Key Highlights:
- Resort Fees: Expect a mandatory charge of $35–$55+ per night at almost every Strip hotel.
- Parking: Most hotels now charge $20–$25 per day for self-parking; valet can hit $50.
- Tipping: Budget an extra $20–$50 per day for “service grease”—dealers, waitresses, and valets expect it.
- The Food Tax: Meals aren’t just expensive; an 8.38% sales tax and expected 20% tip turn a $30 burger into a $40 expense.
Vegas is famous for its flashy lights and “too-good-to-be-true” room rates, but the price you see on the billboard is rarely the price you pay at checkout. From daily resort fees and skyrocketing parking costs to the unwritten rules of tipping, the hidden costs of visiting Las Vegas can easily double your vacation budget if you aren’t prepared for the reality.
I’ve spent years navigating the Strip—from the $1.99 shrimp cocktail era to today’s $20 cocktail reality. I’ve seen every trick in the book, including the shift to digital “junk fee” disclosures. Here is the honest, friend-to-friend breakdown of what you’ll actually spend so you can hit the jackpot on your budget, even if the slots don’t cooperate.
The Mandatory Resort Fee Trap
If you book a room for $50 a night, don’t celebrate just yet. Almost every hotel on the Strip adds a mandatory daily resort fee that is collected at the end of your stay.
These fees cover “amenities” like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and local phone calls—things most people assume are standard. In reality, it’s a way for hotels to advertise lower base rates. Even if you never step foot in the gym or use the Wi-Fi, you cannot opt-out of this charge.
- Direct Answer: Expect to pay $45 to $62 (after tax) per night in resort fees at major Strip resorts like Bellagio, Aria, and Caesars Palace. Mid-tier hotels like Excalibur or Luxor typically charge closer to $40–$51.
- The Update: While the FTC’s “junk fee” rules now require hotels to show these fees earlier in the booking process, they are still mandatory. They are only waived for high-tier loyalty members (e.g., MGM Rewards Gold or Caesars Rewards Diamond).
Parking Fees: The Silent Budget Killer
There was a time when parking in Vegas was free for everyone. Those days are officially over. If you’re renting a car or driving in from California, parking is one of the biggest hidden costs of visiting Las Vegas.
Most Strip resorts now use a tiered pricing system. You might get the first hour free, but after that, the meter starts running fast.
- Self-Parking: Usually $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends for 24 hours.
- Valet: Expect to pay $40–$50 per day, plus the tip for the driver.
- Nevada Residents: Most MGM and Caesars properties still offer the first 3 hours of self-parking for free with a valid NV ID.
Also Read: 15 Free Parking On Las Vegas Strip: Don’t Pay to Park
Tipping Etiquette: The “Grease” of the Strip
Vegas runs on tips. In a city where service workers often rely on gratuities to make a living wage, failing to tip isn’t just a social faux pas—it will lead to noticeably slower service.
It’s not just about the 20% at dinner. You’ll need a constant supply of small bills for:
- Cocktail Waitresses: $2 per drink is the current standard for “free” drinks while gambling.
- Dealers: $5–$10 per hour of play, or a small bet placed on their behalf.
- Housekeeping: $5–$6 per day left on the nightstand.
- Valet/Bellhops: $2–$5 every time they handle your car or bags.
A Final Pro Tip from a Local
Before you hit “book,” check the Convention Calendar. If a massive show like CES (January) or the Formula 1 Grand Prix (November) is in town, “hidden” costs like rideshare surges and restaurant “event pricing” will triple your daily spend. Always aim for a midweek stay to avoid the heaviest fees!
❓ FAQs
Are resort fees ever waived?
Generally, no. The only reliable way to get them waived is by holding Gold Status or higher with MGM Rewards or Diamond Status with Caesars Rewards. If a major amenity (like the pool) is closed, you can politely ask the front desk for a credit, but it’s rarely a full waiver.
Is it cheaper to eat Downtown?
Yes. While the gap is closing, Fremont Street (Downtown) generally has lower resort fees (averaging $25–$35) and more $10–$15 dining options. Plus, you can still find $5–$10 table minimums, which are nearly extinct on the Strip.
How do I avoid the “Mini-Bar Tax”?
Modern Vegas hotel rooms use automated sensors. If you move a bottle of water just to look at it, you’ll be charged instantly. My advice: Don’t even open it. If you need a fridge for medication or leftovers, ask the front desk for a “medical fridge”—most hotels will provide one for free or a much smaller flat fee.
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