Las Vegas go hard or go home thread

[GreenspointTexas 9598]

9 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.

E is the best restaurant in the Cosmo and maybe the best in all of Nevada.

 

Momofuku, Jaleo, Rose Rabbit Lie and China Poblano all solid as well

[bigcigar 1164]

14 hours ago, GreenspointTexas said:

E is the best restaurant in the Cosmo and maybe the best in all of Nevada.

 

Momofuku, Jaleo, Rose Rabbit Lie and China Poblano all solid as well

Headed to Spain following Vegas or e would definitely be in play. Also, it looks like you prepay your meal now...not sure how that’d play out with the credit.

Maybe I’ll switch Momofuku to dinner and kill beauty and Essex. 

[DFWTexEx 276]

16 hours ago, GreenspointTexas said:

E is the best restaurant in the Cosmo and maybe the best in all of Nevada.

 

Momofuku, Jaleo, Rose Rabbit Lie and China Poblano all solid as well

I agree about E, but I just looked it up.   Wow.  I went when it was $250/per person including wine pairings, tax and gratuity.  Things have changed.

[bigcigar 1164]

Also looking forward to checking these places out:

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-epic-food-hall-gives-you-a-whole-new-reason-to-visit-las-vegas

Unfortunately, I bet they all have eggslut-like lines.

[Damor 1236]

RE:  Absinthe, any tips on choosing seating?  I understand they all have a good view since it's a small venue, but I was looking at one of the back tables toward the bar so as to not be crammed in with the hoi polloi.  But I also don't want to particularly make myself a target for ridicule (I can do that without any help).  Any reason to choose the 8p or 10p show?

Also, any thoughts on Zumanity?

[sidis 9820]

5 hours ago, Damor said:

RE:  Absinthe, any tips on choosing seating?  I understand they all have a good view since it's a small venue, but I was looking at one of the back tables toward the bar so as to not be crammed in with the hoi polloi.  But I also don't want to particularly make myself a target for ridicule (I can do that without any help).  Any reason to choose the 8p or 10p show?

Also, any thoughts on Zumanity? 

if you don't want to get called out, the farther away from the stage, the better.  doesn't matter on 8 vs. 10.  go when it is convenient for you.

 

On 8/19/2018 at 9:09 AM, bigcigar said:

Headed to Spain following Vegas or e would definitely be in play. Also, it looks like you prepay your meal now...not sure how that’d play out with the credit.

Maybe I’ll switch Momofuku to dinner and kill beauty and Essex.  

i went to e in june.  great experience.  if you don't want to prepay or it isn't for you, jaleo is an obviously an option.  otherwise, use your credit at marquis day club to have some hookers hang out in your cabana.

[Angry Gorilla 1766]

Milos in Cosmo is a great seafood place too, but my vote would be Momofuko.

[pepper brooks 580]

12 hours ago, Damor said:

RE:  Absinthe, any tips on choosing seating?  I understand they all have a good view since it's a small venue, but I was looking at one of the back tables toward the bar so as to not be crammed in with the hoi polloi.  But I also don't want to particularly make myself a target for ridicule (I can do that without any help).  Any reason to choose the 8p or 10p show?

Also, any thoughts on Zumanity?

Back is marginally safer for relentless hazing. If sitting in the front I’d say go with row 4 or back. Otherwise you’re gonna get wet in addition to getting torched by the MC 

[Damor 1236]

Thanks.  Didn't know if tables would draw any extra scrutiny.  I don't mind getting made fun of, as long as I don't have to do anything other than sit and take it whilst drinking.  Not so much into active participation.

[sidis 9820]

8 hours ago, Damor said:

Thanks.  Didn't know if tables would draw any extra scrutiny.  I don't mind getting made fun of, as long as I don't have to do anything other than sit and take it whilst drinking.  Not so much into active participation.

there was some participation from folks in the front at the show i went to.  dude had spotted an asian family of three early (clearly they had no idea what they were going to) and they clearly were not strong in english.  it was a mid-40's guy, his wife, and i'd estimate 14 year old daughter.  he had some fun with them early on but at the end of the show, he had the woman come up on the stage where she was given three lapdances by dudes.  it was fairly amusing...but the daughter was crying her eyes out while the dad tried to comfort her.  it was bizarre to say the least.  anyway, it was all in good fun but if you want to avoid any chance of participation, i would sit farther back.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

headed to Vegas in a couple of weeks.  Normally eat at MGM properties' restaurant so I can charge to my room and get comps to pay for it.  Any restaurant suggestions at MB, MGM, Park, Aria, etc?    I feel like I've been to Strip Steak (MB), Carbones (Aria) and craftsteak (MGM) too many times.   I can always go there again but I also like to try new places.

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

If you like Asian food, two of my go to spots are Lemongrass (Thai) at Aria and Noodles (Chinese) at Bellagio. I’ve been to these places so many times over the years.

I also use my food comps at the buffet at Aria, which is underrated and I’m usually not a big buffet person. They offer all kinds of fresh squeezed juice drinks and the dessert options are awesome.

If you wanted more high end, plenty of good choices. I’d probably do Carbone at Aria, but can’t go wrong with other spots.

[Bartles 769]

Javier's in the middle/far side of Aria casino floor was really good Mexican imo.

[GreenspointTexas 9598]

Joel Robuchon

 

 

one meal there should take care of all yor comps

[Landomatic 3813]

On 9/2/2018 at 8:17 AM, Bartles said:

Javier's in the middle/far side of Aria casino floor was really good Mexican imo.

Gagree

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

I haven't played blackjack in Vegas in over a decade.  Mainly stick to craps.  I've heard that you only get decent blackjack games at $100 minimum.  And that lower tables usually offer a 6/5 blackjack payout.  Is that true?

I would like to play again but thats a bitter pill to swallow and I don't want to play $100 hands.

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

I haven't played blackjack in Vegas in over a decade.  Mainly stick to craps.  I've heard that you only get decent blackjack games at $100 minimum.  And that lower tables usually offer a 6/5 blackjack payout.  Is that true?
I would like to play again but thats a bitter pill to swallow and I don't want to play $100 hands.

Quick internet search should update you on current rules at various Vegas casinos for BJ. Charts like this one:

https://wizardofvegas.com/guides/blackjack-survey/

The Strip has gone to 6/5 for most tables but you can find a few 3/2 however like you point out most of those are higher minimums. I would recommend a locals place like Ellis Island, which is just off the center Strip behind Bally’s. They are 3/2 and $5 min wager.

[bigcigar 1164]

1 hour ago, bigup2dahorns said:

 

Quick internet search should update you on current rules at various Vegas casinos for BJ. Charts like this one:

https://wizardofvegas.com/guides/blackjack-survey/

The Strip has gone to 6/5 for most tables but you can find a few 3/2 however like you point out most of those are higher minimums. I would recommend a locals place like Ellis Island, which is just off the center Strip behind Bally’s. They are 3/2 and $5 min wager.

 

Or get sweated at el Cortez 

[Angry Gorilla 1766]

I was at Cosmo 2 weeks ago and they had $25 3/2 tables even during busy times.  Some were even in the same pit as $25 6/5 tables and it was amazing to see how many people would play 6/5 when there were available seats at 3/2 in the same fucking pit for the same min.

[Chewbacca 7765]

2 hours ago, Angry Gorilla said:

I was at Cosmo 2 weeks ago and they had $25 3/2 tables even during busy times.  Some were even in the same pit as $25 6/5 tables and it was amazing to see how many people would play 6/5 when there were available seats at 3/2 in the same fucking pit for the same min.

And that is the reason they went to 6/5.  Gave the house better odds and your average gambler never even knew it happened.  

 

With just the change from 3:2 to 6:5, the house odds increase by 4x (from .5% to 2%).

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

Thanks for the link.  Looks like it’s usually $100+ per hand to get 3/2 blackjack and stand on a soft 17.  $200 min at Mandalay Bay, where I’m staying.  Out of my league. 

[closetojumping 62507]

Here’s a request for help since some of you guys have alluded to comps: I go to Vegas 2-5 times a year, depending mostly on business meetings regarding frequency above 2 visits. For years, we’ve stayed at Aria and spend and gamble plenty of money. Not whale money, but $100/ blackjack and comparable output at craps.  I always get the offers for 4 free nights in the mail and I take those, sure. That said, I see you guys mentioning comps and I see guys getting comps, but I have no idea how that shit works and how to get it. Anyone care to enlighten the ignorant? I’m going in early November with SydneyCarton and 10 other degenerates including my lunatic of a little brother, who I generally wind up paying for/funding, so this would be helpful shit to know. 

Separately, my wife and I went to Momofuku a couple of trips ago, and we couldn’t wait to try it, and we were disappointed. Maybe we built it up too much, but I don’t know. We eat at places of that caliber and rank frequently enough to know great when we’re experiencing it. To that point, we went LeCirque in June and that place was the balls. I grant that it is over the top expensive, but it was outstanding.

One other thing, we went one day to Giordano’s (sue me, we used to do a lot of business in Chicago and loved that place and Lou Malnotti’s and we missed it) and then walked over to The Cromwell. I’d never noticed this place and I think it is a newly remodeled smaller hotel/casino. It’s open to the strip, which was fun. It also had 100x odds on the craps table. Some dude got hot and I was dropping $400 behind $20 and he was crushing the numbers. It.was.awesome. And that was like a Thursday afternoon. He also hit the Make’em Small/Make’em Tall/Make’em All trifecta during his run and I was 5-5-5 across that. That 3 hour binge paid for the entire trip and 5 more in the future. 

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

On the comps, you’ve stayed at Aria often and gambled a decent amount while I assume using your M-Life card. They have sent you hotel offers so your play has been successfully tracked. Comps are based on a variety of factors, most importantly the length of time that you play and the amounts they record for your average wagers. The longer you play and the more money you wager earns you more comps. The key is that this info is successfully tracked while you play by a pit boss. So feel free to speak with a pit boss while or after you play to confirm the info and make sure it is correct. They do this all the time and it’s no trouble to them.

 

I would suggest for your upcoming trip to contact Aria and have them look up your play and ask them what is available to you based on this record. The people who handle this stuff are called casino hosts. Each casino has them. Typically you can be assigned a designated host who becomes familiar with your play and your likes and dislikes at their casino. I’m not sure of direct phone contact for this department but I do see a link for email contacts:

 

https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/casino/aria/hosts.html

 

As to your general question of what can be comped, it can be just about anything in the casino from food to pool cabanas to bottles at the club to limos around the Strip. Ask a host what they can do for you and your group. Make sure to tell them you are bringing a large group to Aria and what you plan to do.

 

[LonghornGoodfella 114]

What big said. Def make sure you talk to the pit boss at Aria. I also love gambling at the Cromwell. 

Speaking of this thread, shocked we haven’t seen the annual buzzrock post flying out for the fantasy football draft. 

[Incredulity 11643]

I would add that you need to ASK for comps from the host.  To get the most comps you gotta work the host.  

"Hey, Bob I want to go see (insert Mlife property show)."

"Hey, Bob I would like to go for a meal at (insert Mlife property restaurant)."

 

Don't wait for them to offer, you will be waiting forever.

[closetojumping 62507]

1 hour ago, bigup2dahorns said:

On the comps, you’ve stayed at Aria often and gambled a decent amount while I assume using your M-Life card. They have sent you hotel offers so your play has been successfully tracked. Comps are based on a variety of factors, most importantly the length of time that you play and the amounts they record for your average wagers. The longer you play and the more money you wager earns you more comps. The key is that this info is successfully tracked while you play by a pit boss. So feel free to speak with a pit boss while or after you play to confirm the info and make sure it is correct. They do this all the time and it’s no trouble to them.

 

I would suggest for your upcoming trip to contact Aria and have them look up your play and ask them what is available to you based on this record. The people who handle this stuff are called casino hosts. Each casino has them. Typically you can be assigned a designated host who becomes familiar with your play and your likes and dislikes at their casino. I’m not sure of direct phone contact for this department but I do see a link for email contacts:

 

https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/casino/aria/hosts.html

 

As to your general question of what can be comped, it can be just about anything in the casino from food to pool cabanas to bottles at the club to limos around the Strip. Ask a host what they can do for you and your group. Make sure to tell them you are bringing a large group to Aria and what you plan to do.

 

Yeah, they definitely have my behaviors thanks to the M-Life card, so I should be able to get something from all of this. Thanks for your help, here. I've got cards with other groups too, and they send me free stay offers as well, so I might start calling around before booking in the future and see who seems the most helpful. 

[closetojumping 62507]

On a separate note, since I'm now keeping up with this thread and you guys seem to know your shit on some of the hidden aspects of Vegas, I have another set of questions, spoiler for some level of decorum.

Spoiler

When we've done bachelor parties or celebratory things and spent a bunch of money on debauched shit, we've done it at Sapphire or Spearmint. It's always been insane and the costs were insane. I'm not a frequenter of the strip clubs anywhere,  but I know enough to have had fun at the ones in Vegas on special occasions.

So I get into a conversation with a neighborhood friend about Vegas, since he'd just gotten back from a bachelor party. I ask him which men's club they went to and he said they did something even better. "Uh, what would be better?". I brace for this guy to suddenly tell me something about escorts, which blows past my interests, but no, he says they got a cabana by the pool at Wynn/Encore. They were a group of 10-12, guys in their mid-30's to mid-40's, making good money and mostly married. They paid roughly $8-$10k and split it, and said that it was insane. "Insane with women, insane?", I asked. "Yes, dude, like beyond Spearmint type shit." Ok, then. What does that even mean?

I don't hang out at pools. I despise pools, frankly. The concept of joining the fucking bro-down I see walking through Aria during the summer has always more or less nauseated me. That said, if this kind of thing is the truth at the poolside, the next time something big is happening and I'm in Vegas with my buddies, would this be a legitimate alternative to the Spearmint route? Or was he full of shit?

 

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

Spoiler

I am not able to directly answer your question but from what I know, I believe your friend was closer to telling the truth rather than being full of shit. I've spent some time at Wynn/Encore clubs, but all at night. I'm with you, I have no interest in getting in the pool with 5,000 drunk idiots. I did attend what they called a "Nightswim" party with DJs Skrillex and Diplo (referred to as JackU). Typically the clubs have a dress code. For this event, there was not much of a code. Some of the girls had pasties on top. It was a great time.

As to the day club version, what I have personally witnessed at Wynn/Encore is what most people refer to as "the parade". This is the parade in and out of the pool area of hot chicks wearing very little clothing. Every poker player is well aware of this as the girls walk by the poker room at Encore.

Now to your specific question, I have read over the years about activities inside the pools and cabanas at these day parties. I don't have first hand accounts of them but they are fairly well documented on various Vegas blog sites as well as articles in the press regarding sexual activity around and inside the pools. I will leave it to others who might be able to confirm it first hand. I follow a few DJs on Snapchat and they frequently show videos from the day clubs at Wynn/Encore and Wet Republic. It certainly looks like people are having a great time and the talent level is fantastic. With a cabana . . . who knows what goes on, but I've certainly heard stories that likely back up your friend's account.

Edited to move text into spoiler 

Edited September 6, 2018 by bigup2dahorns

[Angry Gorilla 1766]

Spoiler

I've done the pool parties a couple of times, but never the Wynn/Encore.  I assume he was talking about Encore Beach Club, which has an actual party during the day and not the normal pool.  I just did a cabana 2 weekends ago at Marquee and there are some similarities to a strip club, but not much.  IMO the girls will be much hotter at a pool party, but will be clothed.  Your bouncer will go find groups of girls in the pool and deliver them to you.  Like a strip club, they will all act very into you as long as you are "paying" them, but at the pool you are paying them with drinks which is less creepy.  They will hang out as long as the $1k bottles keep coming.  It's also more fun IMO to hang in a cabana listening to a live DJ with a pool if you want to use it rather than sitting in a dark strip club listening to Def Leppard and Journey on repeat.

As far as what happens in the cabana, it's not going to be more than what would go on in a club.  You may get a lap dance from a drunk girl looking for attention.

 

[Angry Gorilla 1766]

For comps, here is my personal anecdote.  My gambling is pretty similar, $1-200/hand in blackjack, and I got the mailers for free rooms.  I was at Cosmo back in Feb for my wife's bday, and was going to be back a few weeks later for a guys' trip.  While at Cosmo I found out another friend wanted to come on guys' trip so I went to front desk to inquire about upgrading my reservation to a 2 bedroom suite.  She said those rooms all go through VIP and sent me to an office in the high roller area.  I met with a lady and she looked me and asked if I had a host and I said no.  She handed me her card and told me she was my host now.  Now I can just text or email her for any requests.  She wasn't able to upgrade me to a 2 bedroom suite, but added another room comped.  Also got us last second reservations to STK when they told us they were booked.  She has already comped me a suite for the McGregor fight weekend.  

[Underdog 28544]

Some MFing ballers up in this thread.  Hell, I just feel all uppity if I score a .99 cent footlong or shrimp cocktail @ Slots-A-Fun. 

[closetojumping 62507]

7 hours ago, bigup2dahorns said:

On the comps, you’ve stayed at Aria often and gambled a decent amount while I assume using your M-Life card. They have sent you hotel offers so your play has been successfully tracked. Comps are based on a variety of factors, most importantly the length of time that you play and the amounts they record for your average wagers. The longer you play and the more money you wager earns you more comps. The key is that this info is successfully tracked while you play by a pit boss. So feel free to speak with a pit boss while or after you play to confirm the info and make sure it is correct. They do this all the time and it’s no trouble to them.

 

I would suggest for your upcoming trip to contact Aria and have them look up your play and ask them what is available to you based on this record. The people who handle this stuff are called casino hosts. Each casino has them. Typically you can be assigned a designated host who becomes familiar with your play and your likes and dislikes at their casino. I’m not sure of direct phone contact for this department but I do see a link for email contacts:

 

https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/casino/aria/hosts.html

 

As to your general question of what can be comped, it can be just about anything in the casino from food to pool cabanas to bottles at the club to limos around the Strip. Ask a host what they can do for you and your group. Make sure to tell them you are bringing a large group to Aria and what you plan to do.

 

I've email a host from the link you provided. I'll update the thread if/when there's a response to my inquiry.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

As every one else has said, you have to get a personal host and then comps should be better than the mailers.    One trip after gambling too much at Mandalay Bay, my buddy and I just demanded to speak to one, and now I've been working with her for 4 years.  I just call/email her when I want to go.  She sets up the room and food/beverage comps.   After I check out, she may comp even more based on what I did that trip.   She has given me concert and sports tickets.  Invites to private parties at MB.  

In my experience, Aria is not the best for comps unless you are really betting big.  And I don't know how to define that as I don't qualify.  I usually have $125-400 on a craps table, and they barely wrote down that I was gambling.  The pit bosses still hand record on paper (as of Sept '17) how much you're gambling and if they're lazy, they ignore the low to middle level gamblers.   

I do have the contact info for an Aria host.  If anyone wants it, I'm more than happy to pass it on via a private message.   

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

Spoiler

guess pool parties are in spoilers.   If you have 10-25 guys, the vip cabanas in the pool parties should be scheduled at least once in your life.  Probably run from $3-10K depending on a few factors.  Basically you are prepaying for booze and food.  And if you're not careful, it will go higher.  I suggest that someone agree to stay somewhat sober and tell your waitress (she most likely will only wait on you) that this guy is in charge of the bill and that she has to tell him if you approach the minimum.    You will be tipping her and the others upwards of 20-35% of the bill.  If the bouncer is bringing over ladies to party (i.e. drink your booze), you need to take care of him as well.   

The key is that you tell the waitress and bouncer what you want.  It's their only job for the day to make you happy.  And they're getting a lot of money to make you happy.  

Last advice on these parties, have everyone be clear on the amounts beforehand so no cheapskate is whining about his share during the party and be careful of going too hard, too soon at the pool party.   Your drinks will be refilled before it gets half empty.  Easy to get out of control.  Oh and don't plan for much later in the evening.  most of your friends will pass out by 7pm.

 

[Landomatic 3813]

On 9/6/2018 at 8:36 AM, closetojumping said:

Here’s a request for help since some of you guys have alluded to comps: I go to Vegas 2-5 times a year, depending mostly on business meetings regarding frequency above 2 visits. For years, we’ve stayed at Aria and spend and gamble plenty of money. Not whale money, but $100/ blackjack and comparable output at craps.  I always get the offers for 4 free nights in the mail and I take those, sure. That said, I see you guys mentioning comps and I see guys getting comps, but I have no idea how that shit works and how to get it. Anyone care to enlighten the ignorant? I’m going in early November with SydneyCarton and 10 other degenerates including my lunatic of a little brother, who I generally wind up paying for/funding, so this would be helpful shit to know. 

Separately, my wife and I went to Momofuku a couple of trips ago, and we couldn’t wait to try it, and we were disappointed. Maybe we built it up too much, but I don’t know. We eat at places of that caliber and rank frequently enough to know great when we’re experiencing it. To that point, we went LeCirque in June and that place was the balls. I grant that it is over the top expensive, but it was outstanding.

One other thing, we went one day to Giordano’s (sue me, we used to do a lot of business in Chicago and loved that place and Lou Malnotti’s and we missed it) and then walked over to The Cromwell. I’d never noticed this place and I think it is a newly remodeled smaller hotel/casino. It’s open to the strip, which was fun. It also had 100x odds on the craps table. Some dude got hot and I was dropping $400 behind $20 and he was crushing the numbers. It.was.awesome. And that was like a Thursday afternoon. He also hit the Make’em Small/Make’em Tall/Make’em All trifecta during his run and I was 5-5-5 across that. That 3 hour binge paid for the entire trip and 5 more in the future. 

I don't gamble much anymore, but I have 2 friends who claim to have the system down and they often tell me all about it.  Both very different approaches...

One (M-Life) goes what seems like about once a month if not more and he never pays for shit.  I've been on a trip with him and from what I can tell, the only money he spent was just gambling.  Never a meal, drink, limo ride, room...not a penny.  The only thing he claims he ever does, and all I witnessed on that trip, is sit and play fairly inexpensive slots.  He's also the type who would demand free shit and is probably a pain in the ass to deal with if he doesn't get it.  Also of note, I pretty much never saw him when he wasn't sitting in front of a machine.  Like first thing in the morning to late into the night, leave dinner early (the one night he came out with us) because "gotta get back to the slots" type levels.  I think he mostly just gets up to piss and grab an occasional quick bite.  I'd be shocked if he wasn't on a machine at least 16 hours a day.  I could never see the fun in that but he likes it I guess.  With that amount of time invested, I supposed the totals could add up, but I doubt he'd be considered that much of a big player from a total dollars standpoint.

The other one (Wynn/Encore) goes about 2-5 times a year and plays blackjack around $100/hand level.  He claims its all about the time spent gambling once you're there.  Seems to think the magic number is 8 hours per day spent gambling to get to a certain level of comps and the amount of money spent doesn't really even kick in until you get to that magic 8 hour number.  He methodically works in a few hours here and there throughout the day until he gets to right around 8 hours.  Leaves him plenty of time to enjoy other things (nice dinners, time at the pool, etc).  As far as what kinds of comps he gets, he claims that when he goes to tab out at the end of the trip, there are a handful of things credited (like a night or two and a meal or two).  I don't think he really ever pushes it too much until he checks out.  He's also just not the type who would ever pull out a coupon or create a scene during dinner, for example, whereas the other guy certainly is.  He has a very well known casino host who takes pretty good care of him if he ever needs anything (gets the Rolls to and from the airport, gets to skip lines at clubs, etc), but it's completely different than the guy above.  And even with less time spent gambling and fewer times per year, this guy undoubtedly spends more overall than the guy above.

So, the long and the short of it is that there are probably a lot of different ways to go about it, depending on how you like to do Vegas.  Amount of time spent seems to definitely be a factor, not just amount of money spent.  And having "a guy" or casino host is a factor.  After that, I think a lot just comes down to how hard you want to push for shit.

[Armybrat 40814]

On 9/6/2018 at 3:30 PM, Underdog said:

Some MFing ballers up in this thread.  Hell, I just feel all uppity if I score a .99 cent footlong or shrimp cocktail @ Slots-A-Fun. 

I used to get a couple of free nights at mid- level Strip hotels back in the day, but haven’t been comped a stick of gum in 10 years.

gottdam bean counters ruined Vegas.

[closetojumping 62507]

As a follow-up to my prior posts, I heard back from the Aria hostess I reached out to, and, well, she wasn't much help. Her response to my inquiry was basically, "I looked into your profile and you're good for the four free nights and resort comps, but upgrading to a suite would mean you spending $1000/number on the craps table for a 4 hour minimum. I can help you set your reservation up, in any event, if you'd like, and I'll look at your account during your stay if you'd like as well." So I guess she was helpful, but damn, they think their suites are the balls. I've stayed in them with buddies before and they're like $900/$1200 a night, so gambling at the $1000/number clip seems disproportionate to the payoff. Either way, I'm all set now. Thanks to the responders on here. 

[bigcigar 1164]

1 hour ago, closetojumping said:

I looked into your profile and you're good for the four free nights and resort comps, but upgrading to a suite would mean you spending $1000/number on the craps table for a 4 hour minimum.

That’s about $5000 theoretical loss a day. So if they treat the suite as a $1200 comp, sounds about right...but seems pretty damn stingy. That’s probably bc the rooms are cash cows and they can afford to reserve them for high rollers.

6 hours ago, Landomatic said:

I don't gamble much anymore, but I have 2 friends who claim to have the system down and they often tell me all about it.  Both very different approaches...

Blackjack guy has average daily theoretical loss of $750. I guarantee penny slots guy has a higher theo than blackjack guy (and the comps prove it). At 14 hours playing $2.50 a bet, he’d be at $1,750 Theo/day.

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

As to the question of how much play earns what level of comps, the Aria hostess was offering to monitor your play and adjust or update comp info during your trip. From what I’ve observed in the past, you go enjoy yourself at the property, sign everything (that you can) to your room and then meet with the host before checkout and see what they will comp. Over time, you begin to get a feel for what they will and won’t do for you.

For this particular trip, sounds like they weren’t immediately able to start out by comping a Sky Suite. I’m not sure exactly how many they have, but if you are going over a weekend, it’s definitely a supply/demand issues with level of play of other rated players. If you were asking for mid-week about a week prior to Christmas, they might have said sure we can comp a Sky Suite for you then.

As an interesting aside, a long time ago when I took an official Wall Street guided tour around Vegas, we met with the CEO/CFOs and when I met with MGM it was at The Mansion. This is a 55 Suites hotel/Casino at MGM Grand and we were told you can’t call up and pay to stay there. The only guests allowed were invited who had rated play. At the time the largest Suite (which we toured) was 4 bedrooms, had its own private indoor pool and came with its own chef and butler. And the credit line to be awarded that Suite was off the charts. Anyways, I won’t go on anymore here about that, but I’ve heard a lot of great stories over the years.

[Chewbacca 7765]

As to the question of how much play earns what level of comps, the Aria hostess was offering to monitor your play and adjust or update comp info during your trip. From what I’ve observed in the past, you go enjoy yourself at the property, sign everything (that you can) to your room and then meet with the host before checkout and see what they will comp. Over time, you begin to get a feel for what they will and won’t do for you.

For this particular trip, sounds like they weren’t immediately able to start out by comping a Sky Suite. I’m not sure exactly how many they have, but if you are going over a weekend, it’s definitely a supply/demand issues with level of play of other rated players. If you were asking for mid-week about a week prior to Christmas, they might have said sure we can comp a Sky Suite for you then.

As an interesting aside, a long time ago when I took an official Wall Street guided tour around Vegas, we met with the CEO/CFOs and when I met with MGM it was at The Mansion. This is a 55 Suites hotel/Casino at MGM Grand and we were told you can’t call up and pay to stay there. The only guests allowed were invited who had rated play. At the time the largest Suite (which we toured) was 4 bedrooms, had its own private indoor pool and came with its own chef and butler. And the credit line to be awarded that Suite was off the charts. Anyways, I won’t go on anymore here about that, but I’ve heard a lot of great stories over the years.

The Mansion is where Tiger used to sword his skanks.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

FYI you don’t have to meet with the host prior to checkout.  My host doesn’t work Sunday and Monday, when I normally leave.  We connect on Tuesday.  Sure, they charge my credit card for whatever was billed to the room.  Then she backs off most of the charges on her return to work.  

At this point, it’s all about making me happy enough to come back the next time.    

As for aria averaging  $1000/roll (not counting free odds), that might be true.  I stayed there last year and couldn’t get them to barely rate me.  My average was more like 150.    If your gambling level isn’t getting you the comps you want, you might have to back down to a lower tier of the mlife properties.  Like the mgm grand or Mandalay.   An average gambler at aria might be a whale at a crappy casino.

I cant say for certain but there seems to be a partial relationship between comps and lines of credit.   Let’s say you have a line of 10K and normally pull out that much on trips.  It demonstrates how much you are willing to gamble. 

[closetojumping 62507]

1 hour ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

FYI you don’t have to meet with the host prior to checkout.  My host doesn’t work Sunday and Monday, when I normally leave.  We connect on Tuesday.  Sure, they charge my credit card for whatever was billed to the room.  Then she backs off most of the charges on her return to work.  

At this point, it’s all about making me happy enough to come back the next time.    

As for aria averaging  $1000/roll (not counting free odds), that might be true.  I stayed there last year and couldn’t get them to barely rate me.  My average was more like 150.    If your gambling level isn’t getting you the comps you want, you might have to back down to a lower tier of the mlife properties.  Like the mgm grand or Mandalay.   An average gambler at aria might be a whale at a crappy casino.

I cant say for certain but there seems to be a partial relationship between comps and lines of credit.   Let’s say you have a line of 10K and normally pull out that much on trips.  It demonstrates how much you are willing to gamble. 

LOCs are another mystery to me. I have no idea how that shit works. After reading your post and thinking about my behaviors, my normal amounts per roll are $300 and on blackjack, I usually open with $50. In truth, I’m not that far off, but none of this is that important. I love gambling and do it at length when visiting Vegas, but we’re pretty much staying at Aria regardless of comps, unless my wife is involved, who has started pushing to stay at Bellagio instead, and that isn’t improving the situation. I don’t want to go down a notch on hotels, and the Wynn stuff has never intrigued beyond stopping in for a dinner and some gambling on the way out. 

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

If you mean the mechanics of the Line of Credit, it’s basically a short term loan.  You complete a loan application and they decide whether you qualify and set an amount.    You also have to provide them with a bank account routing and acct #.  You will need to personally activate the credit on your next trip.  There is usually a credit office.

how to withdrawal:

• tell the dealer you want to take out X amount; give them your players card
• Pit boss comes over, looks you up on the computer to verify
• dealer hands you X amount in chips
• pit boss has you sign a document which is basically a check for X amount to them

how to repay:

• best method - if you’re up at the original  table (or nearby) you can tell the dealer you want pay it back.  This is an option for a certain number of hours while that check is still at the tables.  They hand it to you, and you tear it up.
• by the next morning, the check is at the cage.  You can repay with chips, cash or personal check.  (This process can take anywhere from 2-10 minutes depending on where the check is physically.)
• or just go home, and they deposit the checks against your personal bank account within 2 weeks.

The main risk with the lines of credit is that you could withdrawal the full amount when you’re not in your right mind: on tilt, drink, whatever.  They don’t have a daily limit like your ATM card.  

While the process seems a bit loose, I’ve never once had a problem and they know what they’re doing.   As major players routinely gamble with credit, to avoid traveling with large amounts of cash, the casino has to get this right.   

As for your gambling amounts and preference to stay at aria, you should get a fair amount comped there as long as you’re playing upwards of 8 hours per day.  Charge everything to the room.  Even meals at other mlife properties. Then talk to the host at the end of the trip or when you get home.  Ask what they can do for you.  

[Landomatic 3813]

8 hours ago, bigup2dahorns said:

As an interesting aside, a long time ago when I took an official Wall Street guided tour around Vegas, we met with the CEO/CFOs and when I met with MGM it was at The Mansion. This is a 55 Suites hotel/Casino at MGM Grand and we were told you can’t call up and pay to stay there. The only guests allowed were invited who had rated play. At the time the largest Suite (which we toured) was 4 bedrooms, had its own private indoor pool and came with its own chef and butler. And the credit line to be awarded that Suite was off the charts. Anyways, I won’t go on anymore here about that, but I’ve heard a lot of great stories over the years.

Funny...I'm sure there are some crazy parts of Vegas that most of us don't even know exist.

I remember looking out off a balcony from a suite at the MGM years ago and seeing a couple rooms with private pools and staff.  We could see servants walking around on the patio by the pool.  I thought the suite I was in was pretty cool until I saw those.  Might have been what you're talking about.

Similar thing at the Wynn one time.  Was standing out by the tower entrance and I look up and see this part of the hotel I didn't even know existed.  So, I asked the valet and he pretty much said that's for whales.  I thought maybe it was the villas or something (which I'd seen online) and he said..."No, it's above villa level, you can't just call and book them, you have to be invited"

My favorite was one time at the Encore.  In their tower suites, there is a button in one of the elevators that says Sky Bar or Sky Lounge or something like that.  I thought that sounded pretty cool and I'd never been there so of course I pushed it.  It didn't do anything.  So, I called the front desk from my room and asked if we could go up there.  The lovely lady at the front desk said sure, let me transfer you.  I was transferred to some guy who sounded like he was straight from the Sopranos who proceeded to tell me it was a $250K minimum to get up there.

[Landomatic 3813]

11 hours ago, bigcigar said:

Blackjack guy has average daily theoretical loss of $750. I guarantee penny slots guy has a higher theo than blackjack guy (and the comps prove it). At 14 hours playing $2.50 a bet, he’d be at $1,750 Theo/day.

Yeah, I didn't mean blackjack guy gambled more money than penny slot guy...I meant he spent more in total on property.  I'd guess it's not even close.  Let's say your calculations are correct (sounds like you know a hell of a lot more about it than me)...add upgraded room, expensive meals, pool cabanas, bottle service at clubs, etc to blackjack guy's total.  I've been to Vegas with blackjack guy several times and I know for a fact his average amount spent per day is easily $1,500 on top of what he gambles.  Meanwhile, penny slot guy grabs a free room, a couple free sandwiches and drinks free all day.

Kind of a whole different discussion, but that's what never really calculates to me about Vegas.  I can spend a shitload on everything except gambling and get nothing in return for it.  But, someone like penny slot guy can spend dick on other stuff and get all kinds of ass kissing as long as he's gambling.

[Landomatic 3813]

On 9/6/2018 at 3:30 PM, Underdog said:

Some MFing ballers up in this thread.  Hell, I just feel all uppity if I score a .99 cent footlong or shrimp cocktail @ Slots-A-Fun. 

User name checks out.

[Incredulity 11643]

Quote

My favorite was one time at the Encore.  In their tower suites, there is a button in one of the elevators that says Sky Bar or Sky Lounge or something like that.  I thought that sounded pretty cool and I'd never been there so of course I pushed it.  It didn't do anything.  So, I called the front desk from my room and asked if we could go up there.  The lovely lady at the front desk said sure, let me transfer you.  I was transferred to some guy who sounded like he was straight from the Sopranos who proceeded to tell me it was a $250K minimum to get up there.

All right then, lets hit the all you can eat shrimp buffett and head over to Circus Circus.

 

[Landomatic 3813]

11 minutes ago, Incredulity said:

All right then, lets hit the all you can eat shrimp buffett and head over to Circus Circus.

 

Hahaha...yeah that was pretty much my response.

[closetojumping 62507]

6 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

If you mean the mechanics of the Line of Credit, it’s basically a short term loan.  You complete a loan application and they decide whether you qualify and set an amount.    You also have to provide them with a bank account routing and acct #.  You will need to personally activate the credit on your next trip.  There is usually a credit office.

how to withdrawal:

• tell the dealer you want to take out X amount; give them your players card
• Pit boss comes over, looks you up on the computer to verify
• dealer hands you X amount in chips
• pit boss has you sign a document which is basically a check for X amount to them

how to repay:

• best method - if you’re up at the original  table (or nearby) you can tell the dealer you want pay it back.  This is an option for a certain number of hours while that check is still at the tables.  They hand it to you, and you tear it up.
• by the next morning, the check is at the cage.  You can repay with chips, cash or personal check.  (This process can take anywhere from 2-10 minutes depending on where the check is physically.)
• or just go home, and they deposit the checks against your personal bank account within 2 weeks.

The main risk with the lines of credit is that you could withdrawal the full amount when you’re not in your right mind: on tilt, drink, whatever.  They don’t have a daily limit like your ATM card.  

While the process seems a bit loose, I’ve never once had a problem and they know what they’re doing.   As major players routinely gamble with credit, to avoid traveling with large amounts of cash, the casino has to get this right.   

As for your gambling amounts and preference to stay at aria, you should get a fair amount comped there as long as you’re playing upwards of 8 hours per day.  Charge everything to the room.  Even meals at other mlife properties. Then talk to the host at the end of the trip or when you get home.  Ask what they can do for you.  

I've always wondered how the whole check-signing at the table for a mark thing works, so pos-rep. It also answers the thought frequently in my head when I travel there about how people are dealing with the money-handling hassle.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

3 hours ago, Landomatic said:

Yeah, I didn't mean blackjack guy gambled more money than penny slot guy...I meant he spent more in total on property.  I'd guess it's not even close.  Let's say your calculations are correct (sounds like you know a hell of a lot more about it than me)...add upgraded room, expensive meals, pool cabanas, bottle service at clubs, etc to blackjack guy's total.  I've been to Vegas with blackjack guy several times and I know for a fact his average amount spent per day is easily $1,500 on top of what he gambles.  Meanwhile, penny slot guy grabs a free room, a couple free sandwiches and drinks free all day.

Kind of a whole different discussion, but that's what never really calculates to me about Vegas.  I can spend a shitload on everything except gambling and get nothing in return for it.  But, someone like penny slot guy can spend dick on other stuff and get all kinds of ass kissing as long as he's gambling.

I forget that many people are not aware of the benefits you get by just spending money.  But you have to "ask" for it.

If you spend $1500 at the hotel (restaurants, bars, stores, pool, etc.) you can earn casino points that ultimately improve your comps/offers.  You either need to drop your players card along with your credit card or have it charged to your room if your players card is linked. This also works for the hotel room itself, if it's not already comped.  I don't think you earn points for the amount you tip the staff.

I'm currently only familiar with the MLife loyalty program (MGM, Aria, Mandalay, etc.)  For every $1 you spend (non-casino) you get 25 tier credit points.   The guy spending $1500 should earn 37,500 points right there which is halfway to their Gold level.    Gold status equals better offers. (There are 2 higher levels)

A downside is that you can't double up the points and comps.   Say the casino host comps you that $500 meal charged to your room.  You won't earn the 12,500 points ($500 * 25) on your loyalty points account (tier credits at Mlife.)

One trick to maximize points is at dinner with a bunch of people that do not care about the point status.  Everyone can throw down their credit card, but you can be the only person that throws down the players card.  Easy to scoop up >10K points at a time.   Go for a convention, pick up a few business meals and you might get a comped room on your next vacation.