Las Vegas go hard or go home thread

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

LVRJ:

Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria luxury brand expects to plant its flag on the Strip when it takes over operation of the 392-room Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter in August.

CityCenter Holdings, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, announced in April that it was selling the 47-story property and adjacent retail properties to an undisclosed buyer for $214 million. That sale resulted in the cancellation of Mandarin Oriental’s management agreement.

The rebranding announced Wednesday is a part of Waldorf Astoria’s western U.S. expansion following its 2017 opening in Beverly Hills, California, and a planned development in San Francisco within three years. The company currently has 20 properties in its development pipeline.

The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, as it will be known, is one of two non-gaming properties at CityCenter, but is adjacent to Aria and its casino.

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas will participate in Hilton Honors, the company’s guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 brands.

[Landomatic 3813]

6 hours ago, bigup2dahorns said:

LVRJ:

Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria luxury brand expects to plant its flag on the Strip when it takes over operation of the 392-room Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter in August.

CityCenter Holdings, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, announced in April that it was selling the 47-story property and adjacent retail properties to an undisclosed buyer for $214 million. That sale resulted in the cancellation of Mandarin Oriental’s management agreement.

The rebranding announced Wednesday is a part of Waldorf Astoria’s western U.S. expansion following its 2017 opening in Beverly Hills, California, and a planned development in San Francisco within three years. The company currently has 20 properties in its development pipeline.

The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, as it will be known, is one of two non-gaming properties at CityCenter, but is adjacent to Aria and its casino.

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas will participate in Hilton Honors, the company’s guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 brands.

Interdasting.

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

LVRJ:

Days after new sexual misconduct allegations were made against celebrity chef Mario Batali, his company announced Friday that it will close its three Las Vegas restaurants July 27.

Employees of Carnevino Italian Steakhouse, B&B Ristorante and Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria, all located in The Venetian and Palazzo resorts, were informed of the decision Friday morning in a letter from B&B Hospitality Group partner Joe Bastianich. B&B estimates that 298 employees will be affected by the closures.

“These restaurants have continued to succeed, and they are a tribute to every one of you who works in them and brings great dining experiences to our guests,” Bastianich’s letter reads. “Unfortunately, our partner in these restaurants, Las Vegas Sands Corp., has decided to end our relationship.”

It goes on to promise: “I am committed to continuing our presence in Las Vegas. I am beginning to explore options, but it will take some time to execute them.”

Bastianich is scheduled to visit the restaurants Friday to speak to employees about the next two months of operation as well as how the company plans to help them transition to new positions.

[Buzzrock 14901]

If you guys are mlife members check your email. I’m lowest tier but I got a “your breathtaking offer” email with 2, 3, or 4 free nights depending on the property (MGM Grand, Aria, Mandalay or Park MGM).

[Yarbr 123]

Taking my wife with me on a work thing at the end of the month and she mentioned on our free night she'd like to see BMG. Is this a good show or is there something else I should persuade her in seeing? Also how do I get ticket, just book online? We're staying at Aria if that means anything.

[Skipper 6127]

I saw the BMG in Dallas years ago and thought it was relatively lame.   Not sure if better in Vegas.   My wife and I were fans of the Michael Jackson cirque show.     For tix, book online or go to the 50% discount booth and see if anything that seems interesting is discounted.

[Angry Gorilla 1766]

Yeah BMG isn't anything great.  I really like the Love show, and have heard great things about Absynthe.

[GreenspointTexas 9598]

Absinthe is the best show in Vegas. Been 3 times, hilarious every time

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

PSA from @VitalVegas:

Hear "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" is currently filming in Las Vegas. Cast is staying at Planet Hollywood, but spotted at Flamingo pool today.

[WBT 20559]

gross

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

Saw this mentioned from LVRJ writer on twitter:

Wynn Resorts says its ending #parkingfees for its guests effective July 1. Non-hotel guests can get it validated if they spend at least $50.

[PorscheGuy 127]

LVRJ:

Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria luxury brand expects to plant its flag on the Strip when it takes over operation of the 392-room Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter in August.

CityCenter Holdings, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, announced in April that it was selling the 47-story property and adjacent retail properties to an undisclosed buyer for $214 million. That sale resulted in the cancellation of Mandarin Oriental’s management agreement.

The rebranding announced Wednesday is a part of Waldorf Astoria’s western U.S. expansion following its 2017 opening in Beverly Hills, California, and a planned development in San Francisco within three years. The company currently has 20 properties in its development pipeline.

The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, as it will be known, is one of two non-gaming properties at CityCenter, but is adjacent to Aria and its casino.

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas will participate in Hilton Honors, the company’s guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 brands.

Well sh@$!!! Was planing on a quick run to hang at the MO this summer. Was real impressed last time I was there in February


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WBT 20559]

1 hour ago, bigup2dahorns said:

Saw this mentioned from LVRJ writer on twitter:

Wynn Resorts says its ending #parkingfees for its guests effective July 1. Non-hotel guests can get it validated if they spend at least $50.

Interesting.  Maybe they'll get rid of their bullshit 2x limit on craps odds next.  Hopefully the tide is turning on all the nickel and dimeing on the strip.

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

Interesting.  Maybe they'll get rid of their bullshit 2x limit on craps odds next.  Hopefully the tide is turning on all the nickel and dimeing on the strip.

Well I would be less optimistic on that one changing back as quickly but you never know. The validated parking for non-hotel guests who spend $50 or more makes a lot of sense. Locals were really complaining about it and not frequenting the casino-based restaurants as much. Will be interesting to see if Caesars and MGM follow suit on this move. Venetian already has free self parking.

[ocugolf 1214]

Nobu Hotel in Caesar’s is so nice. Really quiet. Great service. And Nobu and Mesa Grill are within 100 feet of the entrance. I was really impressed.

[Armybrat 40814]

lol @ you guys who are complaining about the shitty gambling odds on the Strip. Welcome to 1999.

Some of the locals casinos have decent odds, but the only place mid-Strip I've heard recently that has a couple of good tables now & then is the Cromwell (old Barbary Coast/Bill's Gambling Hall).

[Moby Ric 2058]

Currently sitting in the United club at Vegas waiting to go home.  Flight is delayed watched the horns lose, grrrr.  Fucking United.  

[Landomatic 3813]

On 6/7/2018 at 5:04 PM, WBT said:

Interesting.  Maybe they'll get rid of their bullshit 2x limit on craps odds next.  Hopefully the tide is turning on all the nickel and dimeing on the strip.

I’m heading home from the Wynn as we speak and I can assure you the tide on the nickel and diming is not starting to turn.  I didn’t gamble or park but everything we did there was more expensive than it’s ever been with a lower level of customer service.  They were super heavy on corporate policy with zero personalization.  Used to love it there because they almost never said “no”.  This trip was nothing but “no”.  Would have left early had it not been for the fact that we had friends joining us.  Very disapointing trip overall.

Edited June 10, 2018 by Landomatic

[Chewbacca 7765]

1 hour ago, Landomatic said:

I’m heading home from the Wynn as we speak and I can assure you the tide on the nickel and diming is not starting to turn.  I didn’t gamble or park but everything we did there was more expensive than it’s ever been with a lower level of customer service.  They were super heavy on corporate policy with zero personalization.  Used to love it there because they almost never said “no”.  This trip was nothing but “no”.  Would have left early had it not been for the fact that we had friends joining us.  Very disapointing trip overall.

Such as?  What did they say no to?

[skipperj 377]

“We didn’t gamble, but we weren’t treated special like.”

Edited June 10, 2018 by skipperj

[Landomatic 3813]

On 6/9/2018 at 9:59 PM, Chewbacca said:

Such as?  What did they say no to?

I couldn't possibly find the time to write everything.  Stupid crap like...

• Several times...not letting me walk away from the bar with 2 drinks (one for me and one for my wife) because she had to come up and get her own so the cameras could see her do it.
• Not being able to run a tab at the pool; you have to close it out for each order.  Super annoying when you're wet and in the pool and starting to have some fun.  Also can’t split a tab now at the pool.  Seriously?
• I literally had a hostess at a restaurant tell me the wait would be about a half hour and when I pointed out that the restaurant was only about 1/3 full, she said "yeah, we don't have the staff to service those other tables".  I’ve beeen at the Wynn/Encore about 20 times and I’ve never seen anything like that, at any restaurant...ever.
• Everywhere we've ever been there (including the front desk) has always greeted us with "welcome back mr and mrs landomatic" and this trip was "have you ever eaten here before" or in the front desk's case, "have you ever stayed here before".
• And don’t even get me started on the full glass of champagne spilled on my buddy’s wife’s lap by the hostess with the T-shirt policy with a crazy hostess crying to me and the fucking fiasco that was Sinatra.  Which, oh by the way, used to be our favorite restaurant on earth and the only place we always went to when we went to Vegas.

There are tons more.  None, by themselves, are a big deal at all...it happens.  But it was just corporate policy bullshit like that at every turn.  It seriously almost became comical.

There were a few highlights but the missteps FAR outweighed the highlights.  Used the be the extreme opisite.

That place used to be damn near flawless with regard to service and quality.  Expensive, but worth it.  Now...it was even more expensive with crappy service and even the food didn't taste as good.

Not to mention the place was filled with pure fucking trash at every turn by Friday.

I became kind of buddies with one of the bartenders at the one bar we went to a lot and he told me he's down over $15K this year already just in tips and he blames it on the fact that they're not allowed to do the service things they used to be able to do and therefor people just aren't tipping as much.

We will most likely be looking for somewhere else to stay next time we go to Vegas, although I don't have a clue where that would be.  I fear other places will just be worse.

Edited June 12, 2018 by Landomatic

[Landomatic 3813]

On 6/9/2018 at 10:01 PM, skipperj said:

“We didn’t gamble, but we weren’t treated special like.”

Ha...I never claim to be any kind of whale.  But we were there for 4 days and our total bill at checkout was just over $6K for 2 people.  So, yeah...at over $1,500 per day...I expect to be treated "special like"

[Moby Ric 2058]

Lando we were there for 4 days (Tues - Sat) last week but we stay at Delano.  It is our summer spot because of the pool.  When we go in the winter, mostly due to work we stay at the Bellagio.  Our M Life account keeps us pretty well comped.  The south side of the strip is such a different place.  More quiet in the evenings, better personal service, and you can always get on a table at Mandalay.  I think that will change once the NFL gets there.  We are lame Vegas folks, we go to get away, get some great food and enjoy the pool and shopping.

But the crowds up on the north side were really huge.  We were walking in Caesars Palace and cut through the casino and eyeballed for a craps game.  Holy shit it was packed. And one dude had a center table reserved for him and his buddy on a Friday evening.  Dude must have had 3 ft of orange chips in front of him at the table all to himself.  Everywhere we went up on the other end of the strip was just packed in the middle of the day.  But yes, come Friday the demographics change drastically.  During the week it is not so bad.

[TornACL 7698]

Quote

Not being able to run a tab at the pool; you have to close it out for each order.  Super annoying when you're wet and in the pool and starting to have some fun.  Also can’t split a tab now at the pool.  Seriously?

I don't really give a fuck about the split tab thing, but not being able to run a tab at all?  That doesn't seem right. I never understand this shit. If they're afraid of walked tabs, authorize the card for $200 or whatever is appropriate and then go from there.

If they tried that shit I'd throw $50 or $100 at the waitress and say "yeah we're not doing it that way. keep a tally and I'll pay up at the end"

[Landomatic 3813]

4 hours ago, TornACL said:

I don't really give a fuck about the split tab thing, but not being able to run a tab at all?  That doesn't seem right. I never understand this shit. If they're afraid of walked tabs, authorize the card for $200 or whatever is appropriate and then go from there.

If they tried that shit I'd throw $50 or $100 at the waitress and say "yeah we're not doing it that way. keep a tally and I'll pay up at the end"

Sorry should have clarified...you couldn't start a tab on your room, only with a credit card.  That annoyed the shit out of me because every other thing on property you can just put it on your room.  I like to be able to see one bill at the end for everything to be able to double-check everything (found several issues with our bill at the end which is another story and was also annoying).  Plus, they were authorizing my credit card constantly throughout the trip to be sure my room charges would be covered, so why is the pool any different?

Our cabana girl the first day told us it was a new thing and that she hated it and that her tips have gone down drastically because of it as most people just tip 20% when tipping one tab at a time when they would normally tip a lot more on one bigger tab at the end.  She didn't think it really ever allowed for them to earn a bigger tip.  And she said guests complain about it constantly.

I didn't even have a credit card on me at the pool the first day so it was either do it one-by-one on the room (which I did) or hike all the way back to the room and get a credit card.  I used a credit card the other days after that because it sucked.

And by the way, that whole throw her a $50 or $100 and have her do it your way thing is not an option there anymore.  For anything.  That's exactly what the problem is.

Edited June 12, 2018 by Landomatic

[Armybrat 40814]

One of my Vegas buddies who used to be a full time resident there until a couple of years ago racked up well over $900,000 in coins annually through the video poker machines at his "home" casino (the South Point). Then he moved to Florida, but still visited Vegas. The other day he decided to email his long-time casino host & book several nights for another return trip in October (he goes back several times/year).

So he posted this after he received her reply:

Quote

 My South Point casino host wrote me today that she put me in for four nights comped but is not sure if it will be approved.  They have a new system.  I checked my records from last year.  I did $140,684 coin-in over two four night trips last year for an average of $17,585 a day.  I was a net loser of $1,400 for the year and she can't tell me for sure I'll be comped?  As much as we like South Point we may just go buy a room somewhere.

 

Edited June 12, 2018 by Armybrat

[Angry Gorilla 1766]

I don't play video poker, are those pretty big numbers?  Seems like it would be.

[Sbbruin 21825]

On 6/6/2018 at 2:50 PM, GreenspointTexas said:

Absinthe is the best show in Vegas. Been 3 times, hilarious every time

Agreed.  Saw it a couple of years ago and it was great.

[Armybrat 40814]

He & his wife would be at the casino 4 or 5 days/evenings almost every week for several hours each session. If you're feeding those machines Benjamins like quarters, it adds up.

It doesn't mean he fed $900,000 of his own cash in over the whole year, but it counts all the credits he built up each session & cranked back in. He would hit maybe  20 or 25 Royals each year - and posted pics.

[HRSchenker 2268]

I'm in Vegas right now and was told to not put the privacy please card out on my room for longer than a day or security would be sent to my room for a check. Anyone heard about this before? Is this a response to last October's shooting? 

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

I'm in Vegas right now and was told to not put the privacy please card out on my room for longer than a day or security would be sent to my room for a check. Anyone heard about this before? Is this a response to last October's shooting? 

Yes it is. They might refer to it as a wellness check.

[wild_turkey 3159]

On 6/9/2018 at 8:15 PM, Landomatic said:

I’m heading home from the Wynn as we speak and I can assure you the tide on the nickel and diming is not starting to turn.  I didn’t gamble or park but everything we did there was more expensive than it’s ever been with a lower level of customer service.  They were super heavy on corporate policy with zero personalization.  Used to love it there because they almost never said “no”.  This trip was nothing but “no”.  Would have left early had it not been for the fact that we had friends joining us.  Very disapointing trip overall.

I haven't checked this thread in a while so I'm a little behind, but this post is really disappointing to read. We typically go to Vegas once a year and for us Vegas is synonymous with staying at Wynn/Encore. We venture out to other properties for an occasional dinner or show, but there is a noticeable difference in quality just in the casinos and common grounds. I've always felt that if something went wrong with Wynn/Encore, I'd probably quit going to Vegas altogether.

You've actually given me solid advice on Vegas in the shaggy days, so I feel like we're pretty well aligned on our preferences and I trust your opinion on this subject. Sucks to hear the recent trip was such a step down. In addition to being a gorgeous property, the personalized customer service has always been a big draw for us. Take away the constant smiling, greeting by name, willingness to please, etc and it basically turns into the Venetian or Cosmo. 

I've actually had small concerns about their choices in the past, like taking away Society Cafe to make the Players Club, which is always dead and seems pointless. I'm also a little concerned what their new Paradise Park is going to be like, or what kind of people it will attract.

We've passed up 2 trips to Wynn with friends so far this year because the timing/circumstances weren't great for us. We've been thinking about a time to go later in the summer, but maybe it's just a good time to take a year off and go somewhere else.

Edited July 8, 2018 by wild_turkey

[ZB'Tejas 593]

19 hours ago, HRSchenker said:

I'm in Vegas right now and was told to not put the privacy please card out on my room for longer than a day or security would be sent to my room for a check. Anyone heard about this before? Is this a response to last October's shooting? 

Funny that you mention this... was staying at Encore this weekend and as I was leaving my room there was a hotel manager that was knocking on the door next to mine. Told them he just wanted to make sure everything was good since their privacy light was on for more than a day. Did not seem like a big deal... and didn't even peek in the room.

[ZB'Tejas 593]

On 5/14/2018 at 4:50 PM, Landomatic said:

Anyone been to STK recently?  Last time I went, I felt like it was slipping a little.  Kind of dead.  Seems like it might have been on a Tuesday or something though so I don't know if I can hold that against STK.

Went to STK this past Thursday night... was able to get a 9pm reservation. It was packed and a pretty good scene for sure.

[Landomatic 3813]

17 hours ago, wild_turkey said:

I've always felt that if something went wrong with Wynn/Encore, I'd probably quit going to Vegas altogether.

This is where we're at right now.  May change our minds after a year or two away, but we're in no hurry to go back any time soon.

[pepper brooks 580]

Heading to Vegas next weekend. This thread has me somewhat disappointed.  Sounds like it’s gone to hell.  I stayed at the encore once when it first opened and was basically told no at every turn as well. Never stayed there again.  Staying at palazzo this time.  I like the spacious rooms and i really love cut steakhouse. Haven’t been to Vegas in years. What’s the best show right now?  

[Landomatic 3813]

On 7/9/2018 at 3:04 PM, pepper brooks said:

Heading to Vegas next weekend. This thread has me somewhat disappointed.  Sounds like it’s gone to hell.  I stayed at the encore once when it first opened and was basically told no at every turn as well. Never stayed there again.  Staying at palazzo this time.  I like the spacious rooms and i really love cut steakhouse. Haven’t been to Vegas in years. What’s the best show right now?  

Absynthe by all accounts.  I haven’t seen it myself, but I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t raved about it...including on here and TOS.

Edited July 10, 2018 by Landomatic

[Sbbruin 21825]

Saw Absynthe and loved it. Highly recommend.

[sidis 9820]

saw absinthe last weekend.  hilarious.  if you are a fragile pussy about crude and offensive things, don't go.

[BigDHornfan 6545]

saw absinthe last weekend.  hilarious.  if you are a fragile pussy about crude and offensive things, don't go.

Absinthe is great. Also Beatles Love is really good. Just great to hear the soundtrack on the bad ass sound system in the theater.

[ZB'Tejas 593]

Encore Beach Club might have been the greatest show on earth

[HRSchenker 2268]

On 7/8/2018 at 4:14 PM, bigup2dahorns said:

Yes it is. They might refer to it as a wellness check.

 

Good call. They knocked on our door at 10 PM announcing themselves as "security".

[pepper brooks 580]

So far the palazzo has been very solid.  Cheap gaming thus far and good room rates. Rooms are big and well done. We have eaten on site Thursday and Friday.  b&b bistro on Friday night was exceptional.  We hit cut steakhouse last night and it was incredible. Going to venture out tonight.  At cut we took our own wine 2012 kapcandy estate and a 2011 jp insignia.  The steaks were absurdly good and I think the wines were even better. 

You can get 3-2 odds on blackjack with a 50 minimum.  You can get $10 blackjack too, but blackjack pays 6-5 on that.  I don’t gamble enough for it to make much difference to me.  Those payouts suck.  You can only split aces once.  They do not have the 000 on roulette,  UT I never play that game anyway.  I love to play craps but damn it’s expensive. I’ve mostly stayed away from that.  I have a hard time enjoying gambling because i hate to lose at anything. With the odds so stacked and payouts so shitty I have a hard time enjoying nickel blackjack. 

[Stunns38 3460]

Staying at Planet Hollywood. I might as well call it Planet Hollyhood.

Gong to hypnotist show, then will drank more, then blackjack late night.

Pool party tomorrow.

[pepper brooks 580]

Hot Scarpetta last night. Foie gras and duck ravioli was great spaghetti was great as always. The veal osso bucco was bland and disappointing. 

Went to the 10:00 absinthe show.  Not sure what I was expecting but damn if it didn’t exceed whatever my expectations were.  Goddamn that was some hilarious shit and amazing acrobatics.  Couple of gays got hit pretty hard by the circus master. They weren’t very happy about it.  Everyone else who cushy this wrath handled exceptionally.  That guy is brutal and hilarious.  Great great show.  

[bigcigar 1164]

Best restaurant at the cosmopolitan? I’ve done Scarpetta and most of the mid-range. Was thinking of trying beauty and essex and Momofuku (lunch). Zuma seemed like a good option, but the wife and I don’t really like super loud restaurants and I read they like to turn the music up to pretty insane levels.

[gaspar 102]

Go next door to the Aria and try Bardot. 

[bigcigar 1164]

41 minutes ago, gaspar said:

Go next door to the Aria and try Bardot. 

I have some resort credit to burn at Cosmo to burn through, but Bardot is definitely on my list.

Edited August 18, 2018 by bigcigar

[bigcigar 1164]

26 minutes ago, thestud said:

 

 

China Poblano. Get the Lengua tacos and the bbq pork steambuns.

 

 

I like China poblano and tequila, but left out some context. We’ll be there for our 10 year anniversary and I’m looking for a couple upscalish dinner places. No restrictions on cuisine, but they have to be Cosmo due to resort credit.

[LonghornGoodfella 114]

3 hours ago, bigcigar said:

Best restaurant at the cosmopolitan? I’ve done Scarpetta and most of the mid-range. Was thinking of trying beauty and essex and Momofuku (lunch). Zuma seemed like a good option, but the wife and I don’t really like super loud restaurants and I read they like to turn the music up to pretty insane levels.

Momofuku is the answer