Park Place Entertainment and MGM Grand are set to begin what may be the future for Las Vegas casinos by opening up hotel registration desks in the baggage claim area at McCarran. MGM guests will be able to check in and pick up their room keys and also make show reservations and pick up show tickets. They eventually may include baggage check-in and concierge service. Right now New York New York is not participating but may be in the future.
I don't know what kind of services Park Place guests can expect or if all of their casinos will participate initially.
The Venetian was interested, but decided not to participate at this time. The Mirage is still continuing to talk with McCarran officials.
According to the article I read, it will cost MGM and Park Place each $144,000 for the first year and MGM will also pay an annual advertising fee of $60,000.
There was no mention if there would be an additional fee for the patrons who chose to check in at the airport instead of at the hotel.

I think this is a great idea. Since baggage claim is so slow at McCarran, I could walk over and check into the hotel while Michael waited for the baggage. It would allow us the freedom to go somewhere after we arrived without having to go directly to the hotel. I like the idea of being able to purchase show tickets also. How does everyone feel about this idea? If the hotels were to charge extra for this service, would you be willing to pay an extra fee? If so, how much would you be willing to pay?

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Lee Ann,
I'm wondering how easy it will be to upgrade to a better room at the airport check-in? I think for now, I'll stick with the old fashion way. After we get some rave reviews from some of our members, then maybe I'll try it!


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee,
I'm always looking for anything that will give me more Las Vegas time, so I guess that's why this appealed to me. We always wait sooooo long to claim the baggage at the airport and I always stand there thinking about how much time we are wasting. <vbg> This way I could get the room key and as soon as the bags come we could be on our way. We usually go to the hotel and check in and leave the bags in the car until later. Getting the key at the airport would eliminate having to go to the hotel. I did think about the room upgrade thing, but we never get an upgrade at the Mirage anyway, so it's really not a big deal. However, even if we did, I would still use this option. If I didn't like the room after we arrived, I could always walk down to the registration desk and try to get another room.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Or start a fire in the AC unit? <G>
Lee-PA

Lee,
That's why they only give me fire retardant rooms now.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

[This message has been edited by Lee Ann (edited January 12, 2000).]

According to a press release by the MGM Grand, their registration desk at McCarren will be opening in April and will have hours of operation of 10AM to 2AM daily.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Lee Ann: What is the fee charged for this service? Is it $6/person?

Veronica,
There was no mention of a charge for using the registration desk at the airport. You will also be able to buy and pick up tickets for shows at the MGM.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

I wish the hotels on the strip would furnish free or low priced transportation to the hotel. But I guess the cabbies and bus drivers need a job too.

MGM has opened their registation desk at McCarran airport. You can check in (or out) of the MGM or New York New York at the desk as well as buy tickets to events at the hotels. The article I read said that they are also providing transportation to either hotel for a $10 fee. Luggage is delivered to your room within one hour.
Park Place Entertainment is scheduled to open registration desks at McCarran in September.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

LeeAnn,
For those of us that get special treatment (what ever that might mean) I don't see where the airport idea will ever catch on with us. I see it as one more place to incure billing problems. My recent Flamingo check-out was a Mess! I wouldn't want to be doing that at the airport!
M2C

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com