[shellymdnv]

Originally Posted by Raiderman

Weird. I've never paid for parking downtown, other than a couple bucks for a tip to the valet, whether I'm gambling or not..


On a related note, I did try the $5 trick at PH the other night on the strip. Parking was full, according to the sign. I rolled my window down with a $5 bill in my hand and asked if there were any open spots. He said "absolutely".


What shocked me is that it was only $5. I wouldn't stop to pick up a five on the ground. I would have expected to have my car valeted for $20 or higher, but I guess $5 is the going rate.

Well they may be more likely to have 20 people willing to "tip" $5 in an hour than 5 people willing to pay $20. It's possible that you could have gotten away with paying zero, with some of the valet lines once you are in the queue if would take more time and effort for them to move cars to let you out than to just accept your car.

[SportyandMisty]

The first dozen or so times I visited Las Vegas, it was on business trips. Pay for parking? No problem; I would just put it on an expense report. This won't deter business visitors.

[airics]

Originally Posted by C_A_Braun

Not people like me. Since all the lots downtown started charging for parking a year or 2 ago, I have not been on Fremont, which was a destination for me on average perhaps 2-3 times a month prior.

neither have my wife and I. used to go to fremont often.

[aardogfsu]

I avoid it because of the parking as well...but I would go and spend $0...so maybe they're onto something.

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by airics

neither have my wife and I. used to go to fremont often.

Originally Posted by aardogfsu

I avoid it because of the parking as well...but I would go and spend $0...so maybe they're onto something.

I wouldn't avoid it for that reason. At least a few of the casinos there will allow you to park for free if you get your parking ticked validated in the casino by buying some food, getting a stamp at the casino cash cage, playing(or pretending you're playing at a slot machine), etc.

As for the strip, my guess would be if parking is charged by some of the casinos there, they might have a similar plan as some of the downtown casinos and wave the fee if one dines or plays at the casino. Spend some money, validate, and it's no parking charge.

[BBMW]

No, anyone who can expense it won't care. The tourists flying in? Many rent cars, they won't be thrilled. But the biggest hit will be the CA drive ins, and the locals. But those two together make up a substantial percentage of the business on the strip. I think I heard that CA alone was 30%.

Originally Posted by SportyandMisty

The first dozen or so times I visited Las Vegas, it was on business trips. Pay for parking? No problem; I would just put it on an expense report. This won't deter business visitors.

[Sqibbcakes]

Originally Posted by aardogfsu

I avoid it because of the parking as well...but I would go and spend $0...so maybe they're onto something.

I'm not an accountant, but I have to think the huge majority of people that use free parking, also spend $0.00 in their properties.

[winter-rabbit]

Hopefully they will use the money to clean the garages. The floors are coated in grease/tar. Especially during the summer when it transfer easily to carpeting.

[JohnG72]

1.) Not all lots downtown charge. Fremont, California, Main St Station all have free valet. El Cortez parking lot is free(though I imagine they charge during events in the area.)

2.) I drive from Los Angeles. Zero chance I will visit a casino I have to pay to park at. Maybe I'll walk from across the street. I'm guessing that sentiment is similar amoungst other So Cal residence. I think this one will backfire on MGM.

[AV8]

I was hoping locals would still be free. Hopefully Ceasars and Sands are slow to follow MGM's lead if ever. I don't foresee Station locations even thinking about a parking fee.