Despite the likelihood of increased transportation and lodging expenses, AAA forecasts a record number of travelers for Memorial Day weekend, signaling the start of summer vacations. Las Vegas resorts are capitalizing on this surge with their room rates.
AAA estimates that 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles between Thursday and Monday, the highest figure since 2005.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority anticipates that Southern Nevada will welcome around 340,000 visitors for the long weekend, a 1.4 percent decline from the 345,000 who visited in 2024.
Hotel occupancy is expected to be 93 percent, slightly down from last year’s 93.6 percent, largely due to a 2.1 percent reduction in available hotel rooms following the closure of the Tropicana.
The LVCVA estimates that visitors will spend approximately $449.5 million over the weekend, a 3.3 percent increase from the $435 million spent in 2024.
This will result in an overall economic impact of $715.7 million, a slight decrease from 2024’s $720 million. This impact accounts for both direct spending by visitors and the subsequent economic effects on suppliers and vendors.
Las Vegas ranks as one of the top five U.S. destinations for Memorial Day this year. Most travelers—87 percent—are expected to go by car, with 39.4 million people projected to take road trips nationwide.
This heavy traffic means Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Southern California will likely be congested, particularly on Friday and Monday afternoons.
In addition, AAA anticipates that 3.61 million air passengers will fly to their destinations, a nearly 2 percent increase from last year’s 3.55 million, while domestic flight prices have risen by 2 percent.
Furthermore, an estimated 2.08 million people will travel by train, bus, or cruise, representing an 8.5 percent increase from the previous year.
For eligible customers, the VIP sports betting sites breakdown is a fantastic resource for high-stakes wagering. This page provides insights into the benefits of this platform and more.
Hotels and motels in Southern Nevada are taking advantage of the start of summer by setting higher room rates.
For the first time, resorts must disclose the total cost of a stay, including any resort fees, due to a new Federal Trade Commission rule regarding unfair or deceptive fees. While these “junk fees” are still permitted, they must now be clearly displayed on websites and in advertisements.
A recent survey by the Review-Journal of 153 local motels and hotels, including 12 in downtown Las Vegas, found that the average nightly rate was $248.41. Downtown properties averaged $204.67, both significantly higher than the average daily rates recorded in May 2024.
Rooms priced under $100 per night were scarce, although a few options were available, including Circus Circus at $96, Oyo at $88, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder at $99, Silver Sevens for $77, and Super 8 Fremont at $96.
On the higher end, the most expensive stays were at Aria Sky Suites for $2,027 per night and Four Seasons at $1,423.
Other luxury options included Encore at $552, Waldorf Astoria at $519, Fontainebleau at $492, Palazzo at $472, Circa at $459, and several others around $449, including The Venetian, Bellagio, and Durango. Aria and Red Rock Resort were priced at $424, with Caesars Palace at $354.
AAA advises travelers to hit the road early to avoid traffic congestion, noting that the busiest travel times will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Monday.
The ultimate guide to the best betting apps. Discover the advantages of mobile betting and find out how you can keep up with the excitement if you meet the criteria.
Although it might be too late for flight deals, AAA recommends flying on weekdays for better fares. Save money by booking airport parking in advance and bringing your own meals.
At Harry Reid International Airport, travelers can check bags ahead of time.
Reserve parking at Terminal 1 (Level 2M) for $28 per day or Terminal 3 (Level 1) for $21 per day at parking.harryreidairport.com.
Use the free cell phone lot off Kitty Hawk Way for pickups, as parking is not allowed at the arrivals curb. Drivers can park for free for 15 minutes in the short-term parking area.
Follow the 4-3-2-1 guideline: arrange transportation four hours prior, check bags three hours prior, clear TSA two hours prior, and arrive at the gate one hour prior to departure.
If you’re looking for more information about the city, the online Vegas sportsbooks guide provides all the latest news and updates from the area and beyond.
About the Author
Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball when he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accounting. He leverages this expertise to provide insightful betting analysis for all sports, identifying value based on overlooked factors.
Read Tony's ProfileAsk Tony about this guide:
