Friday, July 14, 2017

Las Vegas Parking Fees - Another Nickel and Dime Tactic?

Free parking and free cocktails are the classic Las Vegas comps. Unfortunately, many Las Vegas Resort and Casinos have started charging to park.

Free Parking in Las Vegas – Which Casinos Still Offer It? 🚗🎰

Las Vegas has long been known for free parking, free cocktails, and complimentary casino comps. However, in recent years, many of the biggest Las Vegas casinos and resorts have started charging for parking, making it harder for visitors to avoid extra fees.

If you're planning a trip to Sin City, this guide will help you find which Las Vegas Strip hotels still offer free parking, where to park for cheap, and how to get free parking through casino comps.

Over the last year properties along the Strip started rolling parking fees for valet and  self-parking services.

🚗 Las Vegas Parking Fees – When Did Casinos Start Charging?

In June 2016, MGM Resorts was the first major Las Vegas casino group to implement paid parking fees at 10 properties, including:

✔️ Aria
✔️ Bellagio
✔️ Delano
✔️ Mandalay Bay
✔️ MGM Grand
✔️ The Mirage
✔️ New York-New York
✔️ Excalibur
✔️ Luxor
✔️ Monte Carlo (now Park MGM)

By 2017, Caesars Entertainment followed suit, introducing paid parking at 8 more casinos, including:

✔️ Caesars Palace
✔️ Flamingo
✔️ Harrah’s
✔️ The Linq
✔️ Bally’s
✔️ The Cromwell
✔️ Paris Las Vegas
✔️ Planet Hollywood

This rapid shift toward paid parking changed the Vegas experience for many visitors, making it more expensive to visit the Strip.


🏆 Which Las Vegas Strip Casinos Still Offer Free Parking? (2024 Update)

As of 2024, a few Las Vegas casinos still offer free parking, making them prime choices for visitors looking to save money and avoid parking fees.

🎰 Casinos That Offer Free Parking on the Strip:

✔️ Treasure Island (TI)Free self-parking for all visitors.
✔️ Tropicana – No self-parking fees.
✔️ Wynn & EncoreFirst 24 hours free, paid after that.
✔️ Venetian & PalazzoAlways free self-parking!
✔️ Circus Circus – Free self-parking for hotel guests & visitors.
✔️ Stratosphere (The STRAT) – Free parking for all guests.

💰 Casinos That Offer Free Parking with Validation or Loyalty Programs:

✔️ Resorts World – Free for casino loyalty members or with validation.
✔️ Cosmopolitan – Free for hotel guests & Identity Rewards members.
✔️ Mirage (Now a Hard Rock Property) – Free for some MGM Rewards members.

📢 Pro Tip: If you're not staying at a hotel, choose one of the above casinos for free parking and then walk or take the Las Vegas Monorail/Uber to your final destination.


💰 How to Get Free Parking at MGM & Caesars Casinos

Even though MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment charge for parking, you can still get free parking through casino rewards programs.

1️⃣ MGM Resorts – Free Parking with MGM Rewards

🎟️ Who Gets Free Parking?

  • Gold, Platinum & NOIR tier members in MGM Rewards (formerly M life Rewards).
  • Hotel guests staying at an MGM property get free self-parking.

📍 MGM Properties with Paid Parking (Unless You Qualify for Free Parking):
❌ Aria
❌ Bellagio
❌ MGM Grand
❌ Mandalay Bay
❌ Mirage
❌ New York-New York
❌ Excalibur
❌ Luxor
❌ Park MGM

💡 How to Get Free Parking at MGM Resorts:

  • Sign up for MGM Rewards (it’s free).
  • Earn points by playing slots, table games, or dining at MGM restaurants.
  • If you reach Gold, Platinum, or NOIR status, parking is free!

2️⃣ Caesars Entertainment – Free Parking with Caesars Rewards

🎟️ Who Gets Free Parking?

  • Platinum, Diamond & Seven Stars members in Caesars Rewards.
  • Hotel guests staying at a Caesars resort get free self-parking.

📍 Caesars Properties That Charge for Parking:
❌ Caesars Palace
❌ Flamingo
❌ Harrah’s
❌ The Linq
❌ Bally’s
❌ The Cromwell
❌ Paris Las Vegas
❌ Planet Hollywood

💡 How to Get Free Parking at Caesars Casinos:

  • Sign up for Caesars Rewards and earn points through casino play, dining, and hotel stays.
  • Reach Platinum tier or higher for complimentary self-parking.

🚗 Best Budget Parking Options on the Las Vegas Strip

If you can’t find free parking, the following locations offer cheaper parking rates compared to major casino garages.

✔️ Fashion Show MallFree parking just north of Treasure Island.
✔️ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood – Free parking with validation.
✔️ The LINQ Promenade – Free parking for some Caesars Rewards members.
✔️ STRAT (Stratosphere) – Free parking, just north of the Strip.
✔️ Resorts World – Free parking for certain guests or with casino validation.

📢 Pro Tip: Use a parking app like SpotHero to find discounted parking near the Strip!


🔥 Will Free Parking Ever Return to the Las Vegas Strip?

Las Vegas casinos originally introduced free parking to attract visitors, but as more resorts introduced fees, it became the industry norm. However, with rising complaints about resort fees, parking fees, and hidden charges, some experts predict that casinos may start offering free parking again to lure back visitors.

💭 My Prediction:

  • As competition increases, some Vegas casinos may bring back free parking to attract more tourists.
  • Loyalty programs (MGM Rewards & Caesars Rewards) will continue to be the best way to get free parking.
  • Expect more free parking at off-Strip casinos like Downtown Las Vegas & The STRAT.

📌 Final Thoughts – How to Get Free Parking in Las Vegas

🚗 Want to avoid Las Vegas parking fees? Follow these tips:

✔️ Park at casinos that still offer free parking (Treasure Island, Tropicana, Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, etc.).
✔️ Join casino loyalty programs (MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards) for free parking perks.
✔️ Use mall or hotel parking garages for free or cheaper rates.
✔️ Take advantage of validation at select restaurants & shops.
✔️ Skip the Strip parking hassle & use the Monorail, Uber, or taxis instead.

📢 What do you think about paid parking on the Strip? Should Las Vegas bring back free parking? Let us know in the comments!


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