I read a few threads but have a few questions.

My parents are both Diamonds after playing at A.C. for several years. One of them had their Diamond status renewed for 5 straight years. However, since we are in Seattle now we plan on going to Vegas for a family vacation.
They both haven't been to a Harrah's property for a month now so not sure if it will affect our benefits.

1. We looked on Harrah's reservations system online and were only able to receive Premium/Luxury rooms at places like Caesar's Palace. Is it possible to contact a host and get a suite or two during non-peak seasons?

2. If we fly to LAS, can we get a complimentary airport transfer for five of us if we contact a host?

We were pretty close to our host in A.C. however our absence from the casinos pretty much closed communication between us.

They should select a property and contact a host at that property to work out a comp stay. They will be able to look up their past history (ADT) and might be able to pre-comp their stay based on that. Suites rarely come up COMP online. Usually just the Premium/Luxury rooms come up COMP. The hotel then assigns suites on a daily basis to new arrivals based on status. Just being Diamond does not affect your comps as much as your ADT (Average Daily Theoretical [loss]). So, if they are big slot players who pump $10 - $20k per day or more through the machines then they will get much better comps than the player who stops by the casino every Friday on their way home from work and drops $500 even though at the end of the year they could end up with the same number of TR points.

Diamond players are usually better off going through a host, who may be able to book you a suite at no cost. The limo will come out of TR points.

Also, you can request an upgrade at check-in.

QL

Agree,

If you have any 'decent' consistent level of play; and are planning on maintaining that level of play for your trip -- using a host will maximize your experience. Hosts can 'often' book things that are NOT visible on the website.

Of, course, as mentioned Diamond status is only part of the picture. There are Diamonds (11K base/year) and then there are Diamonds (60K base/year). Obviously, with the gigantic range of play within the Diamond tier; one will experience different levels of host booking perks.

A little off topic but if I book a comp room with my TR (diamond status) and do not play for the whole trip, does that lower my comps, etc? I mean if I do not play at all, I do not lower my ADT correct?

You will soon receive fewer or lesser offers, for sure.

Sometimes the reverse is true: Last year I was able to book New Years Eve period at Caesars Palace in Sept. on the internet (comped), but when I mentioned this to my hostess, she said that booking period was NOT yet available to her.

What is it that makes Diamond status more appealing than status @ other hotels?

Here are the differences you'd get beyond the normal TR Gold card.

Special birthday offer <-- Comp or discounted rates? Anyone have examples?
exclusive gift during renewal period <-- Worthless trinket, or actually something of value?
Free tournament entry for Summer/Winter tournaments <-- Knowing you'll get at least 2 comp offers per year is a huge plus.
Access to Diamond lounges <-- Though from what I read, this doesn't really seem like a great thing. Limited food/beverage service.
Priority service @ some restaurants & clubs, front desk total rewards desk, cashier cage, slots services <-- Eh, I guess this is valuable if you really hate waiting in line; but it seems to be a common perk in many rewards programs
Inivitations to exclusive events/tournaments <-- Again, guaranteed comps is a good thing.
Golf @ 50% off <-- Not my cup of tea, but seems like a good perk

I'm not trying to be petty with my remarks. I don't play for comps. But I'm "in the market" for a new hotel chain to be loyal to, and I'm trying to evaluate this program vs. other programs. I'd appreciate input from folks that have/have had this status.

1. Separate valet parking lane
2. Separate buffet entrance and seating area
3. VIP check-in
4. Premium liquor at tables
5. Diamond lounges in AC

>>>>>>>>4. Premium liquor at tables

I never knew this was a benefit. How do you get premium liquor? Show the waitress your diamond card?

When you sit down, the dealer will put a large chip on the corner of the table w/ a diamond on it and a number indicating what seat you're in . This indicates to the pit boss and cocktail waitresses that there's a diamond player in the 4th seat or wherever. You can also order top shelf drinks from cocktail waitresses while at the slots. Just show them your card.

I'm diamond and never knew about the "top shelf" perk, would I be able to order an XO (as opposed to VS or VSOP) cognac?

How high they reach to get to the "top" shelf may depend on your current play or a sup approval, but you can definately order above rail drinks. I've ordered Chopin or Ketel 1 Bloody Marys without them blinking (I know that's not too high up the shelf). XO might be a stretch depending on your play; you could always order Louis XIII and see what they say

XO has never been an issue at Bally's High Limit (in Atlantic City). I don't play at Caesars Entertainment Properties (in general) in Vegas; so I can't answer to that.

They go as high as R�my XO, Hennessy Paradis and JW Blue (among other things) @ the Mansion Casino @ MGM (without additional approval), FWIW.