convenient way to stay informed while traveling, particularly if you prefer reading news on a tablet or smartphone. This is a very underused service that is included in many resort fees.
Additional Potential Amenities
Depending on the specific terms, the resort fee might include other minor amenities or services. Keep your eye on the fine print to see if you can take advantage of any extras.
Is the Excalibur Resort Fee Worth It?
This is the million-dollar question, or rather, the forty-dollar-a-night question! The answer depends entirely on your travel style, your needs, and how you plan to use the included amenities. Let’s break down the arguments for and against the Excalibur resort fee:
Arguments For
If you’re planning to use the included amenities extensively, the resort fee can be a good value. Imagine you need reliable internet access for work or to stay connected with family, and you also want to hit the gym every morning. Paying for these services separately could easily exceed the cost of the resort fee. The convenience of having these amenities readily available without having to pay individually for each use is also a factor. For example, if you are an avid social media user or streamer, then you will probably need the faster wifi offered by the resort.
Arguments Against
On the other hand, if you’re the type of traveler who spends most of your time outside the hotel, exploring the Strip, attending shows, or gambling, the resort fee might feel like an unnecessary burden. If you only need basic internet for checking emails, you might be able to find free Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas of the hotel or at nearby cafes. The daily resort fee adds up quickly over a multi-day stay. Consider a five-night trip, the resort fee alone will cost you around two hundred dollars. This could be better spent on dining, entertainment, or shopping.
Things To Consider
Think carefully about who is travelling with you. If you are a group of people, is everyone going to use the fitness center and internet service? Also, make sure to check for discounts. There are discounts to be had for Military and AAA members. By using these discounts, the cost can be offset.
Ways to Potentially Avoid or Reduce the Excalibur Resort Fee
Let’s be clear: avoiding resort fees in Las Vegas is challenging. Hotels rely on them as a source of revenue. However, there are a few potential strategies you might consider, though success is not guaranteed.
MGM Rewards Program Status
The MGM Rewards program offers various tiers of membership, each with increasing benefits. Higher tiers, such as Gold, Platinum, and Noir, may waive resort fees. However, achieving these higher tiers requires a significant amount of spending or gambling at MGM properties. Research the requirements and weigh whether the potential savings are worth the investment.
Hotel Packages
Keep an eye out for special hotel packages that might include the resort fee in the overall price. These packages can sometimes offer a better value than booking the room and resort fee separately.
Negotiate (Politely)
While it’s a long shot, some guests have reported success in negotiating a resort fee waiver, particularly if they experienced issues with the included amenities during their stay, such as a non-functioning fitness center or unreliable Wi-Fi. Be polite, explain your situation, and see if the hotel is willing to make an exception.
Casino Comps
If you’re a high roller and plan to gamble extensively at the Excalibur casino, you might be able to get the resort fee comped as part of your overall casino comps. Talk to a casino host to discuss your playing habits and potential comps.
Alternative Hotels to Excalibur (Without Resort Fees – if any are available)
Finding hotels on the Las Vegas Strip without resort fees is becoming increasingly rare. Many budget friendly options have started to add resort fees, taking away potential benefits of value stays. However, the landscape is constantly changing, so it’s worth doing your research. Look into hotels that are not directly on the strip and that advertise ‘no resort fee’. This can be an option as long as you are willing to sacrifice some walkability to the main attractions. Remember to weigh the trade-offs. Hotels without resort fees might be located further from the Strip, offer fewer amenities, or have a less desirable location. Do your research and read reviews before making a decision.
Tips for Managing Resort Fees in Las Vegas
Resort fees are a reality of traveling to Las Vegas, so here are some tips for managing them effectively:
Factor Resort Fees Into Your Budget
The most important thing is to factor the resort fee into your total budget when comparing hotel prices. Don’t just focus on the advertised room rate. The resort fee can significantly increase the overall cost of your stay.
Check the Hotel’s Official Website
Always check the hotel’s official website for the most up-to-date resort fee information. Third-party booking sites might not always display the information accurately.
Ask About Discounts
When booking your stay, ask about any potential discounts or waivers for the resort fee. You never know what might be available.
Consider Wi-Fi Hotspots
If Wi-Fi is the only amenity you need, consider purchasing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. This can be a cost-effective alternative to paying for the resort fee, especially if you’re traveling with multiple devices.
Conclusion
The Excalibur Las Vegas resort fee is a mandatory charge that can significantly impact your vacation budget. By understanding what’s included in the fee and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether the Excalibur is the right choice for you. Always factor resort fees into your overall budget, and don’t hesitate to explore alternative hotels or strategies for potentially reducing or avoiding these fees. Planning and budgeting are key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable Las Vegas experience. Be sure to check for discounts and consider any reward program benefits. With proper research, you can maximize your budget and enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer.
