Sahara Las Vegas Becomes Second Resort to Ditch Resort Fees for the Summer

Sahara Las Vegas announced a resort fee-free stay package for the summer as part of a seasonal initiative to attract cost-conscious guests. The “All-In Rate” package, meant to last through October 31, combines base accommodations starting at $69 with upgraded amenities. Visitors must book by August 10 to enjoy the bundle.

Among the provided benefits, guests gain access to upgraded Marra Tower suites, daily $25 credits at Balla Italian Soul restaurant, and extended checkout flexibility. The hotel emphasizes its “no surprises” pricing structure, positioning the offer as a counter to hidden fees normalized in the industry while retaining luxury accommodations.

Transparent Hospitality

Sahara Las Vegas General Manager Paul Hobson emphasized evolving traveler priorities as the reason for the package, stating, “Vegas visitors are savvier than ever, and they value convenience, quality, and transparency. Sahara focuses on delivering memorable experiences without the hidden costs because real hospitality should feel effortless, not transactional.”

The property’s “All-In Rate” experience offers buy-one-get-one cocktails at Azilo Ultra Lounge, 20% off Amina Spa treatments, and 15% discounts on “Magic Mike Live” tickets. Free self-packing, a rare perk among Strip resorts, remains unchanged, preserving one of Sahara’s most standout features.

This deal comes as Las Vegas faces a 6.5% year-to-date tourism decline through May, translating to 1.1 million fewer visitors. Analysts attribute the downturn to inflationary pressures, higher discretionary spending, and dropping international arrivals. These challenges have prompted properties to re-evaluate value propositions without sacrificing margins.

Strip-Wide Fee Reforms

Sahara is the second property on the Strip to scrap its resort fee, mirroring Resorts World Las Vegas’ strategy, which removed its $50 charge. Concurrent deals include The Venetian’s 25% rate drop, Resort World’s 40% discounts at the Conrad and Crockfords with $75 nightly credits until August 28, and Virgin Hotels’ 35% room rate markdowns. Analysts predict more fee eliminations are to come if occupancy and tourism rates keep sliding.

Persistent Fee Issues

Strip-wide, nightly resort charges average $50, despite persistent consumer backlash over their opaque justification as “amenity fees”. New Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules targeting “junk fees” have forced properties to display all-inclusive pricing upfront, changing how third-party platforms previously ranked hotels by deceptively low base rates.

Despite the regulatory change, few properties have followed Resorts World and Sahara’s lead in entirely slashing resort fees. Aside from these properties, only Treasure Island, Circus Circus, and Casino Royale currently offer free parking and no resort fees.