Guests checking into four Las Vegas hotels from today onwards will be asked to pay extra. The increase in resort fees is believed to be as a result of the coronavirus scare, which has led to a downturn in business.

Fees will increase at Bally's Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah's Las Vegas and The Linq. They are all part of the Caesars Group.

Hotels use resort fees, which typically add around £30 to the nightly room rate, to disguise the true cost of a stay.

By keeping the basic rate low, hotels look more appealing on price-comparison sites, and also reduce the amount of commission paid to intermediaries.

Resort fees are most widespread in Las Vegas and New York City, with many properties in California and Florida also adding charges.

At Bally’s Las Vegas, double rooms for the night of 3 March are on sale for just $35 (£27). Up until today, the resort fee was another $35. But that has now increased to $37, exceeding the basic rate.

Once tax is applied to both the room rate and the resort fee, the cost of a room more than doubles to $81.50 (£64).

The properties justify the fee by saying it covers “premium wifi”, access to the fitness centre and local telephone calls.

10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Show all 10 1 /10 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas The Cromwell The glitzy bathroom at The Cromwell The Cromwell 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Park MGM Sophisticated tastes are well-catered for at Park MGM Park MGM 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas SLS SLS by night SLS 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Vdara A deluxe suite at Vdara Vdara 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Red Rock The opulent lobby at Red Rock Red Rock 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Paris Go big or go home at Paris Paris 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas NoMad The brooding bar and restaurant area at NoMad NoMad 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace The penthouse at the Nobu Hotel Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Flamingo Embrace kitsch at Flamingo Flamingo 10 of the best hotels in Las Vegas Bellagio The luxurious bathroom at Bellagio Bellagio

The US Federal Trade Commission estimates that one in 14 American hotels now imposes a resort fee, making about £2bn in a year.

Attorneys-general in many states, but not Nevada, say the practice is unlawful and that guests can reclaim resort fees.