Since we FTers live for perks and special treatment Las Vegas can be frustrating in that hard earned hotel status is practically meaningless against big and small casino whales vying for freebies. There was a time when Diamonds could eat breakfast at the Convention Hilton, even when not staying. I even recall being comped at the Wicked Spoon as a Marriott elite staying at the Cosmopolitan: them days is gone.

I primarily travel with a buddy who has a gambling problem (“gambling isn’t the problem, losing is the problem.”).

So, restaurant and check in lines are eschewed, drinks, hotel rooms, parking, and some meals are comped. I am pretty OK with this arrangement particularly as I don’t much gamble. Being there on my own dime doesn’t only feel pricey but I feel a tad devalued in comparison to the largesse that I am denied.