Resort Guests at Caesars, Las Vegas Criticized for Imposing Charges on Early Arrivals via Social Media

Vegas Strip Resorts Stirk Controversy with Early Check-in Fees

The online community is raging against The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino for its costly early check-in fees. A handy post from a Texas gamer, discussing the resort's $60 (plus tax) fee at digital kiosks, went mainstream this weekend.

Initiating the commotion on social media was @wonderousATX, who ignited a furor against the fees. His original post, tagging popular Vegas guide Vital Vegas, sets alight waves of wrath among the disbelieving masses:

The responses poured in, ranging from disbelief to outrage over the hefty service fees for a resort considered mid-tier.

Vital Vegas' response to the Texan influencer's post, suggesting The Flamingo is trying to "pull a fast one," was a stern reprimand: "Awful. They're doing this to themselves."

Fee Frenzy

A follower responded to Vital Vegas' retweet, expressing alarm: "This is nearing insanity." @wonderousATX's share with Las Vegas Locally further heightened the viral impact. A sarcastic comment from one user reads:

"Nice....charging 60 bucks for a room that's just sitting empty til 3:30....way to go."

Several sources report such advance check-in fees as commonplace in Sin City, with the cost usually ranging between $20 and $50. However, the Las Vegas Review-Journal mentions the $60 charge by Flamingo is higher than expected for a resort of its caliber.

Interestingly, high-end Wynn and Encore luxury resorts only cost $75 for early check-in.

Timing Troubles

In the shadow of the widespread condemnation, Caesars Entertainment, the resort's operator, has remained silent. Meanwhile, many voices are voicing concern about the overall exploitation of Vegas visitors amid the city's need for positive media coverage.

Recent months have seen a decline in tourist visits and gaming revenue for Strip casinos, raising eyebrows over the charging of such premium fees.

Extra Insights:

A variety of Las Vegas Strip resorts, including The Flamingo, adopt early check-in fees as a revenue-generating tactic. These fees hover between $20 and $50 for most properties, with luxury resorts, like Wynn and Encore, charging an increased $75 for early check-in. However, Flamingo's $60 fee is on the higher end for mid-tier hotels.

Guests can negotiate these fees in-person or may qualify for waivers via loyalty programs. However, the use of automated kiosks can complicate the process.

Critics have denounced this trend of nickel-and-diming visitors as an exploitative practice. Despite Caesars Entertainment's silence, the audience's growing ire could impact the resort's reputation.

The controversy over The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino's early check-in fees has extended to discussions about casino-culture in Las Vegas, with many questioning the ethical implications of such charges.
Amidst the criticism, some have compared the $60 early check-in fee at The Flamingo to the significantly lower fees at luxury resorts like Wynn and Encore, raising questions about casino-games pricing strategies and the role of casino-personalities in shaping guest experiences.
As the online frenzy around early check-in fees continues, attention has also turned to other Strip resorts that also implement such fees, leading to a broader discussion about the financial impact of casino-and-gambling on visitors in Las Vegas.