The name of the game within the Las Vegas casino district is deception.  In days past, the goal of every casino was to get people into town in hopes of them blowing huge piles of money at their establishments.  They would sometimes throw the customer a free meal or tickets to a show, but even some of those perks are gone.  Having been to Vegas many, many times, a trend of deception is developing, and people need to be made aware of it.

In my most recent visit to Sin City, I stayed at Bally’s.  Having stayed at Bally’s once before, ten years earlier, I wasn’t thrilled because the casino was average in appearance and the rooms were well worn.  However, much has been done.  Mr. Bally must have made a few trips to Home Depot because the appearance of this hotel has improved greatly.  I was comped my room based on my player rating, which is merely accumulated through gambling and time spent on the machines and tables.

Before I shred this establishment with criticism, I will compliment the employees and staff.  Throughout my stay, they were hospitable and congenial.  Unfortunately, the rules they must enforce, in particular, hidden fees and charges, ultimately deter from the tips they may receive.

Once my group arrived at Bally’s, I learned about a hidden cost that irked me.  In order to have internet access, I would have to cough up $13.95, per 24-hour period that I wanted it.  For a five night stay, that total would hit $69.75.  My cable bill at home, which includes a Hi-Def package, HBO, Showtime, DVR, and my internet is $125.00 FOR THE WHOLE MONTH.

The next upsetting fee that I was not expecting was a $3 per day charge to use the safe in the room.  Nobody wants to carry all of their money around every second they are on vacation, especially in Las Vegas.  I have used a safe in a casino hotel room each time I have visited Las Vegas.  This was the first time I was ever asked to pay for it.

Another feature that blindsided me was the use of the hotel gym at Bally’s.  I learned that there was a $22.00 per day charge to use the facilities.  The fitness area was nothing different than I see at the gym I belong to in Youngstown, Ohio.  The 30-pound dumbbells weighed 30 pounds, just like the ones back home, and they didn’t play music, smoke, fizz, or make me feel any stronger when used.  This was the most disturbing of the charges.  Having stayed in Valparaiso, Indiana just a week before, the fitness area was complimentary and the treadmills there kept track of how many miles I would walk, just like the ones at Bally’s.

I was tempted several times the last couple of days I was there to call the front desk and ask if I would be charged fifty cents each time I flushed my toilet, a quarter for each square of toiled paper I would use, or a buck to use the shower.  Don’t be surprised if you see it soon.

So it is nice to be comped, but don’t think that your stay will be free.  I am sure Bally’s, as well as many other Las Vegas Strip casinos are just dreaming up new ways to squeeze something else out of their customers.  With casinos popping up everywhere in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, I would have thought the Vegas marketing department would do their homework to compete for my money.  I guess until they anger enough visitors, nothing will change.

I will return to Las Vegas again soon.  I will not stay at Bally’s.