Sahara Las Vegas Introduces Resort Fees, Second Venue in the City to Adopt Such Charges
In the heart of Nevada's entertainment capital, Las Vegas, a wave of promotional offers is sweeping through the city's iconic Strip. The decline in visitor numbers, a 6.5% year-to-date decrease as of May 2025, has prompted some hotels to adopt a more competitive approach.
Leading the charge are Sahara Las Vegas and Resorts World, both of which have temporarily waived their resort fees. Sahara has eliminated its $55 nightly fee for summer stays booked by October 31, 2025, while Resorts World waived its fees through September 11, 2025, and is offering free self-parking until August 28, 2025.
These moves are part of a short-term promotional strategy rather than a permanent policy change. Both resorts are strategically timing these waivers to extend market advantage without saturating the market with multiple fee-free options at once. Other major operators like MGM Resorts and The Venetian have not waived resort fees but have focused on significant room rate discounts, with Virgin Hotels offering up to 35% off, and some properties offering up to 25% off.
Paul Hobson, General Manager of Sahara, emphasises the importance of delivering memorable experiences without hidden costs. He states, "Visitors value convenience, quality, and transparency." Sahara's decision to waive resort fees could be an attempt to capitalise on the momentum created by Resorts World.
However, the gaming revenue in Las Vegas is falling across the board, indicating a broader economic challenge. The ongoing trade war with Canada has also caused a significant drop in Canadian tourists visiting the city.
Despite these challenges, the waiving of resort fees is a growing trend, with more properties expected to follow suit. The trend aims to increase transparency and attract travellers to the city amid a summer slowdown.
In a bid to stand out, Sahara Las Vegas is focusing on delivering real hospitality that feels effortless, not transactional. As the city continues to adapt to changing circumstances, it remains to be seen how these promotional strategies will shape the future of Las Vegas tourism.
In Las Vegas, casinos such as Sahara and Resorts World have temporarily waived their resort fees as part of a promotional strategy, with Sahara eliminating its $55 nightly fee for summer stays and Resorts World offering free self-parking. This trend toward transparency aims to attract tourists amid a summer slowdown and broader economic challenges.
The waiving of resort fees in casino-and-gambling hotspot Las Vegas is a growing trend among major operators, intended to boost transparency and encourage travelers to visit the city.
