The Washington attorney general office has filed a lawsuit against Marriott International. The lawsuit has been submitted related to deceptive pricing of the casino resort. According to the attorney's claims, resort fees mislead customers with an aim to increase company revenues. For this reason, it is believed Marriott resorts should be held accountable.
Reacting to this news, MGM has announced its plan to increase resort fees for venues located in Las Vegas. The Travel Vegas report states:
“MGM Resorts will be increasing resort fees at three of its Las Vegas hotels on August 1, 2019.”
From now on, MGM fees at Aria, Vdara and the Bellagio will be increased an additional $6. The current resort fee is set at $39. The news has been posted on Twitter and comments were clearly against the measure. Some of them state:
“Do you get anything more with that increase? A mint on your pillow, a free pen, no?”
Another customer added:
“It’s amazing how MGM 2020 has already started digging your own grave. No longer will I do a staycation at MGM properties. It’s apparent that they’re desperately trying to save as much money as they can. I guess firing all directors and managers was not enough. Time will tell.”
The increase of MGM fees will be directed to cover expenses regarding Wi-Fi network, phone calls and printing of boarding passes. Some analysts assume that the increase in fees is connected with the brand’s intention to publish a lower rate for accommodations which will attract more customers.
DC Attorney General, Karl Racine stated:
“I am suing Marriott International for charging customers deceptive ‘resort fees’ when booking hotel rooms. Through these fees, Marriott hides the true price of rooms and misleads customers to increase company profits.”
He added:
“At least 189 Marriott properties worldwide charge these hidden fees, which range from $9 to as much as $95 per room per day, and consumers only find out about these fees after they begin to book a room.”
Customers who want to visit MGM will feel the difference. For instance, the present cost of a Bellagio trip per week remain at the $1,442.98 mark. The costs will increase after August 1, pushing the current total closer to $2,000.
Source:
“Visiting MGM in Vegas is about to get more expensive”, Erik Gibbs, calvinayre.com, July 11, 2019.