Las Vegas - What happened to Vegas?

First things first, free wifi at LAS is most excellent. Im still wondering what the hell happened to the city?

1. city center??? i dont get it. huge mess, ugly and to me makes the strip dark and depressing.
2. is there really such a huge market for condos in LAS?
3. Construction everywhere. some at a standstill. tearing up LVB, since when was that a good idea. Even some back roads behind the casinos are being worked on.
4. if i see one more ed hardy shirt, affliction shirt thats way to small it will be too soon. More fake tits in the past three days than ive seen all year. throw in some bad plastic surgery.
5. what happened to the fun? ive never been to vegas that when leaving i thought the fun of vegas has been sucked out of the city. it seemed like every bartender (carnival court excluded) was not happy to be working, even waitresses, dealers, shoe shine people etc all seemd short with everyone.

And even this time i won money. im disappointed in vegas, i think it needs a nap. ill leave a note for it to call me when its out of its depressing ways, until then i wont be back.

You will feel better then.

...what happened to the fun? ive never been to vegas that when leaving i thought the fun of vegas has been sucked out of the city. it seemed like every bartender (carnival court excluded) was not happy to be working, even waitresses, dealers, shoe shine people etc all seemd short with everyone...
Have you read a newspaper since 2007? Any idea what's happening in Vegas, and to these peoples' livelihoods? It's a flat-out depression in Las Vegas. Those who still have jobs are seeing their whole lives flash before their eyes. People from Steve Wynn to the cocktail waitress are getting wiped out. Tip big and say thank you.

Have you read a newspaper since 2007?

seriously. that takes care of points 2,3,5.

4 is also not limited to vegas.

Have you read a newspaper since 2007? Any idea what's happening in Vegas, and to these peoples' livelihoods? It's a flat-out depression in Las Vegas. Those who still have jobs are seeing their whole lives flash before their eyes. People from Steve Wynn to the cocktail waitress are getting wiped out. Tip big and say thank you.

I was wondering what hole he/she has been living in.

As for point 4, Kagehitokiri hit that one on the head. "Wanna-look-rich" people. :)

You forgot to add the really large women wearing really small dresses. Do we need to see THAT!?!?!

I'll be contrarian on #5 (but not a jerk). I am not a high roller, but received excellent service all over the place in vegas this weekend. People seemed to go the extra mile to be nice to even the more common folk IMO. Special shout out to the front desk @ Palazzo, the service staff @ Aureole, the service staff @ Bouchon, and even the people at the Preferred Desk @ Avis (thanks for the Mustang when I ordered a compact car guys!).

One exception: the cocktail waitresses, but I always feel that they believe it is their right to treat people like dirt, and they haven't proven me otherwise in the past 15 years.

Oh, and screw ed Hardy!

Regarding 1 & 2, it was a good idea during the concept phase.

First things first, free wifi at LAS is most excellent. Im still wondering what the hell happened to the city?

1. city center??? i dont get it. huge mess, ugly and to me makes the strip dark and depressing.

They are determined to "fix" downtown without addressing the real issues there.

2. is there really such a huge market for condos in LAS?

Before things went boom we had several thousand people a month moving here from California.

5. what happened to the fun? ive never been to vegas that when leaving i thought the fun of vegas has been sucked out of the city. it seemed like every bartender (carnival court excluded) was not happy to be working, even waitresses, dealers, shoe shine people etc all seemd short with everyone.

The number of people coming here has dropped a lot. You're talking about people who make most of their living on tips--of course their income went way down.

And even this time i won money. im disappointed in vegas, i think it needs a nap. ill leave a note for it to call me when its out of its depressing ways, until then i wont be back.

When the economy turns around things should get better.

One exception: the cocktail waitresses, but I always feel that they believe it is their right to treat people like dirt, and they haven't proven me otherwise in the past 15 years.
For the most part, you are correct. But there are definately exceptions: like the coctail waitress I had at Ballys recently while playing 3-Card for an extended time. She'd walk by, touch my back, and a few minutes later, voila, another Vodka & Soda would appear. Also Kathy at Harrahs - she might be one of the older cocktail waitresses in town, but she's also one of the best.

Something tells me that when Aria opens, the entire complex is up and running, and the flood lights make the buildings shimmer, the CityCenter nay-sayers will sing a different tune. God forbid Vegas attempt to aesthetically please on an intellectual level.

Have you read a newspaper since 2007? Any idea what's happening in Vegas, and to these peoples' livelihoods? It's a flat-out depression in Las Vegas. Those who still have jobs are seeing their whole lives flash before their eyes. People from Steve Wynn to the cocktail waitress are getting wiped out. Tip big and say thank you.

Good job - that pretty much sums it up in a nutshell. People are scared and they're hurting...people that are longtime Vegas residents. They haven't seen the town go through a downturn this severe before, so they don't have anything to compare it to as far as an expected recovery. Add to it the fact that their fortunes are significantly affected by California, which is still in a freefall with over 11% unemployment.

The OP is entitled to his opinion, and no one wants to go on vacation and be bummed out, but have a little empathy, and realize that those of us who can still afford to take vacations right now, where the main activities are gambling, eating and shopping, are darn lucky.

I had a cabbie a few weeks back that took me from one casino to another -about a $7 fare. I was her last trip, and I was only the 5th passenger she had in an 8 hour shift. You don't have to run the numbers to figure out that's not going to pay the mortgage or put the kids through school.

Rather than complain about the mood of the city, I smile more often, chat people up a bit about how they're doing, offer words of encouragement, and I TIP, TIP and TIP. If you're having some luck at the tables, TIP again.

It's pretty easy to make someone's night these days, and bring a smile to their face. :D

I have to agree wholeheartedly with #4. Guys, as a woman, I'm telling you - Ed Hardy tshirts: Bad. No. Seriously. No. :td::td::td:

You will feel better then.

not for you to worry about or anyone else for that matter.


You forgot to add the really large women wearing really small dresses. Do we need to see THAT!?!?!


Oh, and screw ed Hardy!

agreed!

maybe i was just dismayed at the airport and needed to vent. yes I completely understand what has happened and YES i do read the paper along with many other credible news and financial websites. i live in a city that depends on tourism dollars, no need to have an economic lesson here. I do not live under a rock. But when i go on vacation, let it be vegas, sturgeon bay, denver, chicago etc. im paying a premium for the "experience" im just disappointed. let me have that.

city center could be the best thing possible granted, but as for now im a little leary about it. but, the elvis cirque du soleil would be interesting.

I have to agree wholeheartedly with #4. Guys, as a woman, I'm telling you - Ed Hardy tshirts: Bad. No. Seriously. No. :td::td::td:

I'm at LAS now and have seen three EH tshirts. Yesterday at Mirage I saw two 40-somethings wearing an EH tee and an "affliction" tee :rolleyes:.

Ed Hardy merchandise can now be found at "Winners" --our local equivalent to "Filene's Basement or Century 21." A friend of mine purchased an Ed Hardy purse which retails for $240 for $20.

But when i go on vacation, let it be vegas, sturgeon bay, denver, chicago etc. im paying a premium for the "experience" im just disappointed. let me have that. (bolding mine)

No one's paying a premium in Vegas anymore - and if they are, they aren't booking correctly. Vegas is probably the best bang for the buck. A weekend in Vegas is still probably cheaper than a weekend in LAX, MIA, NYC, SFO, SEA, SAN or any other party city. When you can stay at a place like Planet Hollywood for $59 & get a bottle of liquor per night - or an upgraded rooms at NYNY for $29 per night with a $25 gaming chip - or a $149 rate the the Palazzo - or a free weekend as an Amex Plat holder at the Wynn - you're not paying a premium. In 2007 and prior, people were paying a premium - in 2009, they're getting baragain basement prices.

Hotels have literally had to change their front desk & operations training becaue the customer that used to be a Howard Johnson's by the airport customer is now a Circus Circus customer - the customer that used to be a Circus Circus customer is now a Bellagio customer - the customer that used to be a Bellagio customer is now a Wynn customer - the Wynn customer isn't gambling as much as they used because their porfolio is down.

The higher end clubs that used to bring in the celebs aren't bringing them in like they used to - so that scene is hurting. Vegas is still a fun place & a place where you can party all night & do whatever you want - it's just that there's a different clientele doing the same thing right next to you when previously they may not have been able to afford that.

...the customer that used to be a Circus Circus customer is now a Bellagio customer...

unfortunately...

Ed Hardy merchandise can now be found at "Winners" --our local equivalent to "Filene's Basement or Century 21." A friend of mine purchased an Ed Hardy purse which retails for $240 for $20.

An Ed Hardy purse? Excuse me as I throw up (and the idea that they tried to sell it for $240 makes it worst). :)

An Ed Hardy purse? Excuse me as I throw up (and the idea that they tried to sell it for $240 makes it worst). :)

My thoughts exactly.......

First things first, free wifi at LAS is most excellent. Im still wondering what the hell happened to the city?

1. city center??? i dont get it. huge mess, ugly and to me makes the strip dark and depressing.

So I take it you miss the Boardwalk Holiday Inn, "Seven", and the helicopter strip mall? Talk about depressing...

Vegas is pretty dynamic. What is your baseline?

Im taking the piss for this post and thats fine by me. Vegas doesnt get any breaks in my book. A tourist city is a tourist city same as Chicago, LA, NY, Green Bay. Just because it has world acclaim doesnt give it a reason to let down its customers. Lest we forget that LV is a commodity. Its understandable that the casinos, hotels, etc have to go for a smaller, less affluent clientel. Not my problem, but yes i understand whats happened but at the same time, they are "selling" a product, the product i received is inferior in my opinion that past products.

A similarity can be drawn of going to a restaurant, as seen in the restaurant week thread. a point was brought up that the servers probably wouldnt provide the same caliber of service because the checks wouldnt be high enough to get the tip that would be expected. Just because they are hurting doesnt mean that the product they are producing should be of less quality.

My opinions are just that, mine. Just sharing my thoughts on a weekend.

Vegas is pretty dynamic. What is your baseline?

my baseline is a waitress that actually says two words to you. One that doesnt scowl when you ask for a drink. A blackjack dealer that makes at the minimum some sort of small talk. Servers and bartenders who actually initiate the sale with you. I shouldnt have to flag you down almost tackle you in a bar that has less customers than stools around a bar. Door people, valets, security who are actually happy to help, assist you. Thats my baseline. Im not asking for much and i dont think that anyone can say otherwise.

So I take it you miss the Boardwalk Holiday Inn, "Seven", and the helicopter strip mall? Talk about depressing...False dilemma. The third alternative would have been to build some nice architecture in that space, instead of a vomitus of glass and steel set waaaay too close to the street.

False dilemma. The third alternative would have been to build some nice architecture in that space, instead of a vomitus of glass and steel set waaaay too close to the street.

Like M&M World, The Hawaiian Village sidewalk meander, PH's "Miracle Mile", Harrah's awful "New Orleans" facade, Fashion Mall's "Flying Saucer", TI's Pirates, or Wynn's earthen wall are any better?

This is the strip we are talking about. I think City Center fits right in (and is a huge improvement over what was there before). Unless you're a fan of trash strewn vacant lots, strip malls and faux Coney Island themes.

So I take it you miss the Boardwalk Holiday Inn, "Seven", and the helicopter strip mall?

he he - no arguing with that point.

Im taking the piss for this post

Don't worry about it - you got a lot of bonus points for beating on Ed Hardy and giving us all a chance to join you! :D

So I take it you miss the Boardwalk Holiday Inn, "Seven", and the helicopter strip mall? Talk about depressing...

I do miss the(true-we are talking 15 years ago before it was remodeled)old Boardwalk and the other dive that used to be accross the street.
These were nice retreats for pure gambling surrounded by(and now overtaken by)mega resorts.
The old line Vegas families that owned these properties made a fortune selling out to the big corporations.

Like M&M World, The Hawaiian Village sidewalk meander, PH's "Miracle Mile", Harrah's awful "New Orleans" facade, Fashion Mall's "Flying Saucer", TI's Pirates, or Wynn's earthen wall are any better?

This is the strip we are talking about. I think City Center fits right in (and is a huge improvement over what was there before). Unless you're a fan of trash strewn vacant lots, strip malls and faux Coney Island themes.Wow. I'll try again. It's not either/or. Bellagio, Venetian/Palazzo, Wynn/Encore are all examples of reasonable architecture built on the Strip that doesn't attempt to create a tunnel effect.

You seem sensitive over anyone criticizing City Center. Did you buy a condo there or something?

I don't get posters who try to justify rudeness from staff by saying they're hurting because of the economy.
And the OP experiences from these people pretty much tallies with what I wrote after my visit this Spring.
They should be going out of their way to earn their tips and not just expect them as routine.

Wow. I'll try again. It's not either/or. Bellagio, Venetian/Palazzo, Wynn/Encore are all examples of reasonable architecture built on the Strip that doesn't attempt to create a tunnel effect.

You seem sensitive over anyone criticizing City Center. Did you buy a condo there or something?

That's funny, one dissenting post and I'm a City Center apologist.

I'm just saying criticizing CityCenter's architecture in relation to the rest of the strip is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500. The entire strip is an architectural mess, second only to the mess that is I-Drive in Orlando.

Real estate is at a premium, you can't blame MGM from trying to make all the money out of the property as they can. I'm more interested in how it looks from the inside, not from PH or Paris.

Not sure why you're holding out Wynn as an example of "good"...what was it described as? "The theme is midrise office tower in Houston, circa 1983." The earth mountain? Engineered with the sole purpose of blocking the view of the Frontier? Totally out of place with "strip aesthetic" if there is such a thing. But hey, its green, so it has to be good.

And to answer your question: i don't work for MGM or Dubai World; I don't have a condo in Vegas (or anywhere else); I stay at Harrah's properties when in Vegas. :rolleyes:

I do miss the(true-we are talking 15 years ago before it was remodeled)old Boardwalk and the other dive that used to be accross the street.
These were nice retreats for pure gambling surrounded by(and now overtaken by)mega resorts.
The old line Vegas families that owned these properties made a fortune selling out to the big corporations.

I miss the Frontier. The Boardwalk has some cool, but it really went downhill in the last 2-3 years of its existence. I don't miss the Helicopter strip mall.

Ed Hardy merchandise can now be found at "Winners" --our local equivalent to "Filene's Basement or Century 21." A friend of mine purchased an Ed Hardy purse which retails for $240 for $20.

Have to ask, who (or what) the heck is Ed Hardy? p.s. Winners is owned by TJMaxx. It'd be a sad day when EH stuff is sold at Ross.

Have to ask, who (or what) the heck is Ed Hardy? p.s. Winners is owned by TJMaxx. It'd be a sad day when EH stuff is sold at Ross.

Here is the link to the stuff. Ed Hardy is a brand by designer Christian Audigier, who recently purchased the mansion that Michael Jackson was renting, and has a nightclub in the Mirage in Vegas. The stuff was cooler when he was still a small boutique operation but now is sort of the trashy I have or pretend to have more money than good taste trash.....

http://www.edhardyshop.com/

designer Christian Audigier,

Has a tat of his own name... :td:

My apologies, the Club is at Treasure Island and not Mirage.....

That's funny, one dissenting post and I'm a City Center apologist.Two actually; #19 and #24. <ducking>

I'm just saying criticizing CityCenter's architecture in relation to the rest of the strip is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500. The entire strip is an architectural mess, second only to the mess that is I-Drive in Orlando.Accepted. I'm just saying that City Center had a chance to make a statement in the middle of the mess, and it ended up looking like a Borg assimilation of the space between Bellagio and Monte Carlo.

Not sure why you're holding out Wynn as an example of "good"...what was it described as? "The theme is midrise office tower in Houston, circa 1983." The earth mountain? Engineered with the sole purpose of blocking the view of the Frontier? Totally out of place with "strip aesthetic" if there is such a thing. But hey, its green, so it has to be good. Actually I kind of like the earth mountain and the walking entrance to Wynn. I guess I'm just a fan of a bit of setback so one can at least try to appreciate the building.

It stayed in Vegas.

I'm going to wait for it to be done before I pass judgment. But I like tacky, so my opinion aint worth much. :)

City Center sort of reminds me of Death Star in Star Wars, especially when viewed from a distance (like the top of M resort). :D

I'm at LAS now and have seen three EH tshirts. Yesterday at Mirage I saw two 40-somethings wearing an EH tee and an "affliction" tee :rolleyes:.

They are all over Fort Lauderdale too. Apparently the 'wearers' think it yells "I'm rich and cool", but factually it just yells "I'm trashy with no taste".

It's almost as bad as 50-somethings wearing AnF.

I'm almost ready to vomit if I see another one of those ridiculous shirts. They look as if designed by a monkey injected with LSD and handed a paintbrush.

:D:D:D

City Center sort of reminds me of Death Star in Star Wars, especially when viewed from a distance (like the top of M resort). :D

Or the Borg Qube in Star Trek......

It's almost as bad as 50-somethings wearing AnF.


I always remembered and thought that A&F was an upscale country/fox hunting attire similar to Eddie Bauer until I accidentally wandered into one of the retail outlets a few years ago. Given this change happened over 20 years ago, I must really be behind on fashion. And what's with all that clothing advertising some town in central California made infamous by a 56 y.o. movie starring Marlon Brando?

I always remembered and thought that A&F was an upscale country/fox hunting attire similar to Eddie Bauer until I accidentally wandered into one of the retail outlets a few years ago. Given this change happened over 20 years ago, I must really be behind on fashion. And what's with all that clothing advertising some town in central California made infamous by a 56 y.o. movie starring Marlon Brando?

Believe it not, I once ate a can of Abercrombie and Fitch Chile. Yes - they sold food. Now, no one who works there is allowed to eat solid food.

Ed Hardy and Affliction shirts, dresses, backpacks, etc have taken over green bay. i thought it was only a LAS dress to try to impress even though i dont think anyone is impressed by them, but unfortuneatly its here. hopefully not to stay.

there was a post about the EH club at TI, at the carnival bar it is plastered everywhere about ed hardy vodka. I really dont want to drink a vodka that tastes like ed hardy. i took a class last year about modern american culture, ed hardy was someone that we studied, this new guy, christian whatever has taken over the name and is trying to revive what was once a popular name. epic fail!

as for vegas, im gonna give it some time. i have until july when i go back for my bday, hopefully LAS, GRB and everywhere else can bounce back in time. I know i try harder when im bartending at lambeau field for tips, a little can go a long way. i guess i was just disappointed and it got the best of me. everyone has their own LAS experiences lets just hope it comes out for the better for everyone.

Apparently the 'wearers' think it yells "I'm rich and cool", but factually it just yells "I'm trashy with no taste".


exactly

Believe it not, I once ate a can of Abercrombie and Fitch Chile. Yes - they sold food. Now, no one who works there is allowed to eat solid food.

you both couldnt have said it better.

Another vote for the Borg Cube. You will all be assimilated and issued Players Club cards. I'll be regenerating down the street at NYNY in November.

I was actually in a baby store this weekend on the East Coast and saw an Ed Hardy baby's t-shirt. $69.99. You gotta be frickin kidding me? There CAN'T be a parent alive that is stupid enough to buy one.

The rack was full, BTW.

Hotels have literally had to change their front desk & operations training becaue the customer that used to be a Howard Johnson's by the airport customer is now a Circus Circus customer - the customer that used to be a Circus Circus customer is now a Bellagio customer - the customer that used to be a Bellagio customer is now a Wynn customer - the Wynn customer isn't gambling as much as they used because their porfolio is down.And the former Wynn customers are now Hooters customers and lovin' it.

Las Vegas is at 13.5 % unemployment. Many people here have lost their jobs, not only at the hotels but in the neighborhoods as well. Albertson's markets have closed numerous stores as well as Vons. Chili's, Sizzler and other restaurants have closed too. On my block I am surrounded by so many homes that have been foreclosed. Times are tough here and when those tourists that visit just say thank you to a Skycap after loading 5 bags in a cab or to a Cocktail Waitress after she makes several rounds with drinks, should think IF THEY ARE GETTING THE SERVICE - TIP !. I have seen Passengers coming in flights taking the city bus to the Bellagio with their luggage, rather then take a taxi or a shuttle , so maybe its a new type of tourist.

I have seen Passengers coming in flights taking the city bus to the Bellagio with their luggage, rather then take a taxi or a shuttle , so maybe its a new type of tourist.

It definitely is different tourists now. Deeply discounted hotel rates will bring in more of the budget conscious travelers who have no problem using public transportation.

Las Vegas is at 13.5 % unemployment. Many people here have lost their jobs, not only at the hotels but in the neighborhoods as well. Albertson's markets have closed numerous stores as well as Vons. Chili's, Sizzler and other restaurants have closed too. On my block I am surrounded by so many homes that have been foreclosed. Times are tough here and when those tourists that visit just say thank you to a Skycap after loading 5 bags in a cab or to a Cocktail Waitress after she makes several rounds with drinks, should think IF THEY ARE GETTING THE SERVICE - TIP !. I have seen Passengers coming in flights taking the city bus to the Bellagio with their luggage, rather then take a taxi or a shuttle , so maybe its a new type of tourist.Another take on this is: The recession is not limited to Las Vegas. Deeply discounted room rates are helping to bring in people who otherwise wouldn't come at all. Perhaps workers in LV should be grateful for anything that comes their way during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes.

Brian, if the worker is being stiffed, NO, they shouldn't be grateful, because nobody should be grateful for earning negative money. A cocktail waitress who gets stiffed still has to tip out the bartender, so she's being robbed if she's really getting stiffed. I haven't noticed them getting stiffed at the tables but I wonder about at the slots. These days, with the coinless slots, if someone doesn't have any spare change/dollar bills then it's probably easy for them to justify being a stiff. Too many penny slots these days. Hard to imagine someone who is playing a penny machine being willing to tip a fair amount.

LASBAGMAN, As for the claim that people are taking a city bus to the Bellagio, no, they're not. Maybe some eccentric guy did this one time but c'mon. Have you even looked into trying to catch a city bus at LAS? Even if you are arriving with no luggage. Not gonna happen. The airport shuttle, yes, that's because the cab drivers put themselves out of business with their own dishonesty. I'll spend a little longer taking a shuttle, even if it's close to the same price, because I don't have to wonder if I'll be taken all around the mulberry bush first.

Another take on this is: The recession is not limited to Las Vegas. Deeply discounted room rates are helping to bring in people who otherwise wouldn't come at all. Perhaps workers in LV should be grateful for anything that comes their way during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes.

Times are tough here and when those tourists that visit just say thank you to a Skycap after loading 5 bags in a cab or to a Cocktail Waitress after she makes several rounds with drinks, should think IF THEY ARE GETTING THE SERVICE - TIP !.

Brian, if the worker is being stiffed, NO, they shouldn't be grateful, because nobody should be grateful for earning negative money. A cocktail waitress who gets stiffed still has to tip out the bartender, so she's being robbed if she's really getting stiffed. I haven't noticed them getting stiffed at the tables but I wonder about at the slots. These days, with the coinless slots, if someone doesn't have any spare change/dollar bills then it's probably easy for them to justify being a stiff. Too many penny slots these days. Hard to imagine someone who is playing a penny machine being willing to tip a fair amount.

Robbed? Well, call LV Metro and file charges.... :rolleyes:

I'm sure that the economy has impacted "over-tipping" (which I've always felt was way too prominent), but if service industry workers are getting stiffed a significant amount of time, they undoubtedly are not providing service worth of a tip.

I am not saying EVERY passenger is using the cat bus to go to their hotels, however I am asked about 5 times a week or so and unbelievably it is to the Bellagio or Mandalay Bay. After I tell them there is a transfer and its $4.00 versus $6.50 on Bell Trans or Showtime shuttle most will go on the shuttle. I have lived in this town many years and have worked at Mccarran for just as long and cannot remember anyone quibbling over the cost of transportation. Now, I have not heard anyone ask for the city bus downtown or to the IP or Flamingo or Harrahs.

Sorry, I can't agree. Maybe they are serving European guests who are not from a tipping economy. They deserve the tip, they're just not getting it. Or the person is at a "coinless" slot machine and puts their last Benjamin in the machine and suddenly realizes too late that they have nothing to tip the waitress with yet they've already ordered the drink. I play machines quite rarely but after one frantic scramble I always make sure to have a ziplock full of ones and fives in case I see a good machine, and I want to have an adult beverage while I play. I didn't used to have to think about it in the old days, I could always hit a button and cash out a few dollar coins...

As far as I'm concerned, if the person is bringing me the drink, they have provided the service and deserve the tip. Now, if they would like to earn more, bring 'em on faster and more frequently, result, more frequent tips, tee hee.


What is over-tipping? OK, we know what it is in one sense but what it is really? I always feel like that's a concept from somebody who's bitter that a lady who didn't go to college can still make a decent income. I'm not going to stop someone from "over-tipping," it's their call, and they know what they can afford. I will give you an example. I was playing 30/60, and there was an older, slower dealer who is really a sweet guy dealing but he's getting up there and he doesn't have the speed of some of the young guns. A player who was obviously just playing for fun and didn't care about the money or the dealer's age/speed, tipped him $75 for a pot. It made the dealer's day. Honestly, at this age, we all knew that this just doesn't happen this often for this (very nice) man any more. Yet, another player, of the type we call a "nit" in poker, then scolded the player for the big tip. Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut and let the dealer enjoy the moment? It wasn't coming out of his pocket. Some people have more $$$ than other people, and if they want to show it off by sharing, I don't think that's the worse thing in the world.

Vegas runs on tips, and in my humble opinion you should not mess with people's incomes by frivolously withholding tips. Nuf said!

Robbed? Well, call LV Metro and file charges.... :rolleyes:

I'm sure that the economy has impacted "over-tipping" (which I've always felt was way too prominent), but if service industry workers are getting stiffed a significant amount of time, they undoubtedly are not providing service worth of a tip.

What is over-tipping? OK, we know what it is in one sense but what it is really? I always feel like that's a concept from somebody who's bitter that a lady who didn't go to college can still make a decent income. I'm not going to stop someone from "over-tipping," it's their call, and they know what they can afford. I will give you an example. I was playing 30/60, and there was an older, slower dealer who is really a sweet guy dealing but he's getting up there and he doesn't have the speed of some of the young guns. A player who was obviously just playing for fun and didn't care about the money or the dealer's age/speed, tipped him $75 for a pot. It made the dealer's day. Honestly, at this age, we all knew that this just doesn't happen this often for this (very nice) man any more. Yet, another player, of the type we call a "nit" in poker, then scolded the player for the big tip. Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut and let the dealer enjoy the moment? It wasn't coming out of his pocket. Some people have more $$$ than other people, and if they want to show it off by sharing, I don't think that's the worse thing in the world.

Vegas runs on tips, and in my humble opinion you should not mess with people's incomes by frivolously withholding tips. Nuf said!

I'm a generous tipper, especially for those who depend solely on those tips for a living. I never get in or out of a cab without having money ready for the person opening the door for me. I tip a couple of bucks per drink at a minimum. In restaurants as long as you treat me halfway decent you're getting 25%. I don't mind forking over a benjamin if the concierge works to get me tickets to O at the last minute. You get the point. However, Vegas got a little rediculous with some of this stuff. Newstands in the casino where I pick up OJ and Rolaids... with a tip jar? It can be a turnoff. But, if you go somewhere, and someone is in the service business goes above and beyond, you need to take care of them. Vegas had to have a correction I suppose, but I still hate to see it happen.

I'm a generous tipper, especially for those who depend solely on those tips for a living. I never get in or out of a cab without having money ready for the person opening the door for me.This may be a good example of overtipping. A guy gets a tip when he lets someone out of a cab, and also gets tipped by someone else when they get into that cab. That seems ridiculous. I didn't ask the guy to open the door for me, so I don't tip in that scenario.

I am an overtipper in most situations, but as you mention, I think too many people got too dependent upon tips in every kind of scenario.

We caught a CAT bus last year from LAS to Main Street Station. We actually got on the wrong numbered bus that did all stops when I had understood from this forum there was a limited stop or somewhat faster bus that could get us there.

Would not do it again but the lovely lady driver took sympathy on us poor tourists with all the luggage and we ended up riding for free. Learnt a lot last year and certainly will arrange other transport and not split our stay between downtown and the strip again.

I have read and heard Australians are poor tippers and this may be because it is not the need to do so in Australian as most service workers are on a much higher hourly rate than in USA but we certainly do tip excellent service at home.

I tip in US when I visit but not 25% but certainly 15% in most places.

LASBAGMAN, As for the claim that people are taking a city bus to the Bellagio, no, they're not. Maybe some eccentric guy did this one time but c'mon. Have you even looked into trying to catch a city bus at LAS? Even if you are arriving with no luggage. Not gonna happen. The airport shuttle, yes, that's because the cab drivers put themselves out of business with their own dishonesty. I'll spend a little longer taking a shuttle, even if it's close to the same price, because I don't have to wonder if I'll be taken all around the mulberry bush first.

Maybe I'm eccentric, but I've used CAT buses plenty of times from LAS to Luxor, Mandalay Bay/TheHotel or the MGM - perhaps I'm more used to public transport than some Americans, but I can't see the problem - buy a single ticket from the airport to the SSTC, then a Deuce one-day pass which lets me move on up the strip later in the day.

It's hardly difficult to do (after the first time, when I struggled to find the bus stop at LAS - it is hidden away a bit), and can often be quicker than waiting for a shuttle bus and then being the last drop off point. I'm happy to use cabs when arriving late evening/departing early, or if I stay somewhere further north, but even then it's only because the buses get so crowded beyond the MGM that luggage gets in the way.

This may be a good example of overtipping. A guy gets a tip when he lets someone out of a cab, and also gets tipped by someone else when they get into that cab. That seems ridiculous. I didn't ask the guy to open the door for me, so I don't tip in that scenario.

Every left any casino via cab on a Saturday night? Without this guy, it'd be a drunken, angry mess over who gets which cab.

LASBAGMAN, As for the claim that people are taking a city bus to the Bellagio, no, they're not. Maybe some eccentric guy did this one time but c'mon. Have you even looked into trying to catch a city bus at LAS? Even if you are arriving with no luggage. Not gonna happen. The airport shuttle, yes, that's because the cab drivers put themselves out of business with their own dishonesty. I'll spend a little longer taking a shuttle, even if it's close to the same price, because I don't have to wonder if I'll be taken all around the mulberry bush first.

Many times I've used the CAT bus to go Bellagio; its not because of the lower fare (I'm a senior, and get 1/2 price on the CAT, so I pay even less than others). A typical scenario with the shuttle buses (1)wait 20 minutes for the shuttle to arrive, (2)wait another 30 minutes to fill up, (3)after numerous casino drop off's, I am usually last (it doesn't seem to matter where I am going:td:). I remember one shuttle trip where the driver passed the same spot 3 times trying to figure out how to get to a particular hotel for a drop off. (4) for pickup's a new problem arises, the reserved shuttle never shows up or comes 20 minutes late.

Here is the link to the stuff. Ed Hardy is a brand by designer Christian Audigier, who recently purchased the mansion that Michael Jackson was renting, and has a nightclub in the Mirage in Vegas. The stuff was cooler when he was still a small boutique operation but now is sort of the trashy I have or pretend to have more money than good taste trash.....

http://www.edhardyshop.com/

Ah, now that I've seen the link I know what Ed Hardy is: Jon Gosselin-wear.

Ah, now that I've seen the link I know what Ed Hardy is: Jon Gosselin-wear.

Better known as Douche-wear.

Go to the clubs...You see it all over.

Interesting article on tipping:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/ConsumerActionGuide/the-rude-new-tip-jar-economy.aspx

(bolding mine)

No one's paying a premium in Vegas anymore - and if they are, they aren't booking correctly. Vegas is probably the best bang for the buck. A weekend in Vegas is still probably cheaper than a weekend in LAX, MIA, NYC, SFO, SEA, SAN or any other party city. When you can stay at a place like Planet Hollywood for $59 & get a bottle of liquor per night - or an upgraded rooms at NYNY for $29 per night with a $25 gaming chip - or a $149 rate the the Palazzo - or a free weekend as an Amex Plat holder at the Wynn - you're not paying a premium. In 2007 and prior, people were paying a premium - in 2009, they're getting baragain basement prices.

Hotels have literally had to change their front desk & operations training becaue the customer that used to be a Howard Johnson's by the airport customer is now a Circus Circus customer - the customer that used to be a Circus Circus customer is now a Bellagio customer - the customer that used to be a Bellagio customer is now a Wynn customer - the Wynn customer isn't gambling as much as they used because their porfolio is down.

The higher end clubs that used to bring in the celebs aren't bringing them in like they used to - so that scene is hurting. Vegas is still a fun place & a place where you can party all night & do whatever you want - it's just that there's a different clientele doing the same thing right next to you when previously they may not have been able to afford that.


Things are indeed different--I doubt Steve Wynn envisioned people checking in with backpacks and coolers when he built Encore...

We caught a CAT bus last year from LAS to Main Street Station. We actually got on the wrong numbered bus that did all stops when I had understood from this forum there was a limited stop or somewhat faster bus that could get us there.

I took the 108 bus from the Las Vegas Hilton to the airport yesterday, running along Paradise, and the travel time at 6 in the morning was 15 minutes. Can't beat it for $1.75. That same line does go downtown.

Things are indeed different--I doubt Steve Wynn envisioned people checking in with backpacks and coolers when he built Encore...

I don't think he envisioned half his guests showing up clutching their Hotwire confirmation pages - as I saw when I was checking in last Dec.

I'll see if anything is different this coming Dec.

I don't think he envisioned half his guests showing up clutching their Hotwire confirmation pages - as I saw when I was checking in last Dec.

I'll see if anything is different this coming Dec.

I doubt it. Maybe next December.

Things are indeed different--I doubt Steve Wynn envisioned people checking in with backpacks and coolers when he built Encore...

I doubt SW is focused on the demographics of the patrons at his LV properties.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aRJiAIFnjUDg

Things are indeed different--I doubt Steve Wynn envisioned people checking in with backpacks and coolers when he built Encore...

I don't know about the backpacks and coolers, but there's a sign on the front door saying "no strollers." Guess he's trying to keep out the lookie-lous or whatever.

Another thing -- we played video poker at a lovely bar at Encore (the whole place is beautiful) a few months ago....and paid $8.00 per drink while we played. I've never paid for a drink in Vegas at a bar while I was playing VP until that day.
Don't know what the drink policy was on the floor machines or at the tables -- didn't play them. I got a Royal Flush at my bar machine and my friend hit 4 Aces w/a kicker and we were out of there! :)

I don't think he envisioned half his guests showing up clutching their Hotwire confirmation pages - as I saw when I was checking in last Dec.

I'll see if anything is different this coming Dec.

Hi,

I was one of them !:D ( 5 nights in early Jan for $85 per night)

Regards

TBS

I don't think he envisioned half his guests showing up clutching their Hotwire confirmation pages - as I saw when I was checking in last Dec.

I'll see if anything is different this coming Dec.

To echo The_Banking_Scot, my wife and I used Hotwire to book a room at Wynn for $96 per night over MLK weekend this past January. However, I did not clutch my Hotwire confirmation pages, and I most certainly did not check in lugging a backpack and cooler - TSA does not allow one to transport fifths of vodka in carry on, and I would not trust it in checked baggage!

On a more serious note, with the economy allegedly improving, when will hotels in Las Vegas raise their rates? By how much will rates improve over the recent bargain basement deals? Will the inevitable increases change the demographics of Las Vegas tourists?

Another thing -- we played video poker at a lovely bar at Encore (the whole place is beautiful) a few months ago....and paid $8.00 per drink while we played. I've never paid for a drink in Vegas at a bar while I was playing VP until that day.
Don't know what the drink policy was on the floor machines or at the tables -- didn't play them. I got a Royal Flush at my bar machine and my friend hit 4 Aces w/a kicker and we were out of there! :)

This has been an on again / off again, currently a permanent on again policy @ Wynncore with regard to the bartops. So, no free drinks @ the bartops; but still free drinks @ the machines and tables on the casino floor.

Congrats on the royal! :cool:

On a more serious note, with the economy allegedly improving, when will hotels in Las Vegas raise their rates? By how much will rates improve over the recent bargain basement deals? Will the inevitable increases change the demographics of Las Vegas tourists?

Well, take a look @ the weekend prices during rodeo (for example, December 4th to 7th); and make your own determinations.

Of course, prices might plunge 2 weeks or so before. Palazzo and Wynncore seem to be holding pretty tight for that time period. (I've been checking out rates recently for a number of friends) Though, there are still deals to be found (even on busy weekends), just not at Wynncore or V/P.

Best advice is still to avoid the busy weekends, and convention periods. But, midweek stays don't work for a lot of folks, unfortunately.

with the economy allegedly improving...

..after another 25% down for commercial and residential real estate.

Enjoy the ride.

..after another 25% down for commercial and residential real estate.

Enjoy the ride.

Hence the reason why I used the adverb "allegedly" in my post. With the official unemployment rate nudging double digits, and forecast to remain there for about the next 15 months, I am afraid that the economy will stay down in the dumps for many of us. This cannot be good news for a tourist area like Las Vegas, with a high concentration of service industry jobs.

Hence the reason why I used the adverb "allegedly" in my post. With the official unemployment rate nudging double digits, and forecast to remain there for about the next 15 months, I am afraid that the economy will stay down in the dumps for many of us. This cannot be good news for a tourist area like Las Vegas, with a cocentration of service industry jobs.

I feel for you guys but here's hoping it stays down until at least May next year when we are planning a visit.

official unemployment rate

1. employment is a lagging indicator;

2. government stats are (at best)unreliable.

3. the US middle class is permanently damaged.

Enjoy the ride.

I don't know about the backpacks and coolers, but there's a sign on the front door saying "no strollers." Guess he's trying to keep out the lookie-lous or whatever.

Another thing -- we played video poker at a lovely bar at Encore (the whole place is beautiful) a few months ago....and paid $8.00 per drink while we played. I've never paid for a drink in Vegas at a bar while I was playing VP until that day.
Don't know what the drink policy was on the floor machines or at the tables -- didn't play them. I got a Royal Flush at my bar machine and my friend hit 4 Aces w/a kicker and we were out of there! :)

Sweet. Were you playing $? Score $4000? Too bad about the W2G.

Sweet. Were you playing $? Score $4000? Too bad about the W2G.

No - I was only playing quarters. I'll take the $1000, though! Normally I start off w/quarters at a new place and see how it goes. (Also since we had to pay $8.00/drink!) We hadn't been there more than about 20 minutes when I got it. :D

We caught a CAT bus last year from LAS to Main Street Station. We actually got on the wrong numbered bus that did all stops when I had understood from this forum there was a limited stop or somewhat faster bus that could get us there.
The 108 from the airport is NOT express to downtown (it even makes a detour through the Premium Outlet Center)--but it is efficient in getting one downtown.
[The strip bus, before they became double decker "Deuce's" had a local route 301 and an express bus 302--there is now only one strip bus]