How has Las Vegas changed since reopening? 5 things that are different since the pandemic
Melissa Yeager
A post-vaccination trip to fabulous Las Vegas might seem like a great way to celebrate a return to a more regular life, but don't leave your planning to chance.
While much is relatively back to normal, if it's been a hot minute since you've been there, you'll likely notice ways the pandemic is still affecting the city.
Restaurants, hotels and casinos are open. Shows and performer residencies are back. But just like everywhere else, staff shortages might affect what services are available or how quickly you can get an Uber or Lyft.
Here are five things to know when planning your next Las Vegas trip.
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Face masks required for employees, optional for guests
COVID-19 cases are rising in the state, and the Southern Nevada Health District recently issued an advisory recommending that vaccinated and unvaccinated people "wear masks in crowded indoor public places where they may have contact with others who are not fully vaccinated."
Following that move, the Clark County Commission, whose jurisdiction includes the Las Vegas Strip, voted on July 20 to require employees to wear masks when indoors.
It also required venues where more than 250 people gather to submit to the commission plans to help stem the spread of the virus.
The employee mask mandate expires on Aug. 17. Masks are optional for guests.
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Las Vegas parking fees are back
It was good while it lasted. Many of the resorts that waived parking fees to attract gamblers, diners, showgoers and overnight guests have reinstated those fees.
Resorts that don't charge fees for self-parking include:
At the Cosmopolitan, registered guests and members of the rewards program at the Sterling status level get complimentary self-parking.
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Uber and Lyft may be hard to find
Like just about everywhere, Uber and Lyft rides are in short supply. When you do find one, the wait may be longer and the price may be higher than the last time you visited Las Vegas. Rental cars are also in high demand and thus expensive.
Take these factors into account when planning your transportation from the airport as well as the location of your hotel.
The Las Vegas monorail has reopened. It connects the hotels along the Strip with seven stops running from the MGM Grand to the Sahara. A one-day unlimited pass costs $13. Buy tickets at https://www.lvmonorail.com/ticket-information.
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Make dinner reservations
Don't expect to walk up and get a table. Some restaurants are still doing reservations only. Some are short staffed and limiting capacity. Popular new spots like the supper club Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas, which just opened, are booked weeks in advance.
If there's somewhere special you have your heart set on dining, make sure to reserve a table.
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Las Vegas buffets are back – but not all of them
Predictions that the pandemic might kill off Vegas' famous all-you-can-eat buffets proved false. Several beloved buffets have reopened with new features like roaming dim sum carts and small plates. These Las Vegas buffets were back in service as of July 21:
- The Buffet at Bellagio.
- Caesar's Bacchanal Buffet.
- Circus Circus Buffet.
- Cosmopolitan's Wicked Spoon.
- Excalibur Buffet.
- MGM Grand Buffet.
- South Point Casino Garden Buffet.
- The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas.
You can connect with Arizona Republic Consumer Travel Reporter Melissa Yeager through email at melissa.yeager@azcentral.com. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.