whats the deal with most vegas hotels charging a big "resort fee"?

Got my room at the Rio comped for next WK but they're charging me a $20 resort fee! This fee was instituted a few years back I believe. Vegas is just greedy plain and simple!

It's nothing new.  Caesar's properties have been doing it for almost a year now and many others have been around 2+ years.  Many of the bigger vacation destinations around the world charge one.  Something that's here's to stay.

how did you get comped?

I'm sure it was through previous gambling at Caesar's owned properties.

A lot of tables action will get you a comp. But I don't bet enough for a weekend comp.

any CET players can bypass the resort fee by getting the total rewards credit card w/auto upgrade to platinum status that last's till the following year's March.

The plat staus has some advantages when you check-in a private area at the Rio w/early check-in after flying all day while the others are not only paying the resort fee but for early check-in as well..friggin line is out the door when they open up 'free' check-in.

 If you charge $750 on the card first 3 months,you get $100 in comps for restaurants/gift shop etc. and a one -time 24 hr pass to buffets..

Whenever I get comped for my room I do not pay a resort fee, Can't charge a fee for something that is free. At least that is my experience with Boyd.

CET  works differently than Boyd.  You don't pay resort fees on comped rooms at CET properties if you're in the 2 highest tiers of their player's club, otherwise you pay them.

The hotels in Hawaii have gotten into the mix now or at least mine did in January

Just another way to scam your money. Like airlines charging for luggage.

It's about $20 per night and if you can't afford that or feel the need to complain about it you shouldn't be in Vegas to start.

It's the "corporate mentality" which has engulfed Las Vegas.  Back when organized crime ran Vegas, we didn't have any of this gouging.   There was a lot less crime and things were cheaper.  Much cheaper.  Now everything's looked at as a "profit center".