[toc]It’s been less than a year since MGM Resorts announced the end of free parking. Nevertheless, the idea of free parking on the Las Vegas Strip is nearing becoming just a memory.
For decades, free parking was one of the many perks enjoyed by visitors to Las Vegas casinos. Now, however, parking your car for a week can cost you up to hundreds of dollars.
MGM’s trend of amending parking lot policies is now being adopted throughout the Strip, with both Caesars Entertainment and Cosmopolitan Casino announcing modifications. Furthermore, MGM has already begun to raise parking lot prices at its Vegas casinos.
Caesars rolling out pay parking casino by casino
Last year, Caesars Entertainment warned visitors to Vegas that paid parking was coming. Nonetheless, it was only implemented last month. The first establishment to apply this was The Linq, followed by Caesars and Paris.
Currently, it is expected that all Caesars casinos on the Strip will switch to paid self-parking, with the exception of Planet Hollywood, whose parking situation is yet to be determined. The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, situated just west of the Strip on Flamingo Rd, will maintain its free parking. Hence, World Series of Poker (WSOP) players can relax this summer.
Nevada driver’s license holders will still receive free parking. Furthermore, Total Rewards players at the Platinum level or higher can also park for free. The maximum daily parking fee will be $10. Valet services will range in price from $8 to $18, except at the Rio, which will continue to offer free valet service.
The Cosmopolitan Casino announced recently that it will begin charging for self-parking. The rates are $7 for the first four hours and $10 for 5-24 hours. Furthermore, both Cosmopolitan and Caesars provide free parking for patrons parking for an hour or less.
MGM raising parking prices at Vegas properties
It comes as no surprise that MGM, having been the first company to introduce paid parking, is also the first to raise the prices.
The company began levying fees to accumulate funds for a parking area at T-Mobile Arena, situated behind MGM’s Monte Carlo Casino. At first, these charges did not apply to locals. However, everyone is now required to pay self-park fees.
The main change in self-park fees is the creation of different rates for two hours and four hours of parking, rather than a single rate. The first hour of parking remains free. However, the price for parking between two to four hours has been split. Customers parking for up to two hours will have to pay $7, while those parking for two to four hours will be charged anywhere from $8 to $12, depending on the property.
The battle over parking in Las Vegas is only beginning, and MGM’s recent move could potentially trigger a series of price hikes among the casino companies.
Where can I park for free on the Strip?
Astonishingly, there are still a few properties on the strip that provide free self-parking. These include the following casinos:
- Wynn
- Encore
- Venetian
- Palazzo
- Treasure Island
- Circus Circus
- SLS
- Tropicana
Treasure Island, Venetian, and Palazzo are the most centrally located among them. Wynn and Sands International have not yet commented on the changing parking situation. Considering this, it’s quite possible that these casinos may choose to make similar adaptations in the future.
