Re: [vpFREE] Just have to vent (LV/Reno trip)

 

Here's my 2 cents re the value of a host ...

As John suggests, host discretion these days is a thin shadow of what it was 20 years ago.  However, there are still of exceptional gestures that a host can bestow that makes it worth seeing to it that they regularly get a "cut" of your action (via booking your trips).

A smattering of examples come to mind out of my own personal experience:

-  While I rarely get comped for the best LV shows, a host can ensure that I can purchase "best of house" seats that otherwise are reserved for bigger players and can't be had via the ticket office.  (Occasionally at an unrelated group property.)
- Complimentary room upgrades for special occasions on an exception basis (that otherwise aren't extended).
- A comp for ground transportation needs that are required under exceptional circumstances (again, that otherwise wouldn't normally be extended)
- An exceptional redemption of comps to effect reimbursement of select out of pocket expenses
- Consent to book a spouse into a valuable event for which they otherwise didn't qualify for an invitation.
- Squeezing you into an otherwise "sold out" hotel room, show, event, promotion.
- Card tier upgrades that you otherwise fell short of.
- Restoration of lapsed comps, due to an extended absence under extenuating circumstances.

Mind you, I've reached back in memory over years to cite these examples, and the list is hardly exhaustive.  It's exceedingly infrequent that I show up on a host's doorstep for such a request ... but the value of just one or two such "bequests" in the course of a given year adds up over time.

Setting aside these examples, perhaps there's no greater value in having a host than when they act as your advocate when is problem arises (such as a dispute over credit from a promotion).  And while it's a given that you can secure much of the above even without a formal host relationship, I'll suggest that having someone in a ready posture to  make every attempt to act in your best interest because they have regard for your patronage and loyalty is a great asset to have in your hip pocket.



-----Original Message-----
From: greeklandjohnny@aol.com [vpFREE] <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Aug 29, 2020 10:42 pm
Subject: Re: [vpFREE] Just have to vent (LV/Reno trip)



I thought a host's function is to make it easier for the gambler to gamble. So, taking care of a hotel reservation ( maybe getting a better room), getting a dinner reservation, etc is what a host should be doing. Their ability to comp stuff has been greatly reduced, to the point that discretionary comps have disappeared for a lot of players. 



-----Original Message-----
From: 'Darryl D. McEwen, Seven Stars Insider Publisher' sevenstarsinsider@gmail.com [vpFREE] <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
To: vpFREE <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Aug 29, 2020 9:59 pm
Subject: Re: [vpFREE] Just have to vent (LV/Reno trip)

 
The solution is simple: Insist on a detailed confirmation of the arrangements you requested. . .or, do what I do, make the reservation yourself online. You get an instant confirmation which can be saved on your smartphone or printed before you leave.

Using a host to make a reservation is just an extra, unnecessary step in booking a room.

Darryl
 
Darryl D. McEwen, Publisher
http://www.sevenstarsinsider.com

Click here for the latest news about Caesars Entertainment Corp. and Eldorado Resorts Inc.
Follow me on Twitter: @7StarsInsider and @MrACCasino

Read my Mr. AC Casino column in the Atlantic City Weekly or at MrACCasino.com
and my travel articles at TravelZork.com



On Sat, Aug 29, 2020 at 8:52 PM harry.porter@verizon.net [vpFREE] <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 
Doing a week plus trip, split between LV / Reno.  I've shown up at 2 properties now (both "mid-tier upscale", one in LV;  one in Reno) and been told that my reservation was for another date than my check-in attempt.  In LV, it was a mid-week Wed/Thu res, so not a huge issue to secure a room.  In Reno, it was tonight (Sat) with an overbooked house.  Had to take a modest downgrade on the room, but at least they got me in (I sweated this one while waiting).

It happens, right?  Thing is I reserve via host by email (with details literally "black and white" and to the point).  In both cases I received a response to the effect of "Got it taken care of, thanks!".
Guess I'm going to request a formal hotel confirm from now on.  (Most properties this is automatic ... not so, in these instances.)

It's been an outstanding trip thus far (setting this modest nuisance aside) :).  The "true" frustration was that with each incident, I initially assumed I was the one who had screwed up and was kicking myself for being so messed up ... until I checked email),  At any rate, I've been on a modest roll, with 4 nights to go!

Bev was to join me this trip, but bowed out at the very last minute ... she suffered a stomach bug (or bad food ...) the day before departure.  She was still queasy the next day and I sadly left her behind :( .  (She's insisting on a "rain check", so a new trip may be in the works for October.)

- H.



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