Inflation has just about everyone checking for cheap flights, hotels, entertainment and food when planning a trip to Las Vegas or anywhere else for that matter. But lately, Las Vegas is becoming a place where inflations and rising costs have the golden goose flying south for greener pastures.
The days of free diners, parking, buffets, and compted rooms seem to be fading fast in Las Vegas. We, locals, have seen enough price gouging from hotels with resort fees and paid parking. It’s no wonder most locals prefer off-the-strip options that won’t leave you feeling ripped off when paying a visit to a casino or entertainment venue.
But for the rest of us you that are here to party like it’s 1999, doesn’t come without a cost and that cost seems to be rising year after year.
The Golden Goose is Leaving Las Vegas for Greener Pastures
Table of Contents
Here are just a few ways Las Vegas is killing the Golden Goose
Service and Hidden Fees on Food and Drink Tab
A Cringy and distasteful act that you will see when dining out on the Las Vegas Strip. If you see a CNF fee or any other additional fee you may start to feel The Vegas Effect where you’re not sure if there is a special kind of voodoo going on with your order. Especially if you’re being charged for water. You’ll see people with cases of bottled water as they are checking in to their hotel. You’ve probably seen these people.
Charging for Parking Seriously?
Can this just stop? Why are we being charged for parking? What’s been a long-time free thing to do in Las Vegas is to self-park. We haven’t even gambled yet and they already what your money before you walk inside. What’s the deal? This is a no go for most locals. Although Caesars properties and others will let locals park for 3 hours for free that doesn’t make it okay. But if you’re traveling in from other places and looking to park, it’s best to have a room ahead of time to ensure parking is not charged. It’s still a big deal for most people to self-park for free. But those days are gone.
Charging for Early or Late Checkout
You can’t make this up. Like I want to leave early and you’re going to charge me to leave, early. Does this make any sense? I can see if you’re flight is on a layover and you want to stay another day. But most hotels in Vegas will accommodate your late checkout if communicated ahead of time.
Charging for Pool Chairs and Pool Drink Prices
How much for those pool chairs over there in the corner? Like seriously. Might as well rent out a cabana and get a drink bucket with it. Watch out for those service fees on your bill. It’s going to show up.
Casino Bar Drink Prices
If you happen to be going to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The Galleria bar has some pretty stiff drinks that start off at $27. This is a deal! Deal Breaker! No thanks, I’ll opt to just stay sober for the rest of my stay. Said, no one ever. Vegas drinks can be pricey indeed. You’ll have to lower your standards when looking for a reasonably priced bar to booze it up.
The Restaurant Bill is $100 for Two with a Drink
Fear not, for you will be paying more for a bite to eat when coming to Las Vegas. And these aren’t even celebrity chef restaurants. Be aware of some of the prices when wanting to nourish yourself. The price gouging continues. But if you do a little homework beforehand you’ll crack the code on where to dig in for a reasonable place to eat and drink.
Charging for Sportsbook Seating on Sundays
For the love of God! Can we stop this cruel game? Yes, be aware that some hotels will charge you special seating if you’re fanatical about viewing your game in a large room with other like-minded draft kings. Circa is an option that does not disappoint.
Resort Fees
Can we talk? Let’s just put the resort fee in the price of the room. They are going to charge you for it anyway. Even if they take the resort fee out. But, hey, it’s Vegas you’re going to inevitably encounter this headache of a fee.
Charging for a Window View in a Restaurant
Bellagio, Paris and any other Strip-side view you might be charged just for the view.
6-5 Blackjack Payouts
Okay, so this makes no sense. Please don’t play these odds the payout is not worth it.
Table minimus way too high
You can expect $25 and up on most table games on the Las Vegas Strip.
Triple Zero Roulette Wheels are the Norm
You’re best playing downtown Las Vegas when it comes to roulette. Isn’t roulette just a fancy kino game anyway.
No Daily Housekeeping, but We’re going to Charge you anyway
Don’t expect your room to be refreshed. With a staff shortage, they can barely keep up with changing out rooms let alone check your room for a refresh, but they will charge you for it when you check out.
No Fringe in the room unless you pay for it
Or just lie and tell them you have a medical condition.
Room Service tuned into Gubhub, Doordash and Uber Eats then charges you for it
Okay. I’ll take room service roulette for $500.
Upcharge for Special Ice
Watch out for that special ice charge when at the bar. They may bill your room for that.
Homeless Walking Around on the Strip
There is no charge for this now. I’m just waiting for this to be a thing soon. Would you like some homeless people milling about while you walk the strip tonight sir? Why yes, that’s why I booked this vacation, to take in all that Vegas has to offer.
Showgirls on the Strip hustling you for your wallet
If you have a beer gut, out with the boys or with your spouse you’re target number one on the showgirl’s radar. Get your camera out as they suck you in their clutches for a commemorative photo of your walking encounter with these aggressive feathery females as they stroke your ego and then as you for $50 to $100 for the insta-snap.