This is what has transpired over the last few weeks with the Flamingo, and will explain why I'm slowly falling out of the Flamingo praisers group.

2 months ago I made reservations for a Feb. trip through the slot club. (I play vp at the bars there) I got casino rate 48 weekday, 68 weekend. Then about a month ago, I invited my daughter and new husband to join us on a LV vacation, I called casino marketing to see if they could give them any kind of a break on my account. (I figured a couple of bucks off would be a nice guesture, after all, I'm bringing them new customes. I was told $129 a nite all 5 nites, and I was getting a bargin because of heavy hotel volume during that time. I said, "ok". Tonight I called regular hotel reservations and here's the current room rates, 59, 129, 129, 99, 59, needless to say I was upset. I booked the cheaper room, and called back casino marketing. Casino marketing answerd the phone and I told them I thought they where helping me with room reservations for my family and all the while there jacking me up! The room for them dropped to 119 a nite for the 5 nites, then she asked me to hold please after I told her that wasn't good enough. After 15 min. on hold, the phone rang again and a new operator asked if she could help me. She looked in my file and told me that she could give me a better rate then what the regular reservations agent had. 59, 99, 99, 59, 59! I said thank you, and took the cheaper rates.
Recap:
original quote from casino marketing
$645 total stay
regular hotel rate
$475
after complaining to casino marketing
$595
then new operator and more complaining
$375
I saved $270 for catching them in what I feel is a lie, that I was given the best house rate on my first quote from casino marketing.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, and to be blunt. Always recheck prices quoted, they may not be the lowest, even within the same property and even if you are a rated player. If your right, stick to your guns! I saved $270 on the same type room.
IMHO, It looks like the Flamingo wants to play games with reservations so beware!

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com



[This message has been edited by Lee-PA (edited February 01, 2000).]

Lee, don't feel bad. I had the same experience you did on many occassions with the Rio. I got the run around all the time. It was only because I knew a gal in the casino marketing dept that I was able to get comps and low rates.
Your experience isn't uncommon. If you can get to know a specific person and then ask for that person when you call for reservations you will get the best treatment.
Speaking of the Rio. It has been a year since I have stayed there. I have not received any offers. You would think they would have noticed that a customer that stayed there 4-5 times a year and gave them decent play had left. It makes me wonder how they do as well as they do.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Lee: It seems funny that both you and Sue give Flamingo good action, yet they are giving you a hard time. I don't get it, but I guess once that run-around starts, it's time to say goodbye and find a new home. Paris sent me a comped-room offer after the November trip, and I only played quarters there and didn't spend much time gambling there at all. How do you figure that one, while Flamingo seems to be pushing you out the door. I'd suggest Paris, except their VP shedules are NG.

Don't you have a trip planned where you were thinking of trying NYNY? I know comps are very easy to get there.

Lee,

Do you and Sue each have a slot account there? Maybe Sue could book the other room under her name.

jm

All,
I am all to fimiliar with this type of run around/game. It's the same reason we no longer stay at bally's.
Sue & I have a joint account at the Flamingo. I think what hurts us is the varried games we play there. Tables/slots/VP

Yes I do have a NY NY stay in my future, but I don't think that will turn out to be home for me. This Feb. trip I'll do a little scouting, and figure something out. Paris would make a nice fit, but it's the same Park Place ownership, so I'll expect the same kind of run around sometime.




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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

We are OFF the Flamingo since last February. Reserved a king bed in a smoking room. Arrival on Thursday night. Only available king in non smoking handicapped room that was really gross. Two days and four rooms later sent us packing to the Mirage where we have visited every trip since. Paula and Mike

Paula & Mike,
I beleive you posted something about this before?
I've never had problems like the ones you mentioned, I'm having booking problems. I hate when the hotels want to play games with pricing. Seems they might have lost sight of trying to keep a customer happy, on both our accounts! <s>
Lee-PA

Lee, I hate to say it but ALL the casinos here get "smug" at one time or another. And then when everyone figures it out, they will "boycott" and only then the casinos with start giving what they should give.

So I encourage you all to send them a letter and tell them why you are not giving them anymore business. Competition. My suggestion is to bounce around. I know it's nice to get comfortable but the casinos take advantage of that.

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Gail,
I think your exactly correct with the above statment! I feel that is exactly what has happend. I feel that is what happend at Bally's, quite a few years back too.
Beleive me, I'm looking for a new place to call home, while in Vegas.
On a recent call around, I was suprised to see Paris being so friendly and that may be our new home. I'll go on record here as saying, I like the Park Place, places. These are more mid-range properties and i feel more comfortable here then say Caesars or any of the Wynn properties.
This is a lot harder then just picking another hotel....I now understand all the mind raking John (moderator) did before he finally left the Rio. I remember thinking....come on, leave the joint. It's not as easy as that or as simple.


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee, you are right about it being tough to leave a place, but take it from me, you'll feel better once you have done this. I am much happier at Caesars than I ever was at the Rio.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com