Visitors to the Las Vegas Strip were in for an unwelcome surprise this holiday season, one that would certainly lighten their wallets but not their spirits. In an unexpected move, MGM Resorts International has implemented a significant price hike in parking fees at its nine illustrious casino resorts, much to the dismay of out-of-state tourists.
Commencing this past Friday, those looking to self-park at any of these iconic destinations will now be met with a flat daily rate that doesn’t leave much to cheer about. Out-of-state guests are required to fork over $18 from Monday to Thursday, a steep climb from the previous $15 charge for a duration of one to four hours. The climb becomes even more pronounced during the weekend—Friday to Sunday—when the rate soars to $25, drastically eclipsing the former $20 fee.
The rejigged pricing model scrapped the first complimentary hour, a long-appreciated perk among visitors, catching many off guard as it slipped into effect midweek without any forewarning to the public.
Despite these changes, the Silver State’s residents are granted a reprieve with three hours of free parking, although this generous offer is suspended during specific events. Additionally, the company has maintained complimentary parking for its hotel guests, select tiers of MGM Rewards members, as well as active military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. Meanwhile, valet parking costs have fortunately remained untouched in the wake of these adjustments.
The end of an era began in 2016 when MGM, operating renowned resorts such as the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand among others, controversially decided to abandon the customary free self-parking that had long been synonymous with the Vegas Strip. While initially standing firm, other casino mainstays have since followed suit due to competitive pressures. Iconic properties like Wynn and Encore waived their free parking policy, citing external factors such as The Sphere’s influence.
Although this trend has swept over the Strip, a few bastions like Treasure Island and Circus Circus maintain their commitment to complimentary parking, offering a haven for those wishing to evade the incremental fees—though The Tropicana has introduced charges for some premium parking spaces.
As the adage goes, the house always wins, and sometimes that means the cost of visiting these glittering havens of entertainment can deal a heavier blow to your wallet. However, amidst the clamor and jingle of slot machines, there’s a different kind of gaming experience that requires no parking fees whatsoever. A virtual escape from the concrete and neon, online casinos offer the thrill of the jackpot from the comfort of your own home.
In fact, we at West Island Blog have curated a comprehensive list of the top online casinos for this month, ensuring you can continue to play your favorite games without worry over parking meters or valet fees. So if the latest parking price uptick has you reconsidering your next trip to the Strip, consider the boundless world of online casinos – where the excitement of Vegas is just a click away.
