Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 21

Thread: WaPo article about hotel bargains

  1. #1
    Anyone read this

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/trave...s-hotel-rooms/

    No paywall: https://archive.ph/9IoS0

    Is the thing about sensors in the minifridges common in Vegas hotels?

  2. #2
    Is the Nomad what became of Monte Carlo? If not what did Monte Carlo become?
    It is official. Redietz will never be on Dan Druff's podcast. "too much integrity"

  3. #3
    Originally Posted by accountinquestion View Post
    Is the Nomad what became of Monte Carlo? If not what did Monte Carlo become?
    Park MGM replaced Monte Carlo. Nomad is a place within Park MGM.
    FraudJ's word is worth less than the prop cash in Singer's safe...RIP

  4. #4
    This is a dumb article.

    I monitor Caesars property rates frequently, and I've never seen a $39 rack rate. I have no idea how she got that, or if she's not telling us the whole story. She claims to be booking it through Vegas.com, which usually has rack rates, but perhaps there was some special on a night when they were super empty.

    But it's highly misleading to make it sound like the average person can score a $11 room at Flamingo and $39 room at Caesars, as long as they stay on a weeknight.

    I just looked up the Caesars site right now when not logged in (and in incognito mode), and I don't see anything cheaper than $24 (Harrah's), with almost all nights being over $50 everywhere. There is one day in the next month where Caesars is $80, while the rest are all over $100, and often multiple hundreds of dollars, even during the week.

    She also quickly mentions the $50 resort fee, as if it's nothing. So the $11 room at Flamingo is more like $60, which is a huge difference.


    The article should instead be covering the best VALUE properties on the Vegas strips -- places you can stay fairly cheaply, which aren't complete dumps.

    There are three value properties:

    Harrah's
    Horseshoe (former Bally's)
    Park MGM (former Monte Carlo)

    All three of these typically give you very good value for your money, and aren't shitholes.


    It is actually frustrating when non-gambling friends ask me, "Where should I stay in Vegas?", I give them the above 3 properties to look at, and then they book some shithole like Luxor. Then they complain later that Luxor was a dump. I ask, "Why didn't you book Harrah's?", and their response is, "Well Luxor seemed like a good deal so I just went with that." I ask if they even looked at Harrah's, and they say no. FYI, Harrah's is usually cheaper than Luxor, and is way better.
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  5. #5
    We've eaten at Ruth Chris steakhouse on a comp, when going last minute and Caesars restaurants are booked but - wasn't aware that Harrah's Vegas was nice.

    I always assumed that Harrah's Vegas was a dump like the former Harrah's Reno.


    <<Is the thing about sensors in the minifridges common in Vegas hotels?>>

    Most suites come with both a mini bar type refrigerator that of course includes sensors, and a regular refrigerator. You may request a refrigerator in your room if it doesn't come with one, and they might bring you a regular sized one or a tiny one (such as for medication), depending on the resort's policy and your clout. Some resorts will charge daily for that regular refrigerator unless you are VIP level.

    Same with rollaway beds - some resorts will charge daily for that extra bed unless you are VIP level.

    The mini bar refrigerators often include a notice that if you store anything in them you will be charged due to some kind of hygienic concerns, but really probably mostly because they don't want you getting away with free storage of food or drink.
    I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.

    MDawg Adventures carry on at: https://www.truepassage.com/forums/f.../46-IPlayVegas

  6. #6
    Originally Posted by Dan Druff View Post
    This is a dumb article.

    I monitor Caesars property rates frequently, and I've never seen a $39 rack rate. I have no idea how she got that, or if she's not telling us the whole story. She claims to be booking it through Vegas.com, which usually has rack rates, but perhaps there was some special on a night when they were super empty.

    But it's highly misleading to make it sound like the average person can score a $11 room at Flamingo and $39 room at Caesars, as long as they stay on a weeknight.

    I just looked up the Caesars site right now when not logged in (and in incognito mode), and I don't see anything cheaper than $24 (Harrah's), with almost all nights being over $50 everywhere. There is one day in the next month where Caesars is $80, while the rest are all over $100, and often multiple hundreds of dollars, even during the week.

    She also quickly mentions the $50 resort fee, as if it's nothing. So the $11 room at Flamingo is more like $60, which is a huge difference.


    The article should instead be covering the best VALUE properties on the Vegas strips -- places you can stay fairly cheaply, which aren't complete dumps.

    There are three value properties:

    Harrah's
    Horseshoe (former Bally's)
    Park MGM (former Monte Carlo)

    All three of these typically give you very good value for your money, and aren't shitholes.


    It is actually frustrating when non-gambling friends ask me, "Where should I stay in Vegas?", I give them the above 3 properties to look at, and then they book some shithole like Luxor. Then they complain later that Luxor was a dump. I ask, "Why didn't you book Harrah's?", and their response is, "Well Luxor seemed like a good deal so I just went with that." I ask if they even looked at Harrah's, and they say no. FYI, Harrah's is usually cheaper than Luxor, and is way better.

    I stayed at Horseshoe (Bally's) two trips ago and caught a break because I booked last second from the Dallas airport. Got a suite for the price of a regular room. I had no complaints.

    My partner's daughter, who is generally a high-end girl, stays at Park MGM routinely, so it passes muster. She's more or less an uptown girl, as Billy Joel says

    I have no opinion or knowledge of Harrah's, as I have not stayed there in years, so no sense sharing outdated impressions.

    None are shitholes; Park MGM is a cut above. And I have sufficient long-term experience with LV shitholes and places a cut below shitholes.

  7. #7
    Harrah's Vegas is not "nice".

    It's just not bad. Especially if you stay in the better of the two towers (Valley).

    For whatever reason, Horseshoe and Harrah's tend to be the bottom priced Caesars properties in Vegas, despite being better than Flamingo and Linq, and arguably Planet Hollywood as well.
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  8. #8
    Originally Posted by Dan Druff View Post
    This is a dumb article.

    I monitor Caesars property rates frequently, and I've never seen a $39 rack rate. I have no idea how she got that, or if she's not telling us the whole story. She claims to be booking it through Vegas.com, which usually has rack rates, but perhaps there was some special on a night when they were super empty.

    But it's highly misleading to make it sound like the average person can score a $11 room at Flamingo and $39 room at Caesars, as long as they stay on a weeknight.

    I just looked up the Caesars site right now when not logged in (and in incognito mode), and I don't see anything cheaper than $24 (Harrah's), with almost all nights being over $50 everywhere. There is one day in the next month where Caesars is $80, while the rest are all over $100, and often multiple hundreds of dollars, even during the week.

    She also quickly mentions the $50 resort fee, as if it's nothing. So the $11 room at Flamingo is more like $60, which is a huge difference.


    The article should instead be covering the best VALUE properties on the Vegas strips -- places you can stay fairly cheaply, which aren't complete dumps.

    There are three value properties:

    Harrah's
    Horseshoe (former Bally's)
    Park MGM (former Monte Carlo)

    All three of these typically give you very good value for your money, and aren't shitholes.


    It is actually frustrating when non-gambling friends ask me, "Where should I stay in Vegas?", I give them the above 3 properties to look at, and then they book some shithole like Luxor. Then they complain later that Luxor was a dump. I ask, "Why didn't you book Harrah's?", and their response is, "Well Luxor seemed like a good deal so I just went with that." I ask if they even looked at Harrah's, and they say no. FYI, Harrah's is usually cheaper than Luxor, and is way better.
    The article really seems like a paid placement but I didn't know that WaPo did that. Maybe that has changed... It isn't a Caesars thing but she did mention vegas.com.

    Flamingo may be a dump TBH but the garden thing in the back and the history makes up for crummy rooms so it is a wash. Clearly I don't care that much about rooms. If you're trying to get laid but outside that shrug why give a fuck.

    Luxor is shitty as fuck. If you want weird unique experiences. Weird ass elevators. Weird ass hallways. Weird ass casino. Weird ass lack of hot water..........
    It is official. Redietz will never be on Dan Druff's podcast. "too much integrity"

  9. #9
    Originally Posted by MDawg View Post
    The mini bar refrigerators often include a notice that if you store anything in them you will be charged due to some kind of hygienic concerns, but really probably mostly because they don't want you getting away with free storage of food or drink.
    They don't want you getting away with ANY of your own food drink.

    This is the type of thing that makes the strip and downtown different.
    It isn't nicer to not have a fridge to use.
    It isn't nicer to not be able to store your own reasonable food in your room since they cheap fucks got rid of 24/7 cafes.

    The Strip is just a shit fuck experience once you've spent enough time there.

    Honestly I probably wouldn't be as sour on LV if I hadn't spent so much time in staying in casinos.
    It is official. Redietz will never be on Dan Druff's podcast. "too much integrity"

  10. #10
    Regarding sensor minibars, do not EVER pay for charges, even if you moved stuff around.

    If you didn't consume the stuff, complain and they will take it off your bill.

    In order to prevent hassle, it's better not to remove stuff from a sensor minibar, but if you do, don't just concede that you've bought the item, unless it's perishable.



    For awhile, Harrah's Reno had an obnoxious policy that you had to sign a form promising to pay for any sensor-related charges. I ran into this about 20 years ago, and was shocked. I refused to sign it, stating that these sensors make errors all the time (which is true), and I was not going to sign a document agreeing to pay for potentially erroneous charges.

    The dumb front desk girl just kept repeating, "Well, then you can't check in", and we got in a standoff for about 5 minutes. Finally I asked for a manager, who reiterated the same thing. I was about to walk out and find another place to stay, but suddenly an idea came to me.

    "Wait, is there a way to remove or lock the minibar, so I don't have to sign the form?", I suggested.

    "Umm... yes, we can lock it for you. But you won't have access to the stuff in there. Is that okay?"

    Obviously I said yes, and the problem was solved. Amazing that these morons didn't think of suggesting it to me, and I had to think of it myself. I actually asked why 10 minutes of my time was wasted arguing over this, when they could have simply offered to lock it.

    "We didn't know you were okay with no access to the minibar items", was the answer I got.

    LOL


    Harrah's Reno is no longer a Caesars property. It was sold when they merged with El Dorado, and took on 3 other Reno properties (Silver Legacy, Circus Circus Reno, and El Dorado).
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  11. #11
    At some of the casinos you may request that the minibar be locked, and then if someone accesses it you may ask that the charges be reversed. I could empty the entire minibar a dozen times over and never see a bill, but still as a matter of principle when I have asked for it to be locked and an underage guest of mine got into it I have gotten VIP to flat out remove the charges (remove - not comp).

    So if you don't want to deal with the possibility of mini bar charges just have it locked at check in. Now some resorts have additional for purchase items on the countertop, and there is no way to lock those up.
    Last edited by MDawg; 03-14-2024 at 11:24 AM.
    I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.

    MDawg Adventures carry on at: https://www.truepassage.com/forums/f.../46-IPlayVegas

  12. #12
    I haven't stayed in the new Aladdin / Planet Hollywood since the early 2000s, but it wasn't bad at all, they have some large suites but they are sparsely furnished and have large empty spaces in them. They remind me of the suites at the Resorts World Vegas Hilton (Hilton Entertainment suite, 1250 sq. ft.):
    https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/ques...ms/#post823016
    which actually for a while now they have re-branded the RW Vegas Hilton's larger suites as Crockford's.

    Again, I just can't imagine Harrah's Vegas as being even as nice as Planet Hollywood.


    Here is my recent experience in general with suites in Vegas, this thread includes lots of pictures:
    Quietest-and-best-vegas-rooms


    AccountInQuestion, at the higher end, and staying in suites, especially at VIP level, the Vegas Strip is fine. Check out that thread.
    I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.

    MDawg Adventures carry on at: https://www.truepassage.com/forums/f.../46-IPlayVegas

  13. #13
    One thing I've noticed about too many room in Vegas joint what bug me is the lack of sufficient waters pressure in the shower! Soxfan ain't soxfan unless he get a proper shower, hey hey!!!!

  14. #14
    Originally Posted by Dan Druff View Post
    Regarding sensor minibars, do not EVER pay for charges, even if you moved stuff around.

    If you didn't consume the stuff, complain and they will take it off your bill.

    In order to prevent hassle, it's better not to remove stuff from a sensor minibar, but if you do, don't just concede that you've bought the item, unless it's perishable.



    For awhile, Harrah's Reno had an obnoxious policy that you had to sign a form promising to pay for any sensor-related charges. I ran into this about 20 years ago, and was shocked. I refused to sign it, stating that these sensors make errors all the time (which is true), and I was not going to sign a document agreeing to pay for potentially erroneous charges.

    The dumb front desk girl just kept repeating, "Well, then you can't check in", and we got in a standoff for about 5 minutes. Finally I asked for a manager, who reiterated the same thing. I was about to walk out and find another place to stay, but suddenly an idea came to me.

    "Wait, is there a way to remove or lock the minibar, so I don't have to sign the form?", I suggested.

    "Umm... yes, we can lock it for you. But you won't have access to the stuff in there. Is that okay?"

    Obviously I said yes, and the problem was solved. Amazing that these morons didn't think of suggesting it to me, and I had to think of it myself. I actually asked why 10 minutes of my time was wasted arguing over this, when they could have simply offered to lock it.

    "We didn't know you were okay with no access to the minibar items", was the answer I got.

    LOL


    Harrah's Reno is no longer a Caesars property. It was sold when they merged with El Dorado, and took on 3 other Reno properties (Silver Legacy, Circus Circus Reno, and El Dorado).
    Harrah Reno is long gone (now some kind of revamped affordable inner city housing etc. for slugs) and it's been dumpy since at least 2000. And yes, it's been comparable to Harrahs LV since then too.

  15. #15
    I once stayed at Mandalay Bay & they had the sign about a $75 charge if you used the minibar for storage.

    But here’s the kicker, the prior guest had left a half eaten sandwich in the minibar which they didn’t clean out.

    I called the front desk to let them know & make sure they didn’t charge me. If it was Druff, he probably would have pushed for some extra discount too but it didn’t cross my mind at the time.

  16. #16
    Originally Posted by Rob.Singer View Post
    Originally Posted by Dan Druff View Post
    Regarding sensor minibars, do not EVER pay for charges, even if you moved stuff around.

    If you didn't consume the stuff, complain and they will take it off your bill.

    In order to prevent hassle, it's better not to remove stuff from a sensor minibar, but if you do, don't just concede that you've bought the item, unless it's perishable.



    For awhile, Harrah's Reno had an obnoxious policy that you had to sign a form promising to pay for any sensor-related charges. I ran into this about 20 years ago, and was shocked. I refused to sign it, stating that these sensors make errors all the time (which is true), and I was not going to sign a document agreeing to pay for potentially erroneous charges.

    The dumb front desk girl just kept repeating, "Well, then you can't check in", and we got in a standoff for about 5 minutes. Finally I asked for a manager, who reiterated the same thing. I was about to walk out and find another place to stay, but suddenly an idea came to me.

    "Wait, is there a way to remove or lock the minibar, so I don't have to sign the form?", I suggested.

    "Umm... yes, we can lock it for you. But you won't have access to the stuff in there. Is that okay?"

    Obviously I said yes, and the problem was solved. Amazing that these morons didn't think of suggesting it to me, and I had to think of it myself. I actually asked why 10 minutes of my time was wasted arguing over this, when they could have simply offered to lock it.

    "We didn't know you were okay with no access to the minibar items", was the answer I got.

    LOL


    Harrah's Reno is no longer a Caesars property. It was sold when they merged with El Dorado, and took on 3 other Reno properties (Silver Legacy, Circus Circus Reno, and El Dorado).
    Harrah Reno is long gone (now some kind of revamped affordable inner city housing etc. for slugs) and it's been dumpy since at least 2000. And yes, it's been comparable to Harrahs LV since then too.
    Last time I stayed at Harrahs Reno, there were some Mexican people staying there too & they referred to it in Spanish (if memory serves me correctly) as an “El hole de shit.”

  17. #17
    Originally Posted by DGenBen View Post
    I once stayed at Mandalay Bay & they had the sign about a $75 charge if you used the minibar for storage.

    But here’s the kicker, the prior guest had left a half eaten sandwich in the minibar which they didn’t clean out.

    I called the front desk to let them know & make sure they didn’t charge me. If it was Druff, he probably would have pushed for some extra discount too but it didn’t cross my mind at the time.

    Tough. Tough, but fair.

  18. #18
    Well they got $75 from that person previously and didn't bother to clean up. Seems completely reasonable they remove $75 from the bill.

    Easy argument imo.
    It is official. Redietz will never be on Dan Druff's podcast. "too much integrity"

  19. #19
    That isn't some automatic fee, it's when the minibar is restocked that the stocker would notice something in there, remove it especially if it were something like half eaten food and then charge the guest. The sandwich's still being in there means no one had been charged anything yet because nothing had been noticed yet.

    The other situation where you have to watch the bill is if you arrive and the mini bar isn't fully stocked. Although you'd think that the automation would ensure that the prior guest would be the one charged, it doesn't always work out that way. In my case I wouldn't even see the bill because it disappears on an RFB comp entirely and is never posted, so sometimes just on G.P. if I see a raided mini bar upon arrival I call VIP to make sure they know.

    On a stay at one Vegas strip major we found some really expensive cosmetic in the suite refrigerator (not minibar), brand new unopened. Much better than finding a half eaten sandwich.
    Last edited by MDawg; 03-15-2024 at 05:24 AM.
    I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people.

    MDawg Adventures carry on at: https://www.truepassage.com/forums/f.../46-IPlayVegas

  20. #20
    Originally Posted by MDawg View Post
    That isn't some automatic fee, it's when the minibar is restocked that the stocker would notice something in there, remove it especially if it were something like half eaten food and then charge the guest. The sandwich's still being in there means no one had been charged anything yet because nothing had been noticed yet.

    The other situation where you have to watch the bill is if you arrive and the mini bar isn't fully stocked. Although you'd think that the automation would ensure that the prior guest would be the one charged, it doesn't always work out that way. In my case I wouldn't even see the bill because it disappears on an RFB comp entirely and is never posted, so sometimes just on G.P. if I see a raided mini bar upon arrival I call VIP to make sure they know.

    On a stay at one Vegas strip major we found some really expensive cosmetic in the suite refrigerator (not minibar), brand new unopened. Much better than finding a half eaten sandwich.
    Someone used the minibar for storing their sandwich so the hotel should have collected their $75 and had this all taken care of. The fact that they didn't isn't your fault. You could have just well been charged the $75 if you never opened the fridge. They need to give you a $75 credit in good faith for the $75 they would have charged you. Then just play stupid and repeat. "So if I had left the sandwich there and it was found this time, I would have been charged, correct ?" Why not? I would have had to call back to waste my time over a ridiculous policy ..

    I guess when I say easy to argue thats what I mean. Whether it is a compelling argument .. lol. It is close but it seems fair to me. If hotel wants to make such rules then deal with them. Cast a Todd spell on them.
    It is official. Redietz will never be on Dan Druff's podcast. "too much integrity"

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. article
    By tableplay in forum Las Vegas
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 07-02-2020, 07:51 AM
  2. Article
    By tableplay in forum Las Vegas
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-08-2020, 01:33 PM
  3. Interesting AP article
    By blackhole in forum Las Vegas
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-30-2019, 06:26 AM
  4. Article
    By tableplay in forum Las Vegas
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 08-14-2018, 02:09 PM
  5. article
    By tableplay in forum Las Vegas
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 05-01-2018, 07:45 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •