From Las Vegas Advisor

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/qod.cfm

To get to the bottom of this, we performed one of our famous Question of the Day call-arounds, and were surprised — in some instances shocked! — by our findings.
We contacted the front desk at several Caesars Entertainment properties to get the lowdown on early check-in fees and found that each hotel we spoke to had a different policy, although standard check-in time was consistent at 4 p.m. Here are some property-specific charges, however:

•Bally’s: This was the most accommodating of the group that we spoke with, informing us that if you wish to check in to your room before noon, a fee of $15 (plus tax) will apply (assuming the previous occupant has vacated — if not, it’s not an option, obviously). From noon to 3 p.m. there’s a $10 fee, but if you upgrade from a regular room to a suite, those fees are waived (that applied at some other places we spoke with, too, so check when you book if you’re considering that option). When it comes to late check-out, which is officially at 11 a.m. at Bally’s, if your room’s not booked by someone else then they’ll give you an hour’s grace complimentary; after that, you’ll be able to keep the room until 4 p.m., if available, but a half-day’s charge, at whatever the going room-rate is, will apply.

•Caesars Palace: Prior to noon, a $30 fee applies for early check-in; from noon to 4 p.m., it’s $25.

•The Quad: You might imagine that the former Imperial Palace would have lower fees than Caesars Palace. Au contraire! Want access to your room anytime from noon to 3 p.m.? That will cost you an extra $50, while it’s still $20 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

•Flamingo: Check-in is not permitted prior to noon; from midday to 4 p.m., there’s a $50 fee.

•Paris: Depending on availability, you may check in before noon for $25; from noon to 3 p.m., it’s $15 (they cut some slack and don’t charge a fee from 3-4 p.m., as long as your room’s available).

It’s not just Caesars Entertainment properties in Las Vegas, either. We called Caesars Atlantic City and were told that an early check-in fee applies on any weekend, while on weekdays it depends on available inventory. The fees range from $25 to $50, depending on prevailing occupancy rates (they were pretty vague and we couldn’t pin them down to specifics). If you want late check-out, which is officially at noon, it will cost you another $50.

Also note, as some readers have written in to point out, that if you’re a Total Rewards Diamond Level player, then all these fees will likely be waived, just as they will if you choose to upgrade your room. We got the distinct impression from some of the front-desk staff that we spoke with that there’s some element of discretion involved, and if the hotel isn’t busy, or you’re particularly friendly, or you just catch someone in a good mood, or slip them a nice tip, then fees may be waived, but what we quote in today’s answer is the official policy for the properties listed.

Other readers have written in asking about the policy with comped rooms, or suggesting that off-Strip properties don’t charge the same exorbitant fees as the Strip, to which we respond that we receive regular complaints from readers who’ve been told their room was comped, only to be hit with unexpected resort fees at check-out. In most instances, kicking up a fuss will get them waived, but who needs the hassle, especially at the end of your vacation? So check with your host to make sure everything is being comped, so you’re not hit with a nasty surprise.

As to off-Strip hotels and resort fees, you’ll still find that many "locals" casinos charge them, including all the Station and Boyd properties. While the latter tend to be nominal, in the $3-$4 range, Stations fees are higher, with Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock charging the same as Wynn and MGM Grand, and surpassing the fee at Mandarin Oriental. Again, check the fine print when booking online (it may be really small and obscure, but the hotel is obliged to list the fee somewhere), or call the front desk before you book.

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