The STRAT Charging For Parking – Who Lets Las Vegas Park Free?

UPDATE: The STRAT has since rescinded their pay for parking policy, allowing drivers with a Nevada ID to come and go for free.

Once upon a time, Las Vegas was filled with free parking and valet. Valet drivers were tipped into six-digit incomes. Locals and visitors alike could visit the Strip and shell out their money inside the resort, not in the garage. But the times are a-changin', and paid parking is spreading faster than coronavirus. How bad as it gotten? The STRAT just started charging for parking.

Yes, for the low low price of not free, you can park your vehicle inside a parking lot in one of the least safe areas of the resort corridor.

We kid, but only a little. The STRAT is charging $6 for the first four hours during the weekdays, with a max daily charge of $12. Friday-Sunday, that bumps up to $8 with a max daily charge of $15.

"Oh, OK. For the tourists, but what about the locals?". Well, we hate to burst your bubble but the locals are not getting a discount. No "first 3 hours free". No discounted rate. You're paying as much as the frat boys from Rancho Cucamonga.

You may remember Resorts World (who has had their challenges drumming up business) started charging for parking recently, but that parking became free by simply having a Genting Rewards card, their free gaming rewards card. Any tier parks for free. The STRAT is giving free parking as well, but not for everyone. True Rewards members above "Solid" (which is the third tier up) get to park for free. To the rest, unfortunately, you've got to open your wallet.

It really is a shame, because what The STRAT has done in recent years to modernize their property is impressive! But not paying for parking in Las Vegas is something of a religion. Many aren't ready to convert.

There are still some properties that are thumbing their nose at the "fork over your money to park your car here and fork over more money" policy. They range from the cheapest to the most bougie and it makes you wonder... why would you park elsewhere?!

Started from the bottom... and this is the bottom. But if you're looking to bring the kids to Adventuredome, get a delicious meal at THE Steak House (which is a sleeper hit) and have "Slots-A-Fun" you're gonna park for free while you do it. Parking is free, while valet will set you back a minimum of $12.

Our first asterisk on the list is Resorts World. Sure, they technically started charging for parking at the beginning of 2023. But to their credit, they allow any Genting Rewards member of any tier to park for free. Almost brilliant to get people to sign up for the free card to get free parking, and now they have a list to market to. We'll allow it. At least they don't require us to run our credit to park for free.

Free parking garage AND FREE VALET?! Did we enter a time machine?! SAHARA Las Vegas has some really delicious dining options, hunky men and a gaming floor that doesn't even remotely resemble its former dilapidated form. Worth a visit!

They are so committed to free parking, they put it on their massive sign that faces Interstate 15. The valet is free as well! Sure, they got rid of the pirate show, but for this we'll forgive them.

We are going to show some clemency to Tropicana. The poor lil' fella is surrounded by casinos that charge for parking, an arena and a massive football stadium. Some self-parking is free, while closer lots at $5, and on major event days they get hurt badly (you have people parking there free but not going there at all) they'll charge non-hotel guests. Fair. Who knows, soon the property might actually be a major stadium of its own.

Love him or hate him, the property that bares former President Donald Trump's name features free parking. Make America Not Pay For Parking In Las Vegas Again! MANPFPILVA!

While they definitely charge for parking, locals are given three hours of clemency at MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts and Venetian/Palazzo properties. Sure, they kind of started this trend, but credit where credit is due. They'd rather chase the locals out after a show than potentially have them stick around and play a slot for a while, which is an interesting business model.