Sahara Las Vegas Removes Resort Fees, Following Resorts World’s Lead

Sahara Las Vegas Eliminates Resort Fees to Attract Visitors
Sahara Las Vegas has become the second major property on the Las Vegas Strip to completely remove resort fees in an effort to encourage travelers to return to Sin City. This move aims to attract visitors who may be hesitant about additional charges during their stay.
Following Resorts World’s Temporary Fee Waiver Strategy
The elimination of resort fees is a temporary strategy that Sahara Las Vegas is willing to test. Like Resorts World, which previously introduced a similar offer valid for bookings through August 10, 2025, Sahara’s no-fee promotion applies only to reservations made by October 31, 2025. This staggered timing may be a deliberate approach to extend market advantage without saturating the market with multiple fee-free options at once.
According to Sahara’s General Manager, Paul Hobson, visitors to Las Vegas are increasingly discerning and appreciate transparency, convenience, and quality. He emphasized that Sahara aims to provide exceptional experiences without hidden costs, making hospitality feel seamless rather than transactional.
Meanwhile, room rates across Las Vegas have been declining as hotels contend with decreasing occupancy rates. Visitor numbers through May have fallen by 1.1 million people, marking a 6.5% drop compared to previous periods.
Reduced Resort Fees and Falling Room Prices Amid Market Challenges
The drop in visitor numbers has been influenced partly by geopolitical tensions, including a trade dispute with Canada that has led to reduced Canadian tourism due to threats of tariffs. While not all hotels have adopted the removal of resort fees, major operators such as MGM Resorts and The Venetian have been providing significant room discounts of up to 25%.
Virgin Hotels has taken discounts even further, offering up to 35% off room rates. Despite these efforts, overall gaming revenue in Las Vegas has been declining, and the market outlook remains uncertain in the near term.