Vegas Baby - only now with a resort fee?

Its been coming for some time now, but as of October of 2009 it appears the new "service charge" or "resort fee" is a reality. Don't be misled by the wonderful low prices you are seeing, remember to add the daily resort fees plus the 12% lodging tax on top of that.

What if I don't want to pay the resort fees?
Well much like the airlines that charge for baggage, you don't pay your luggage doesn't fly, you stay at a Vegas hotel and don't pay the bill, you won't be coming back anytime soon.

They were sneaky about getting this in, even during this year of the worst economy since the great depression and with thousands of new rooms opening up! Can we not get around this? Doubt it, but there is some good news as well. Checking out the web site of one of my favorite properties that is now assessing a $15 plus 12% tax daily charge; they also list the new complimentary services they offer all their "resort" guests:

Admission for two to the Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat (one visit per stay)
Access to the Cardio Center -- basically the gym
Daily Newspaper -- In Vegas, who cares about the news!
Two bottled waters delivered to your room daily -- This rocks!
Bathrobes in your room -- I thought that was a standard?
Unlimited local and toll free calls -- in Vegas who cares! Unless?
Complimentary printing of your boarding pass -- this rocks too!

How do I feel about it? Well, I've not paid the resort fee as of yet, but I'm sure when one of my clients needs my services in Vegas or I attend a sponsored event I will then see the benefits of the charges, my last visit to Vegas was complimentary so I didn't see the bill and assume we were charged a fee.

This brings me to a touchy subject that I want to mention, if the Vegas Hotels had not started this crazy price war and created less luxury within its great properties and more "everybody" can afford to stay attitude resort fees would not be needed. I recently saw a story from a reviewer about his/her recent visit to a very upscale property and noticed something I'm sure the designers had not intended to happen. A bunch of guys hauling a cooler full of beer through the lobby to their room, not only a couple of guys but 6 in one room -- now that eludes the ultimate in class, wouldn't you say? In the past these fun loving guys would of stayed at a more reasonably priced hotel and been allowed to have the best time of their lives and they should be allowed too, but when you have a person sitting at the bar paying $375.00 to $600.00 a night for a luxury suite next to a group of party goers who just scored a room on the Internet for $99 dollars - how do you think that luxury traveler will rate your hotel? Will he or she be back, most certainly the partiers will not, as the rates return to normal in 2011 they will take their business to the Motel 6 off Flamingo to save a couple of bucks.

Wake up Vegas, and put back the standards that we have all become accustomed too and remember that loyalty of a customer who spends a few more dollars is far stronger then the loyalty of a weekend party group -- OH! but you really do know this in Las Vegas, your marketing to your "players" is world class, no other marketing program in the world surpasses it, but yet you down sell your clients at the hotels?

Hmm - my thoughts only! I love everyone who goes to Vegas and everyone should be allowed to be an adult and do what adults do with less restriction - but some boundaries should be followed so all will have a great time! Even me when I'm attending a conference or trade show -- I'm having fun too, the overload to your senses is amazing and the shows are breath taking.

Vegas - the ultimate vacation!

Vacation Planning vs Holiday Celebrations?

It's almost sinful to think about vacations during this wonderful season with celebrations of family and friends or is it? You know a recent visit with some friends and co-workers caught my ear, the conversation before, during and after dinner seemed to bounce back to the great times and crazy times while traveling. As I listened to this group of people and their funniest examples of travel situations leading to huge laughs and life long memories,it reminds me why I'm in this business and loving it. Some of the things at first would upset you as you start your vacation, now they are funny and learning experiences. One was so funny that I can't help but mention it, one of the participants had planned a cheap cruise for herself and three other co-workers - well not knowing or ever cruised before, she felt the plan was great - a 24 hour cruise with four adults in one cabin, what a bargain. Well, a few days before the cruise, they realized that the cruise was a one way cruise, not round trip! Okay, that can happen but what was even more hysterical and created some fun memories was the fact they won significant money on the ship - planned on staying up all night and drinking and enjoying each other, only to find out the bars closed at 2:00 a.m., what to do but go to bed - oh did I mention four adults in one inside cabin? You do the math!

Next story was about booking their first hotel room in London, not knowing that some hotel rooms don't offer en suite facilities and that not all hotels are the same. We laughed at this and yes at the time it wasn't funny, but now it's hysterical and improves the overall memory and experience of the vacation.

There were more stories, but the point of my thoughts today is "why not plan a vacation during the holidays", maybe not taking a vacation during the holidays, but how about planning one and giving as a gift. This is a gift that will add life experiences to each person going, plus make for great party conversations as well as expands the holiday season throughout the year. Your gift will be considered one of the most thoughtful and with life long benefits! Memories are all we have in life that can be shared without judgement and are the things that make life so wonderful. Experiencing different cultures with friends and family is more rewarding and life enhancing! Try it, you'll be thanked and rewarded for many years to come. People love sharing about travel experiences, what they did on a trip and how it was special because it was about them, all about them! See how this gift just keeps on giving, no need for the energizer bunny this Christmas - just plan a vacation for your loved ones, friends and family!