I find it somewhat interesting that the Resort of Summerlin reported a 18.9 million dollar loss during its first financial quarter but still plans to open its 255-room Regent Grand Palms Hotel tower, the Parian restaurant, the Tazzas lounge and other amenities sometime next month.

And they do plan to organize an advertising campaign directed towards the tourists and local residents .... and they anticipate a more lucrative bottom line as a result of that advertising campaign and the increased ammenities that are opening soon.

Boy! Have they got their heads on backwards and in a very dark place!

Give me just a week and I'd get them straightened out and heading in the right direction!

It would just be a simple matter of loosening the place up a bit with more reasonable hotel room rates and the best odds in town and decent slot payoffs.

First, I'd order a drastic reduction in the room rates! They don't have to drop their room rates to attract the Fremont Street folks, but I don't think there are too many people in their right mind who are willing to pay $300+ a night for any hotel room in Las Vegas unless he wants to impress the pretty lady he met the night before.

It appears that the Summerlin Resort crew are blameing a bad first financial quarter on a soft opening, insufficient ammenities, and a bad advertising campaign.

Hey, guys! You built a beautiful casino in a residential neighborhood far enough from the tourist attractions to discourage a hearty migration from the Strip and then you priced it higher than the majority of the tourists and probably all of the locals are willing to pay.

What the heck did ya expect!

Build it and they may come and look and leave after an enjoyable buffet, but price it right and they'll stay and play!

Someone appears to be reluctant to point directly at the immediate problem.

Could it be that they just don't know?

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will800

[This message has been edited by will800 (edited December 29, 1999).]

[This message has been edited by will800 (edited December 29, 1999).]

As far as I'm concerned, my 1st experience with them trying to get the local crowd was a bust and they will be getting a letter from me.

They had a promotion for the 12 days of Xmas. Each night they gave away 11 gift certificates ranging from $300 - $1100 and 1 cash prize of $1200. Then those 144 winners (12 x 12) were in a drawing for an Infinity. You get tickets for getting a 4K on video poker. something like 1 for .25, 3 for $1, and 5 for a $5 machine. Tickets were only good for the day you got them. On the night that we were in the drawing, some guy from the high limit area won 6 of 12 prizes including the cash. That would sure make a local want to come back in the place. NOT!

I agree that they have no one to blame but themselves for their poor showing thus far. Regent does not have the customer base in this country that Four Seasons and Hyatt have, as they all go for the same market. Four Seasons will, I think, be able to command top dollar (based on location, 5-diamond status, and their compan'y reputation). Hyatt may be able to make a go of it despite their location due to customer loyalty and their ability to draw corporate retreat groups. Regent? Their customer base is Asian, isn't it? I think Steve Wynn beat them to that punch.



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Bill in Santa Monica, CA

Will,

Good question. I've never been to this resort. However, I think there is a market for this place. My wife doesn't like to go to Vegas with me because of the crowds and fast pace of Vegas. When we go to Nevada, it's to Mesquite because it's more relaxing to her. The Summerlin property would probably make her happy. If I really wanted to stay IN Vegas, a place like this might be the answer. And yes, I'd pay an extra $75 to $100 per night to appease us both.



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Jeff, Gambling Moderator
senatorjm@talkvegas.com

I thought the casino was ok, but nothing special. Also, the vp payouts were terrible. And, the day I was there the buffet was closed because of an electrical problem. I don't think they will make it unless they lower the room rates and increase the vp payouts. I agree with Jeff that there are people who do not want to go to the strip and the Resort could find it's niche and cater to them, but so far they have failed.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

The Resort at Summerlin is considering changing its name to prominently include the "Regent" brand already associated with it, a hotel executive said Friday.

It's going to take more than a name change`--like lower room rates, better VP, and good slot club promos. Changing the name to include “Regent” to denote how upscale the property is won’t be causing that stampede to their doors that they are looking for.