Per Nevada info at
http://tax.state.nv.us/pubs.htm#Sales, Clark County is listed at 8.1%--maybe the hotel rate is different. But as I noted in my OP the resort fees + tax are doubly offensive.

You're correct - the Nevada room tax is different and distinct from the sales tax. The room tax caps out at 12% - each county can set a lower rate if desired. Clark County had been at 9%, but went up to the maximum last year:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/2009-...raveltax_N.htm