Question of the Day - 19 November 2017

Interesting question. 

We can only speculate about a future housekeeping upcharge, though we wouldn’t put it past Big Gaming to do it if they could, given the long-term trend of rising prices, not the least of which are resort fees and paid parking. At this point, you have to specifically eschew housekeeping services, but going no-maid is an idea that's gaining traction here. 

We conducted a selective survey and found this no-housekeeping/rebate proposition catching on, most notably at all the Caesars Entertainment casinos in Las Vegas. Called “Code Green,” it’s an effort to conserve resources, we were told. If you forego maid service, Caesars gives you a $10 food-and-beverage voucher for every night of your stay. You opt in at check-in, but you must ask for it. Also, the vouchers can only be used at Caesars-owned bars and eateries, which cuts down your options somewhat.

Westgate Las Vegas has an identical policy, called “Going Green,” while the Golden Nugget sees Caesars’ $10 and raises it $5. The voucher should be easier to redeem at the Nugget, as most of its restaurants are part of owner Tilman Fertitta’s business empire.

As for companies that haven’t taken such an approach yet, you can include MGM Resorts, Cosmopolitan, Wynn/Encore, the Downtown Grand (“never heard that one”), the Four Seasons, Station Casinos, the Hard Rock, the Palms, SLS, the Tropicana, and Trump.

Las Vegas Sands spokesman Ron Reese said, “I’m unaware of hotels – particularly ours – forgoing housekeeping services.”

And Boyd Gaming’s David Strow added, “Not really an issue for us – to my knowledge, we have no plans to move toward optional housekeeping service as you describe. You can obviously skip a day with a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign, but no credit offered if you do that!”

Still, we think this is a trend you'll see broadening in the Vegas market, if for no other reason than it affords casinos the chance to save on housekeeping at a relatively low giveback to the customer, initially, anyway.