The Tropicana, one of the early luxury hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, primarily catered to middle-class visitors for much of its history. Its association with organized crime and a changing competitive environment marked the end of its glamorous era. The hotel was sold to Ramada in 1979 and continued to operate as an affordable resort until its closure, despite changes in ownership.
As demand for upscale experiences rises among Las Vegas visitors, the city finds itself in a different competitive landscape, no longer just matching traditional gambling destinations like Atlantic City, New Jersey, or Laughlin, Nevada, which is located 90 miles south. Belarmino noted that guests now regard Las Vegas alongside cities like San Francisco and New York, highlighting its value in comparison to these major destinations.
However, low-cost accommodations, such as the once-common $20 nights with no resort fees, are likely fading from the Strip. “Those $20 nights and no resort fees are probably in the past on the Strip,” stated Nicholas Irwin, a research director at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Lied Center for Real Estate. He added that there is growing concern that business expansion is being prioritized over the needs of families and the local workforce.
Researchers at UNLV predict Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, will see a steady population growth of 1.6% this year and 1.4% next year, with many new residents coming from California. One such newcomer, Alicia Muscs, 26, who works for a travel booking agency at MGM’s New York-New York casino, relocated in April for the more affordable cost of living.
Irwin noted that recent arrivals from California tend to have 15% to 19% higher incomes than their Nevada counterparts, creating increased demand and higher prices for goods and services in the region. This trend may have implications for Nevada’s political climate, particularly as it remains a closely contested swing state where both presidential campaigns are engaged in a battle for voter support on economic matters.