News Summary
Downtown Las Vegas has officially welcomed the opening of the AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and the Element by Westin Symphony Park. This dual-branded development boasts a total of 441 guest rooms and extensive amenities but also coincides with a decline in tourism and rising complaints about hotel pricing. Despite current challenges, Las Vegas is poised to attract visitors with significant upcoming events, showcasing its resilience in the hospitality sector.
Las Vegas – Downtown Las Vegas welcomed the official opening of two new hotels, the AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and the Element by Westin Symphony Park, amid ongoing tourism challenges and complaints about hotel pricing. The new dual-branded hotels are a significant project for Marriott, marking the largest dual-branded AC and Element development to date.
Located at 330 South Grand Central Parkway, near the Arts District and Symphony Park Avenue, the two hotels combine to offer a total of 441 guest rooms, with the AC Hotel housing 322 rooms and Element by Westin featuring 119 rooms. Element by Westin is tailored for longer stays, focusing on wellness and comfort for its guests. The facilities include over 18,000 square feet of meeting space, diverse dining options, seven entertainment suites, an outdoor pool, and a large terrace providing sweeping views of the city.
Despite the opening of these modern accommodations, Las Vegas is currently facing a summer tourism slump. Visitor feedback has been mixed, with some tourists expressing dissatisfaction over high room rates and food costs relative to their previous experiences in the city. In contrast, there are visitors who find Las Vegas hotels and food services to offer great value compared to other destinations.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported the average daily room rate on the Strip for July 2023 was $164, reflecting a $9 decrease from the previous year. Downtown hotel rates have also fallen by $9 year-over-year. However, it’s essential to note that room prices can vary significantly between weekdays and weekends, according to industry experts.
For 2023, the Strip’s average room rate was recorded at $204.42, with a slight decrease to $203.78 noted so far in 2025. The local economy heavily relies on international visitors, as they typically spend more during extended stays. However, the overall hotel occupancy rate has experienced a decline, dropping by 6.5%. The average daily room rates are down to $163.64, showcasing a 6.6% decrease.
Industry experts suggest that the drop in tourism could be partially attributed to the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the perception of inflated hotel fees, which have led to growing complaints about the overall value of visits. To address this, there is a consensus that casinos need to adapt their pricing strategies to maintain loyalty and satisfaction among their customers.
Despite current challenges, Las Vegas remains a hub for significant events, including NHL games, F1 races, and NASCAR competitions. These events are expected to attract tourists in the near future, indicating resilience in the city’s ability to draw visitors.
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Additional Resources
- News 3 Las Vegas
- Wikipedia: Las Vegas
- 8 News Now
- Google Search: Las Vegas hotels
- Forbes
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas tourism
- KTLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Vegas
- Fox News
- Google News: Las Vegas tourism decline
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
