Las Vegas Resort fees are essentially a hidden and added charge to each nights hotel rate. For example, a vegas hotel such as the Luxor may advertise room rates of $40 per night. What they hide down towards the bottom of the booking page is an additional 'resort fee' of $14.95 per night. This fee is not paid upon booking, it is paid upon check-in. What guests receive for resort fees differs from hotel to hotel. At the Luxor all you would receive as of Nov 2009 is gym access and free local phone calls. That's a pretty steep price to pay for most guests, as Gym access and Vegas don't always go hand and hand.

Is there any way to avoid these las vegas resort fees? To be honest the answer is usually no. In the past some hotels waived these fees due to outrage but now that most hotels charge the added fee they have become more strict in collecting the added charge. The only experience I've heard of a resort fee being waived is for a comped room.

Don't get me wrong. Las Vegas is a great town, featuring some of the best hotels, meal deals, shows and gambling in the world. Just beware of the added resort fees that some hotels charge. 

Tips:

• Always check the final booking screen to see if a Resort Fee is charged when booking directly from a hotel's website
• Expedia will tell you before booking. The price isn't included at the time of booking but is charged upon check-in
• Beware of booking via Hotwire and Priceline. While you will be able to get a good upfront deal the winning bid may include a hotel with a resort fee
• Google 'Vegas Resort Fee' or something similar and check out the latest updates on the web