From resort credits to fewer lines: 4 tips to make your next Las Vegas trip even better
Editor's Note
Are you hoping to "hit the jackpot" on your Las Vegas vacation? If so, you won't want to "roll the dice" when it comes to planning your next trip to Sin City.
There are a few ways to ensure you (and your travel companions) have a VIP Vegas experience featuring fewer fees, resort credits and so much more.
Alongside my colleague Summer Hull, a senior director of content at TPG, I got to experience Vegas for the first time with a bit of an upgraded perspective.
With the MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard®, you can unlock exclusive perks that can make your Vegas vacation much more memorable.
TPG exclusive offer: MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard: You may be eligible to earn 40,000 MGM Mastercard points (points)* and 15,000 MGM Rewards Tier Credits after spending $5,000 in the first three billing cycles after account opening if you apply by April 14. (Must apply here for this offer; offers vary elsewhere^; see the Summary of Credit Terms.)
So, whether it's your first — or maybe your 20th — time visiting Sin City, here are four ways the Iconic World Elite Mastercard can give you an elevated Las Vegas experience.
Enjoy free self-parking at MGM Resorts properties
There are 15 MGM resorts and casinos in the area (and more than 20 nationwide), but as a first-timer in Vegas, I opted to stay at a resort in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip: the Bellagio Las Vegas. Seriously, nothing screams "Vegas" quite like watching the city's iconic fountain show, especially from your hotel room window.
TPG tip: If you're staying at the Bellagio, room No. 24008 offers a panoramic view of the fountains and the Strip.
If you don't want to give up the dream-worthy Vegas view but are looking for ways to save money on your getaway, holding the premium MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard grants you automatic Pearl status**, which unlocks free self-parking*** at participating MGM Rewards Destinations.
During our three-day stay at the Bellagio, the parking rate was $20 per day ($25 from Friday through Sunday). But as a cardholder, instead of paying additional fees, you can simply insert your MGM Rewards card at the exit gate to receive complimentary parking***. As an added bonus, if you decide to take your car for a spin on the Strip to visit or dine at another eligible MGM Resorts destination, you can use your card there to park*** for free as well.
Get an annual $200 resort credit at MGM Rewards Destinations
One of the biggest perks of the MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard is the $200 resort credit* that you receive upon account opening and annually on your card anniversary. This credit can be applied to room charges, including dining expenses, resort fees, spa services and entertainment purchases. Just visit an MGM Rewards desk to redeem this resort credit.
The best part? This premium card credit can be used across multiple MGM Resorts destinations, making it possible to really elevate your Vegas trip — no girl math required.
Redeem for spa services
Just a quick walk from the Bellagio is Aria Resort & Casino, where I booked a spa experience during my visit.
Aside from the individualized treatment, a spa appointment at Aria also includes access to the facility's sauna, cold plunge, heated indoor and outdoor pools, stone beds and salt room. Because of this, I highly recommend allowing extra time before or after your treatment to take advantage of the amenities.
Upon checkout, I charged my classic facial, which cost $190, to my room at the Bellagio.
Thanks to the MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard and its $200 annual resort credit*, the facial I booked (or another spa service at participating resorts) can be enjoyed at little to no cost.
Redeem for dining expenses
If going to a spa isn't on your Vegas itinerary, you can opt to redeem this credit at your nightly dinner or any other meal you have at an MGM Rewards Destination.
While there is a plethora of dining options to choose from, one restaurant that should be on your must-visit list (if it's not already) is Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak. Located in the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Craftsteak is a premier steakhouse that serves high-quality cuts of meat, seafood and family-style American-inspired sides.
The restaurant offers an a la carte menu, but Summer and I opted to go all-in on the "Crafted Cut Experience." The High Plains Ranch Angus meal experience is $155 per person and comes with dinner rolls, two appetizers, two steaks, two sides and one dessert, at the chef's discretion. With no allergies or dislikes among the two of us, we enjoyed a feast that featured beef carpaccio, a wedge salad, filet mignon, rib-eye steak, creamy mashed potatoes, broccoli and, for dessert, creme brulee.
As an MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard cardholder, visit the MGM Rewards desk to redeem your annual resort credit, then you can charge a four-course meal like this to your room to partially (or completely) cover the expense.
TPG tip: Another way to save money is to book an early dinner reservation. If you book a table at Craftsteak and plan on drinking wine, consider selecting one of the "half-off wine bottles" reservation time slots (typically before 5:30 p.m.) to enjoy a half-priced bottle during your meal. Just be sure to mention it to your server and ask for the menu.
Redeem for drinks and entertainment purchases
There's no shortage of fun to be had in Vegas; some even call it the entertainment capital of the world. So, whether you opt to attend a comedy show, a concert or one of the city's famous Cirque du Soleil performances, seeing a Vegas show is a must.
To offset the cost of tickets, visit the MGM Rewards desk to redeem your annual resort credit and then head to the box office to charge any Cirque du Soleil show to your room.
If it doesn't, you could also put the credit toward a post-dinner drink or post-show experience at some of the cool speakeasies MGM Rewards Destinations offer.
One of my personal favorite speakeasies is The Vault. This hidden lounge is inside the Bellagio on the casino floor. If you stumble upon the massive gold door behind the gaming tables, you'll be greeted by a small, intimate lounge with deliciously curated craft cocktails.
Another favorite? The Ski Lodge, an aptly named themed cocktail bar inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Everything from the decor to the drinks will make you feel like you've just stepped off a Utah ski slope. I recommend the Slava's Snowstorm, an espresso martini-inspired cold brew cocktail with hot cardamom foam. To really complete the winter wonderland theme, order the mountain campfire kit to treat yourself to homemade s'mores.
Be sure to visit the MGM Rewards desk to redeem your $200 annual resort credit* so that after you finish up at one of these speakeasies, you can charge your bill back to your room to use your MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard credit. It's as easy as that.
Redeem for resort fees
Many hotels — including most properties in Las Vegas — charge a standard room rate plus a resort fee. For our stay at the Bellagio, the resort fee was an additional $62.36 per night (including tax).
Because so many Vegas properties charge resort fees, it's important to factor in this extra cost when planning your Vegas trip. Or, if you're an MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard cardholder, you can use your card's resort credit to avoid shelling out for these additional fees.
Remember, too, that this card offers a fast track to elite status. At the next status tier, Gold status, you can enjoy waived resort fees, among other perks, when booking directly at MGM Rewards Destinations, leaving you the option to use your card's resort credit toward a different on-property expense.
Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status
Skip the long lines
Let's face it: No one likes waiting in long lines, especially while on vacation. During our Vegas trip, we did see some queues, including while checking in at the Bellagio and visiting its buffet.
However, if you have the MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard, you can take advantage of a designated line for MGM Rewards Pearl, Gold, Platinum and Noir members. It serves as an automatic fast pass of sorts during check-in and mealtimes, so you can get right to the fun and food.
Having this kind of preferential treatment over non-cardholders adds a dose of VIP treatment while visiting MGM Rewards Destinations, which is possible with the MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard.
Earn additional bonus points and Tier Credits to unlock status faster
If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas and have not already signed up for the MGM Rewards loyalty program, you need to do so. The program is free to join, and its entry-level Sapphire elite status tier gives members access to discounts on select shows, the guaranteed lowest room rate offers available and the ability to earn MGM Rewards points.
All MGM Rewards members, regardless of status tier, will earn 1 point per dollar spent on eligible charges, but if you hold the MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard, you'll earn 6 points per dollar spent at MGM Rewards Destinations; 2 points per dollar spent at hotels, dining venues, gas stations and grocery stores; and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases, including BetMGM deposits*. So, if you're an MGM Rewards member holding this premium card, you can earn up to 7 points per dollar spent.
Then, your MGM Rewards points can be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent per point for hotel stays, dining, entertainment, spa services and more.
If you're climbing the MGM elite status tiers, know that as an MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard cardholder, you'll receive complimentary Pearl status**. Plus, your card offers a fast track to Gold status with as little as $6,000 in strategic spending on the card in the first year, thanks to the current welcome bonus. All MGM Rewards members earn 4 Tier Credits per dollar spent, while premium cardholders earn up to an additional 6 Tier Credits per dollar spent.
Therefore, cardholders can earn up to 10 Tier Credits per dollar spent at MGM Rewards Destinations.*
So, as a cardholder, you can earn thousands of MGM Rewards points and Tier Credits on your next Vegas vacation. Your MGM Rewards points can unlock additional savings on your next trip, plus the higher elite status tiers offer elevated perks like waived resort fees.
Related: 21 things to know before staying at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas
Bottom line
From premier restaurants to world-class shows, Vegas has something for everyone.
If you're looking to save money on additional fees and for help covering some of your itinerary expenses — like a much-needed spa service for a little rest and relaxation — the perks of the MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard are noteworthy.
With an annual fee of only $249****, the MGM Rewards Iconic Mastercard offers cardholders the chance to get more than $1,000 in value in the first year. For our trip, the $200 annual resort credit* and free self-parking*** would offset the annual fee. And if you keep spending on the card, you can unlock a complimentary night worth up to $250* (after spending at least $25,000 on purchases with your card each card anniversary year), which I'd absolutely love to use at a hotel such as the Bellagio for a future trip to Vegas.
However, if you're still looking to earn MGM Rewards points and Tier Credits and benefit from extra perks available with Pearl status** but do not wish to pay an annual fee, the MGM Rewards World Elite Mastercard® could be a good option.
Overall, after just a small taste of what Vegas has to offer, I'm already planning my next getaway to this iconic destination.
^Offers may vary depending on where you apply, for example, online or in person. To take advantage of this offer, apply now directly through this advertisement. Review offer details before you apply.
*See the Credit Card Rewards Terms and Conditions for details. MGM Resorts International owns the MGM Rewards program. Points are referred to as MGM Mastercard Points and can be redeemed for SLOT DOLLARS® and MGM Rewards Points. Please visit mgmrewards.com or call 866.789.6716 for MGM Rewards program rules, including earning, redemption, expiration, and forfeiture of Points and Tier Credits. MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard terms, click here.
**MGM Rewards Tier will remain at least Pearl Status as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
***Self-parking is complimentary for MGM Rewards Mastercard cardholders. Guests must insert their MGM Rewards Card at the exit gate to receive the free parking benefit. All parking is subject to availability, which may vary by facility location and Tier Status.
****For additional information about Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), fees and other costs, see the Summary of Credit Terms.
Cards are issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO®), pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.