Las Vegas, Nevada has long been known as a city where visitors can enjoy world-class entertainment, extravagant hotels, and round-the-clock excitement without breaking the bank. However, a recent trend among Sin City’s largest casinos is causing concern among tourists and locals alike.
MGM Resorts International, one of the largest gaming companies in Las Vegas, recently announced that they will be implementing parking fees at their popular Aria Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. This decision comes just months after the company began charging for parking at their other properties, including the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and MGM Grand.
The new policy will go into effect on October 30th, 2019, and will apply to all guests, including hotel guests, visitors, and those using valet parking services. Aria guests who are staying at the hotel will receive a reduced parking rate, but non-hotel guests will be required to pay the full price.
According to MGM Resorts, the decision to charge for parking is a response to the increasing costs associated with maintaining and operating parking facilities on the Las Vegas Strip. The company argues that the fees will help reduce congestion and improve the overall experience for guests.
However, many locals and frequent visitors to Las Vegas are outraged by the decision. The parking fees, which can range from $10 to $18 per day depending on the length of stay, are seen as yet another way for casinos to nickel and dime their customers.
In response to the backlash, the Las Vegas Advisor, a popular website and newsletter that provides insider tips and deals for visitors to Las Vegas, published an article condemning the parking fees. The article highlighted the trend of casinos charging for parking and urged readers to consider alternative transportation options such as public transit, rideshare services, or walking.
The Las Vegas Advisor also pointed out that many other casinos on the Strip, such as the Venetian, Wynn, and Cosmopolitan, still offer free parking to their guests. The publication encouraged visitors to support these properties and send a clear message to MGM Resorts that they are not willing to pay for parking.
As the debate over parking fees in Las Vegas continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how other casinos will respond to MGM Resorts’ decision. In the meantime, visitors to Las Vegas are advised to plan ahead and budget for parking fees if they choose to stay at an MGM property.
