Las Vegas - Harrahs ruined the Rio-same fate for Paris and Bally's?

I stayed at the Rio in the first month they were open and was a very loyal customer--until the first stay under the Harrahs ownership.The service level,food service,and playfulness of the machines all dropped considerably.
Now that the "merger"(takeover)of Park place is complete will we see the same decline at Ballys and Paris?

I have to agree. Stopped at Rio last week and was very unimpressed with the layout, staff, and place in general. It didn't seem as "fun" as it used to. Seems like MGM is ruining Bellagio so I don't see why Harrah's can't ruin a few of the properties they buy.

I have to agree. Stopped at Rio last week and was very unimpressed with the layout, staff, and place in general. It didn't seem as "fun" as it used to. Seems like MGM is ruining Bellagio so I don't see why Harrah's can't ruin a few of the properties they buy.


As a former Rio employee. You are very correct that the large
corporations are ruining what used to be a very enjoyable
experience. I have alot of friends who are still employed there.
But you shouldn`t take my word for it. Simply ask any workers you
run into that has been there at the Rio before 1999 when the buyout
was complete. Though its not just the Rio this is happening to but
other properties as well. I guess its just the change of time.

I used to enjoy the Rio but its service keeps dropping like a rock. Ditto for the once great buffet. I avoid the hotel anymore.

MisterNice

Probably. Right now, Harrah's has the same person running Rio, Paris and Bally's. On the bright side, she notes that Caesar's allowed Paris to slip a notch, and it sounds like she'd like to change that for the better.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-30-Mon-2006/business/5389210.html (free registration required)

How much worse could Paris and Bally's get?

QL

How much worse could Paris and Bally's get?

QL

Great question...let's just hope Caesars Palace doesn't turn into Harrah's!

With all these places going downhill, where do you stay now? We stayed at the Venetian last week and it was a major dissapointment. Wynn seems to be the only hotel that still gives a hoot, so I guess we will give that a try next time.

The last two trips to Vegas in August 2005 and New Year's 2006 really seemed to be lacking something. Now I know it was not just my personal perception. Seems to be that things are going down hill. I made four trips to Vegas in 2005 and do not plan to go back in 2006.

Wynn is by far the best casino-hotel in town.

MGM Grand is also very nice if you're in the SkySuites.

QL

I go to Vegas almost every month. For the last 4-5 Years.
The decline is obvious. Its slow. But you can see it.
Its just the "nickle and dime" cuts in service and quality everywhere.
But IMHO Harrahs is the worst offender.
Harrahs just trashed the RIO. I remember when it first opened.
It was so much nicer. The best staff ever. I never stay there now.
The wine cellar was the greatest. Its just nothing after Harrahs takeover.
I hope all the Veags bean counters and corporate idiots wake up.
Your ride is about over. If you dont make an effort. We will not come.

The Wynn is a nice change. Stayed a few times.
Yes. The Skylofts are the best. My personal favorite as well.
Its amazing how the service and attention is worth the $$$.

bltserv

I have to agree. Stopped at Rio last week and was very unimpressed with the layout, staff, and place in general. It didn't seem as "fun" as it used to. Seems like MGM is ruining Bellagio so I don't see why Harrah's can't ruin a few of the properties they buy.

just was wondering what you didn't like about the Bellagio
i just like trying to stay up with things in vegas
thanks

Ditto for the once great buffet.
I loved the buffet at the Rio back in the old days. It was great and the staff really seemed to enjoy their jobs (back in the 90s of course). It's really gone downhill over the years since the change.

Try the Wynn. Stayed there Sept 05 and really enjoyed it. Used Travelocity and got a deal for $250 from SFO each included flt & room x 2 nites. Won at slots, ate free for dinner at their buffet which we both thought was very good (we usually don't like buffets but it was comp'd) and came home up $500!

Very nice, Sandy! My brother-in-law works there in the machine shop inside the mountain and I agree, it's a good place. Pricey, but nice. I didn't have the good luck you did, though. I never seem to win.

Almost died from eating at Ballys during March 2005, no joke. They handled the entire situation very poorly (that is after weeks of recuperation) and I had to fight to obtain any type of reimbursement while being insulted during the process.

THe service was the worst ever, and I did not stay at the hotel, only attended for 2 hours for a convention prior to nearly dying from ecoli poisoning. Spoke with others from the same convention and several people were hospitalized immediately after eating.

Will NEVER eat or spend a penny at any Caesars property again, ever.

Almost died from eating at Ballys during March 2005, no joke. They handled the entire situation very poorly (that is after weeks of recuperation) and I had to fight to obtain any type of reimbursement while being insulted during the process.

THe service was the worst ever, and I did not stay at the hotel, only attended for 2 hours for a convention prior to nearly dying from ecoli poisoning. Spoke with others from the same convention and several people were hospitalized immediately after eating.

Will NEVER eat or spend a penny at any Caesars property again, ever.

"...and the portions are so small!"

QL

"Will NEVER eat or spend a penny at any Caesars property again, ever."
Well no worries there!No more Caesers!It is all Harrahs now :mad: