MGM Resorts is trying to win back guests by offering a range of convenient in-room Covid tests – although they do have to be paid for. Olivia Palamountain reports

In order to make trips to Las Vegas more appealing and viable, MGM Resorts such as Aria, Mandalay Bay, the Luxor and the Bellagio are bringing Covid testing to hotel guests. It’s a smart move because the prospect of having to seek out a clinic in a city that is not your home is stressful, time-consuming and complicated.

In-room hotel testing at MGM Resorts has been designed to reassure guests and encourage larger groups and meetings back to Vegas, while building on MGM Resorts’ “Seven-Point Safety Plan“, implemented to deter the spread of the virus and protect both guests and employees.

Tests are available daily from 8am to 8pm, with appointments accessed via guest services at each Las Vegas property. Careful to cater to individual requirements, MGM Resorts offers the following range of tests:

Standard RT-PCR Test – results in approximately 24 to 72 hours, based on lab availability

Fast Molecular (NAAT) Test – results in approximately 20 minutes

Rapid Antigen Test – results in approximately 20 to 30 minutes

Brought to guests in collaboration with Henderson-based Community Ambulance, prices for in-room testing range from US$140 to US$230. However, additional charges may apply for same-day/after-hours requests and cancellations. Results are delivered electronically, directly to each client.

This initiative news follows a successful roll out of MGM Resort’s “Convene with Confidence” programme back in September 2020, designed to encourage corporate customers back to Vegas for meetings and events.

It has since has hosted about 300 groups with an option for attendee testing in partnership with CLEAR, Cue Health and Impact Health.

Stephanie Glanzer, MGM Resorts’ senior vice-president and chief sales officer, says: “Meetings and conventions are critical to our company and to Las Vegas, in addition to the organisations putting on these programs.

“Developing ‘Convene with Confidence’, a completely customisable program, with multiple options for planners and attendees, reflects our deep commitment to the future health of the meetings industry.”

Now that MGM Resorts is welcoming larger groups back to Las Vegas (thanks to increased capacity limits in Nevada), it is hoped that the on-site rapid Covid-19 testing options will add further appeal to leisure travellers.

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