MGM Resorts International, the largest casino operator on the Las Vegas Strip, is increasing resort and parking fees across all its properties starting Wednesday, December 4, at 10 a.m. The move comes as visitors face rising costs during their stays at some of the Strip’s most popular destinations.
Resort Fees Rise at Major Properties
Guests staying at MGM’s premium properties, including Bellagio, Aria, Vdara, and The Cosmopolitan, will see their daily resort fees jump by $5, bringing the total to $55 per day. Meanwhile, properties like MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and Delano will increase their fees to $50, also up by $5. Park MGM, Nomad, and The Signature will see an $8 hike, bringing their daily resort fee to $50.
Resort fees, which typically cover amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and local calls, have been a contentious issue among visitors, with critics arguing that they are often unclear and not optional.
Parking Fees Also on the Rise
In addition to higher resort fees, MGM is increasing parking rates. While the company has yet to disclose the exact new rates, parking charges have become a significant revenue source for Las Vegas Strip properties in recent years. Visitors who drive to the Strip can expect to pay more for both valet and self-parking services.
This double hike in fees has sparked frustration among travelers, who feel that the added costs diminish the affordability and accessibility of Las Vegas as a tourist destination.
What’s Behind the Increase?
MGM Resorts has not provided a detailed explanation for the fee increases. However, industry experts suggest that rising operational costs and an effort to recover from recent economic downturns, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, may be driving the changes.
The move comes amid a broader trend in the Las Vegas hospitality industry, where resort fees and other ancillary charges are increasingly relied upon to boost revenue. For many operators, these fees represent a growing share of income, helping offset fluctuations in gambling revenue.
Traveler Reactions and the Broader Implications
For visitors, the fee hikes may be the tipping point in decisions about where to stay or whether to visit Las Vegas at all. Social media is already abuzz with complaints, with many travelers calling for greater transparency around resort fees.
Some tourism advocates warn that continuous fee hikes risk alienating budget-conscious visitors. “Las Vegas has always been seen as a destination where you can get value for your money,” one industry observer noted. “These rising fees challenge that perception.”
MGM’s decision also puts pressure on competing operators to either follow suit or find ways to differentiate themselves. Whether this leads to higher fees across the Strip or efforts to attract guests with lower prices remains to be seen.
For now, visitors planning a trip to Las Vegas should brace for higher costs at MGM properties starting Wednesday.
