Las Vegas - I am done with the Golden Nugget

Checked in at Golden Nugget for two nights, I explained to front desk that for privacy reasons I wish to be a cash customer and would leave any size cash deposit that they deemed appropriate for my stay. Actually my cards are both debit and foreign, so the holds often take 6-16 months to come back. My feeling is it's really not their business why I wish privacy. Finally they agreed to take a CC and not charge it, but not allow any misc charges. I was not allowed to leave a cash deposit or prepay for internet, phones, movies or whatever. In the past, I have checked in with cash at numerous five star strip properties, this seems very odd to me. I can only think that, with the downtown location, they do not want street people checking in and taking advantage of some $19.99 room promotion.

Personally, I don't think its unreasonable that someone visiting Las Vegas would wish this level of privacy. Not everyone wants their boss or wife to see Las Vegas charges or holds.

Personally, I don't think its unreasonable that someone visiting Las Vegas would wish this level of privacy. Not everyone wants their boss or wife to see Las Vegas charges or holds.

Boss? Why would you be forced to use a corporate card?

Boss, wife, girlfriend, whatever, why no cash, It is Las Vegas after all

"Most" Vegas and Atlantic City properties now require a credit (or debit without pin) hold for a room. It provides properties with a "limited" amount of protection, for such things as room damage etc. as they can always "force" a charge back to a credit card -- but do not have that recourse with a cash customer. (Remember, emphasis on "limited" protection). Often, but NOT always, COMP customers can leave a cash deposit, of course YMMV -- and, anyway, they know who you are if you are a comp customer.

Solutions :

(a) Get a low-limit credit card JUST to use for CC holds. My suggestion would be some form of American Express. Better yet, get an AMEX charge (NOT credit) card just for this purpose. [Then settle in cash BEFORE checking out --- BINGO --- no trail on your CC statement] :D

(b) Offer to "pre-pay" you room charges and substantial hold to the property via wire transfer and check (way in advance).

(c) become a valued casino customer, so that they will bend the rules "a bit" for you.

BTW, there is very little privacy in casinos (in the United States) these days, with regard to financial transactions etc. etc. And, if you really start to act suspicious; then you will manage to get a casino to issue a transaction report on you --- even if you don't hit the "usual" daily $$$ thresholds that trigger cash reporting.

Personally, I don't think its unreasonable that someone visiting Las Vegas would wish this level of privacy. Not everyone wants their boss or wife to see Las Vegas charges or holds.

Not sure how holds work with foreign banks, but I've never seen a hold stick for so long on a US issued credit card -- as long as it was a CREDIT card and not a DEBIT card. Debit cards are a bleeding pain as they actually withdraw the hold amount from your bank and it takes forever to get back. Interest free loan? No thanks.
Last time I was in Vegas I just prepaid the room and gave them a corporate credit card for the incidentals. Not so much as a blip on the statement. You could also try a prepaid card if you're ok with parking as much money on there as they'll hold.
Or get a US issued card, as it may be the hold/return rules are just different here.

Foreign debit cards have indefinate holds, expect 3-4 visits to bank, forms etc.

What was odd is that being a cash customer is doable at much more upscale strip hotels but not the GN.

Foreign debit cards have indefinate holds, expect 3-4 visits to bank, forms etc.

What was odd is that being a cash customer is doable at much more upscale strip hotels but not the GN.

The Nugget has been a bit of an oddity lately in my experience as well - they wouldn't let me bet at blackjack with chips of multiple colors, even when stacked by denomination. In other words, one can bet only reds at 10, 15, or 20; one can bet only greens at 25, 50, or 75. They've taken dealer and surveillance efficiency a little too far, especially when I'm the only one at their table . . .

The Nugget has been a bit of an oddity lately in my experience as well - they wouldn't let me bet at blackjack with chips of multiple colors, even when stacked by denomination. In other words, one can bet only reds at 10, 15, or 20; one can bet only greens at 25, 50, or 75. They've taken dealer and surveillance efficiency a little too far, especially when I'm the only one at their table . . .

The Nugget has been known to have an on again/off again paranoia with regard to table players. Of course, YMMV, but I do know of one or two barring stories (involving blackjack) that bordered on looney.

Personally, I have no idea what they are thinking, other than maybe they are getting rid of experienced pit (and surveillance) personnel --- and want to "dumb down" the skill required to observe players. :rolleyes:

What was odd is that being a cash customer is doable at much more upscale strip hotels but not the GN.

Then, maybe, stick to the upscale strip hotels. :p:p:D

But, believe me, "cash deposits" are totally YMMV. By the book, many properties will refuse them for non-comp customers. Of course, they will often take pity on one --- but you are far from guaranteed that is the case.

Personally, a cash deposit REALLY SUCKS, as you need to go back to the front desk @ check out to retrieve the cash. You can't checkout over the telephone (or, while on the way to the airport in a rush ;) ). I would never want to waste the potential time waiting in a long line @ the front desk just to settle my folio, and get back my $$$ --- but, that's just me. ;)

This reminds me of the "Mad Men" episode with the bank offering an "Executive Account" credit card with no paper trail and accounts being collected at the client's place of business.

Maybe you need to find a bank with E-bills, and a new private email account...the modern-day equivalent of an "Executive Account" :)

Then, maybe, stick to the upscale strip hotels. :p:p:D

But, believe me, "cash deposits" are totally YMMV. By the book, many properties will refuse them for non-comp customers. Of course, they will often take pity on one --- but you are far from guaranteed that is the case.

Personally, a cash deposit REALLY SUCKS, as you need to go back to the front desk @ check out to retrieve the cash. You can't checkout over the telephone (or, while on the way to the airport in a rush ;) ). I would never want to waste the potential time waiting in a long line @ the front desk just to settle my folio, and get back my $$$ --- but, that's just me. ;)

I checked in to the Venetian today, did not blink at a cash depost, just said "yes sir". Funny thing at the GN I was comped.

I checked in to the Venetian today, did not blink at a cash depost, just said "yes sir". Funny thing at the GN I was comped.

Now... onto making the Venetian stay a COMP stay. :D

Now... onto making the Venetian stay a COMP stay. :D

Lets hope not. When they send a helicopter to pick you up it is no compliment.

Venetian has been very generous with comps lately. My GF has given them some slot action but not a whole lot, and has gotten a number of free room offers from casino marketing. Getting your room comped after the fact, on the other hand, is probably a bit harder.