LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- Room rates in Las Vegas hotels have gone through the roof for New Year’s weekend as hotels are at or near capacity. These prices have some tourism experts saying Las Vegas is definitely on the path of economic recovery.
If the numbers are right, then the expected 314,000 visitors in town this weekend will have a non-gaming impact of a $192 million.
Many hotels are already sold out, and hotels with rooms left over say they're already near capacity.
The sold-out rooms has the impact of driving some hotel prices absolutely sky-high for this New Year’s weekend – much higher than last year’s.
According to the Review-Journal, the Bellagio has almost doubled their prices since last year -- rooms that went for an average $750 per night in 2010 are looking at an average of $1500 per night this year. The Artisan's prices have almost doubled, and for anyone getting away from the valley, the prices at the resort at Mt. Charleston have increased by almost $50..
Others are charging a little less -- the Luxor which will charge $60 less per night than last year, and the Silverton says they have a few rooms left, but the rooms cheaper by an average of $20 a night.
Tourism experts are saying this weekend is going to be a big win not only for visitors who are coming here for a good time, but for the local economy as well.
The experts say the numbers are a good sign of a recovery for Vegas tourism. The Visitors Authority says hotel room rates have steadily risen for the past 20 straight months.
