Frustrated Visitors Decry Flamingo's Hefty Early Check-In Charges
Dispute Erupts over Flamingo Resort's Premature Registration Charge for Guests
Sauntered in at the Flamingo Las Vegas around 1 pm on May 31st, only to find out the digital kiosk declared check-in wouldn't be available until 3:30 pm. The only way to access the room earlier? Shell out half the average weekend rate, amounting to a hefty $60. Not impressed, the guest took to X (previously known as Twitter) to vent about the rising costs and fees pesky Vegas tourists now have to face.
A Harsh Blow for Frugal Vegas Tourists
It seems most Strip hotels demand anywhere from $20 to $50 for the privilege of early check-in, with luxurious Wynn and Encore asking for a whopping $75. But a $60 fee at a property that hasn't shimmered with luxury since the '60s is quite the eyebrow-raiser. To make matters worse, front desk agents have often waived early check-in fees in person, offering leniency in hopes of earning a tip or simply out of goodwill. However, it seems automated kiosks are replacing that flexibility and popping up all over Las Vegas hotel lobbies.
On the bright side, some venues have begun to offer discounted parking solutions. For instance, Resorts World Las Vegas provides free self-parking throughout the summer, making it one of a scant few Strip hotels to offer such a service.
Criticism and Caesars Entertainment's Response
Following the guest's grumblings, a horde of online critics piled on, decrying the new fee policy. Some remembered the hospitality of yesteryear, when Vegas operators welcomed guests as early as possible so they could start gambling immediately.
Others joked that hotels should maybe start handing out some dough when rooms aren't ready for check-in, while another commiserated that they had long been devoted to Caesars, but the relentless money grabs tend to spoil the brand's shining reputation.
Caesars Entertainment, which lays claim to the Flamingo hotel, responded that the fee for early check-in fluctuates based on demand. The company explained that guests are given the option to secure early check-in through a paid upgrade, with the cost of said upgrade determined by room availability.
Insights
- Early check-in fees are commonplace on the Las Vegas Strip, costing guests anywhere from $20 to $75.
- automated kiosks have replaced the flexibility of front desk agents when it comes to waiving early check-in fees.
- Some Vegas hotels have started offering discounted parking solutions, such as Resorts World Las Vegas, which now offers free self-parking throughout the summer.
- Caesars Entertainment charges a fee for early check-in as part of its revenue strategy, with the fee varying based on demand. The company offers guests the option to secure early check-in through a paid upgrade, and the cost of said upgrade fluctuates based on availability.
The unsanctioned early check-in fees at the Flamingo Las Vegas, ranging from $60 to higher amounts, have sparked criticism from frustrated visitors, especially considering the hotel's perceived decrease in luxury since the '60s.
Caesars Entertainment, which operates the Flamingo, defends their policy of charging a variable fee for early check-in based on room demand, allowing guests to pay for a paid upgrade to secure earlier access to their rooms.
