Why do I have to pay resort fees on my Las Vegas trip?

Got a question? Ask our expert, Simon Calder

The Bellagio charges extra fees of up to $40 per night (Getty)

Q My family and I are going to Las Vegas in July, staying at the Bellagio for a week. We have been informed that on top of the normal cost of the holiday, resort fees of up to $40 per night will apply. This means potentially an extra $280 is payable at the hotel. That is more than £200 and is a lot of money as far as I’m concerned. I’ve heard pretty much all Las Vegas hotels charge this. What are these extra fees for, and do they have any legal basis to be able to charge them?

Jason W

A The resort fee is an American concept that first appeared in 1997. The US Federal Trade Commission estimates that one in 14 American hotels now imposes a resort fee, making about £2bn in a year.