LAS VEGAS IS OPEN
Here’s what to expect if you go
At 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, Las Vegas welcomed back visitors ready to blow off a little post-quarantine stress.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still says the best way to avoid contracting and spreading the new coronavirus is to stay at home. But Las Vegas casinos and resorts are betting that customers are ready for a vacation, doubling down on their health and safety plans in an effort to convince guests it is safe to come back.
Those new precautions mean there will be changes, at least temporarily, to how Las Vegas operates. Here are some things you should know about how COVID-19 will change the way you experience Las Vegas.
How to get to Las Vegas from Phoenix
By air: Southwest, American, Frontier, Allegiant and JSX airlines are operating nonstop flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Some airlines have reduced the frequency of their service to Las Vegas. Sun Country has put its service on hold.
By bus: Flixbus is not operating its Phoenix-to-Vegas route right now, but a spokesman says the company is hopeful it can resume soon.
By car: One bit of good news is that many hotels have dropped their selfparking fees. Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York and Cosmopolitan are among the properties no longer charging guests to park their cars. Check your hotel’s website for its policy.
Not every resort is open right away
The situation is evolving quickly, and not every hotel, restaurant, store or attraction is open right now. If you’re planning a trip, check the websites of the places you’re interested in for their most current opening information.
What’s new at hotel check-in?
The Nevada Gaming Control Board requires resorts to take guests’ temperatures upon arrival. For example, the Venetian will use thermal scanning as people walk through doors to identify elevated temperatures. In addition, you’ll fill out a symptom self-assessment upon checking in.
A lot of hotels will offer contact-free check-in. Some will let you print your own room key or use your phone to unlock your room. Expect to see clear dividers at the front desk.
Some resorts, including the Venetian, are providing amenity kits with hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves and face masks upon check-in.
Will I need to wear a mask?
Though not required, you’ll be strongly encouraged to wear one. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has advised the casinos to have disposable masks available to guests.
What will the casinos be like?
You’ll see games spaced farther apart, clear dividers, and plenty of hand sanitizer and wash stations. Expect to see every other slot machine shut down to provide social distancing.
At table games, the number of players will be restricted:
Three players per blackjack table. Six players per craps table. Four players per roulette table. Four players per poker table. The gaming control board also requires casino managers to discourage groups from congregating, so expect to be confronted if you’re hanging out.
Salons and spas
Salons, both hair and nail, are open. Spas are open for services but amenities such as steam rooms and hot tubs are still closed.
Are pools, dayclubs open?
Resort pools are open although many of them have limited hours, so check with your hotel. Chairs will be positioned to encourage distancing. Dayclubs are closed.
What about nightclubs and shows?
Nightclubs, strip clubs, concerts, stage shows and sporting events will not return until Phase 3 of the opening. The state is monitoring coronavirus statistics to determine when that will occur.
Are restaurants, bars and buffets open?
Restaurants are allowed to be open at 50% capacity and with 6 feet between tables.
Not all restaurants are open, so check before you go.
Bars are allowed to be open with the same social distancing requirements as restaurants.
Buffets are closed.
What attractions are open?
Here are some of the attractions that are open as of June 4.
Bellagio: The Conservatory is open with a new spring garden display called “Japan Journey: Magic of Kansai.” The fountains will be operating.
Circus Circus: Adventuredome, Carnival Midway and free circus acts.
The Linq: High Roller Observation Wheel.
The Strat: Big Shot, SkyJump, observation deck.
Wynn: 18-hole golf course.
New York-New York: Big Apple Roller Coaster, Big Apple Arcade, Hersey’s Chocolate World.
Madame Tussauds: Opened at 50% capacity. Some interactive experiences such as photo props have been removed.
SlotZilla zipline: The zipline that whisks riders along Fremont Street downtown is open.
Shopping/retail
Some shopping areas will be open, but not all shops will be operating. The Cosmopolitan, Shops at the Forum, Linq and Venetian are among the locations that have some stores open.