And another reason why mLife's announced intent to transition into a "true" rewards program makes sense - provide for those who actively gamble but not at levels that require oversight by hosts.

I just don't see the value the Mylife program got out of handing out Noir status to bloggers years ago and letting them maintain it without spending considerable money on the casino floor; especially when there are instances actual players who haven't Noir status renewed (or been asked in the first place) but played enough to still be at platinum.

A "professional courtesy" to curry favorable coverage, now and (more importantly) in the future.

One would think so, but after reading Mommypoints TR I didn't get that impression. (again, her complaints were valid..they just weren't favorable).

Currying favor doesn't mean guaranteed good coverage. MP likely booked MGM properties because of her status and it should have been easy PR for them: limo for the family, suite in the Bellagio, some meals and a summary. That's 4-5 blog posts all promoting MGM, for the sum total of comping a 15 minute limo ride. That's dirt cheap marketing. Unfortunately for MGM PR, their front line staff blew it, and as result they got a bunch of posts suggesting that MGM could care less. A decent attempt at marketing undone by poor customer service.

It amazes me that so many staff, across a variety of businesses, are seemingly clueless to situations like this. If someone checks in with top status and 0 spend history, how do you not go into overdrive to do everything possible for them? They either know someone who can get them that status or someone in the company is trying to woo them for a reason that you are too junior to know about; neither situation is one where pissing them off will end well for you.

+1

And there's the rub; the front line marketing staff probably works a standard Monday - Friday work week, and probably figured the Noir perks were sufficient to ensure good results.

Apparently they could not be bothered to make a simple cell phone call to make sure everything was OK.

The phrase "lipstick on a pig" comes to mind.

Most casino loyalty programs are not run well. The biggest issue is "self serve" for "high tier" guests. Total Rewards does a pretty good job with this. So many ideas have been implemented only to then be removed, or implemented differently.

Hosts are another issue. So much variability. I give CZR-Entertainment credit for their NCM program which seems to coordinate things well.

Just so many things that could operate better if someone desired to really take a deep look at the customer experience. But, then again, casino marketing also has many elements of loyalty that are far different from hotels and airlines.

I could go on and on.

Currently, I am only "truly" loyal to one property. And it took quite a lot for that to happen. Since I have my "check-list" of elements that are necessary to make me want to return to a casino property consistently. (especially, from Amsterdam)

Question: If a good host leaves to work for a competitor, do his/her guests generally follow? Even if they have to "start over" in the new property's program.

Often, yes. But, you never have to "start over." My recent hook-up in Vegas (at Cosmo) came from a host in Atlantic City (now defunct property) who moved to my #1 property where I already had an established host.

Relatively senior hosts have pretty substantial "pull" when one comes highly recommended.

And, as I mentioned above, you seldom need highest status for the best perks. Point in fact, I got perks at Cosmo that are greater than their highest published tier (I believe "Platinum") based on the host and recommendation.

Different properties handle these issues slightly differently. Some will just "comp" the appropriate highest tier status. Other properties it's more bureaucratic. Other factors like credit also make a difference. Sometimes, if you have a "lousy host" but a good relationship with credit and the casino credit department is "empowered" to make decisions you can get a "bump" in status that way.

Lots of discretionary things happening all the time. Which makes sense, IMO.

baccarat_king, was interesting steve cyr said the #1 thing his clients wanted was negotiating on rules of games, discounts on losses, etc - all gaming, not stay related

referring to michelin 3 star chefs? pierre is sometimes in vegas kitchen
some go to vegas for dining, dont have to leave MO for example
not sure if mansion guests have to walk through MGM, skylofts guests would

or shows, some of which were considered unique

That's not applicable to most players. Negotiated discounts require a level of casino action much higher than being spoken about here. Not to mention, it's only a discount on losses. Still makes it a good deal, from a pure math perspective.

The story about Don Johnson and Atlantic City pretty much attests to the fact how the combination of "good terms" and a "bit" of luck can be a lethal combination for casino properties.

and people like Kerry Packer in vegas

After this disaster WHY would anyone follow this person's blog (I had to google it having never read it)? And why would Boarding area want anything to do with this blogger?

The only loyal followers would be a bunch of misinformed/clueless dolts out for getting "free" stuff on their once a year family outing. NOTHING "Influential" about this blogger or her followers.

Oh well, another blog I never have to look at again

You might not consider them "influential," but "Moms who want to save money on one or two trips to visit the grandparents" is a pretty big market.

Not everyone can (or wants to) drop everything on a moments notice in order to fly to Hong Kong for two days just because Cathay finally opened up F space...

If she isn't your cup of tea, fine, but don't assume that others might not find her informative/entertaining/relatable/etc.