How Do You Get MGM Resort Fees Waived? Your Ultimate Guide
Planning a trip to one of the dazzling MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas or elsewhere can be incredibly exciting. You're likely envisioning the thrilling casinos, world-class dining, spectacular shows, and luxurious accommodations. However, before you finalize your booking, you might be wondering about those ubiquitous resort fees. These mandatory daily charges can add a significant amount to your overall hotel bill, and understandably, many travelers are looking for ways to get them waived.
This article will delve into the various strategies and circumstances under which you might be able to get your MGM resort fees waived. While there's no guaranteed "magic bullet," understanding the system and knowing your options can significantly increase your chances of a fee-free stay.
Understanding MGM Resort Fees
First, let's clarify what MGM resort fees are. These are daily charges levied by most major hotel chains, including MGM Resorts, and they are generally non-negotiable at the time of booking. The stated purpose of these fees is to cover amenities and services that the resort provides to all guests, such as:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Access to fitness centers
- Pool access
- In-room safe
- Local and toll-free calls
- Other sundry services
The exact amount of the resort fee varies by property and can range from around $40 to $50 per night, plus tax. It's crucial to factor this into your budget, as it's not included in the advertised room rate and will be added at checkout.
Strategies to Get MGM Resort Fees Waived
While MGM Resorts, like most hotel chains, considers resort fees mandatory, there are specific situations and approaches that can lead to them being waived or compensated for. Here's a breakdown of the most effective methods:
1. Being an MGM Rewards Member (Tier Status is Key)
This is arguably the most significant and consistent way to get resort fees waived at MGM Resorts. MGM Rewards, the loyalty program for MGM Resorts properties, offers different tiers of membership, each with its own set of benefits. As you progress through the tiers, the perks become more substantial.
- Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Noir Tiers: Historically, members in the Gold, Platinum, and Noir tiers have enjoyed complimentary resort fees. This benefit is a major draw for frequent visitors.
- How to Achieve Higher Tiers: Tier status is earned through spending at MGM properties (gambling, hotel stays, dining, entertainment). The higher the tier, the more you need to spend. For example, Gold status typically requires 15,000 Tier Credits annually, while Platinum requires 70,000.
- Check Your Benefits: It's always a good idea to log in to your MGM Rewards account or check the MGM Rewards website to confirm the current benefits for your tier. Benefits can sometimes change.
Important Note: While lower tiers like Pearl might not offer waived resort fees, they still provide valuable perks that can enhance your stay.
2. Proactive Negotiation and Customer Service
While not a guarantee, a polite and well-timed conversation with the hotel's front desk or guest services can sometimes yield positive results. This approach is more likely to be successful if there are specific circumstances:
- Significant Service Issues During Your Stay: If you've experienced substantial problems during your visit (e.g., prolonged power outages, major amenity closures for an extended period, significant room issues that weren't resolved promptly), you have a stronger case for requesting a waiver or compensation. Be prepared to calmly and clearly explain the issues you encountered.
- Booking Direct and Having a Direct Conversation: If you book directly through MGM Resorts' website or app, and you have concerns or questions about the resort fee, you can try calling their reservations line and speaking with a representative. Sometimes, a sympathetic agent might offer a one-time waiver as a goodwill gesture.
- Escalating the Issue: If your initial request at the front desk is denied, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or manager. Explain your situation clearly and respectfully.
What to Say (Example): "I've been a loyal MGM Rewards member for some time, and I've noticed that resort fees are typically waived for higher tiers. While I'm not currently at that level, I've encountered [briefly mention a significant issue] during my stay. Given this inconvenience, I was hoping you might consider waiving the resort fee for this stay."
3. Special Promotions and Packages
MGM Resorts occasionally offers special packages or promotions that may include waived resort fees. These are often time-limited and may be tied to specific events or booking periods.
- Watch for Deals: Keep an eye on the "Offers" or "Packages" section of the MGM Resorts website. You might find deals that explicitly state resort fees are included or waived.
- Email Subscriptions: Sign up for MGM Resorts' email newsletters and MGM Rewards emails to be among the first to know about these promotions.
- Travel Agent Exclusive Offers: Sometimes, travel agents can access exclusive packages that include resort fee waivers. If you work with a travel agent, ask them to check for such options.
4. Executive or Corporate Rates
If you are traveling on business and your company has a negotiated corporate rate with MGM Resorts, it's possible that these rates may include a waiver of resort fees. This is entirely dependent on the specific agreement between your company and MGM.
5. Credit Card Benefits
While less common for MGM Resorts specifically, some travel-focused credit cards offer statement credits for hotel resort fees or even complimentary hotel stays that might have resort fees covered. It's worth checking the benefits of your premium travel credit cards to see if any apply to MGM properties.
What NOT to Do
It's important to have realistic expectations. Resort fees are designed to be collected. Attempting to:
- Simply refuse to pay: This will likely result in denial of service or a hold on your departure until the fees are paid.
- Be aggressive or demanding: This approach is rarely effective and can be counterproductive.
- Cite unrelated issues: Unless the issue directly impacted your ability to use the resort's amenities that the fee covers, it's unlikely to be a valid reason for a waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I confirm if my MGM Rewards tier waives resort fees?
You can confirm this by logging into your MGM Rewards account on the official MGM Resorts website or app. Your tier status and associated benefits, including resort fee waivers, will be clearly displayed.
Why are resort fees mandatory?
Resort fees are mandatory because they are presented as covering the cost of various amenities and services provided to all guests, such as Wi-Fi, pool access, and fitness centers. They are a standard practice in the hospitality industry.
Can I get my resort fee waived if I don't use the amenities?
Generally, no. The resort fee is a mandatory charge for access to the resort's facilities, regardless of whether you personally use each one. Waivers are typically granted for exceptional circumstances or loyalty program benefits.
Is it possible to avoid resort fees altogether?
While difficult, it's not impossible. The most reliable method is to achieve a high enough tier in the MGM Rewards program (Gold or above). Alternatively, you might find specific promotional packages that include waived resort fees.
In conclusion, while MGM resort fees are a significant part of the cost of a stay, smart planning and understanding the loyalty program can go a long way in mitigating their impact. By aiming for higher MGM Rewards tiers or keeping an eye out for special offers, you can significantly increase your chances of enjoying a resort fee-free experience.
