Question of the Day - 26 April 2017

Of all the questions we receive at QoD HQ, those about parking on the Strip are the most frequent, evidence that the uproar around this policy is far from dying down.

Here’s the answer.

As far as MGM Resorts International casinos are concerned, if you obtain the M life Mastercard, your parking is free for the lifetime of the card, which has no annual fee. You can also earn free parking by obtaining a regular M life membership and playing your way to Pearl-level status, which can be done both by gambling and making purchases while on property (eat, drink, and gamble your way to a free parking space!) And if you’re a really good player — or a very big spender — and reach Gold status, you get free valet parking as your reward.

Wynn Resorts tells us that self-parking at Wynncore remains free “at this time.” Valet parking, however, will set you back at least $13 — or $18 if you stay more than four hours, maxing out at 24 hours. Each additional 24 hours after that will cost you an additional $18. No exemptions.

At the Caesars Entertainment properties, both self-parking and valet parking are free to Total Rewards members who’ve achieved the Platinum, Diamond, and Seven Stars levels. Locals, for the time being, can self-park for free for up to 24 hours. And here’s a minor exemption: The first hour of parking is free for everyone (does it seem odd that Caesars incentivizes patrons to hurry out of its casinos?).

At the Cosmopolitan, parking soon will be free only if you’re a Sterling-level member of its Identity loyalty program. Starting May 16, one hour will be free, one to four hours will cost you $7, and four to 24 hours is $10 (giving one a value-per-hour incentive to stay longer), peaking at $10/day for 24 hours-plus. Motorcycles and bicycles can park for free. We don’t know offhand how many tourists two-wheel it into Las Vegas, but that’s certainly an incentive for locals to bike on over to the Cosmo.

Cosmopolitan valet parking will be free to Gold-level (and higher) members “subject to availability.” As for the Great Unwashed, one to four hours will cost $13, four to 24 hours $18, and anything longer is $18 a day. During special events and peak periods on the Strip, “special pricing may apply” between four and 11 p.m., unless you’re an Identity member or hotel guest, in which case you pay the normal rate.