Mega Coporations Effect On Las Vegas

[Steve]

Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week"


Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?

[Alohafri]

Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week"


Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?


I would say most definitely. We stay on the north end of the Strip, usually at the Stratosphere because it is "price friendly." I would like to stay center strip and enjoy the amenities of places such as Venetian, Bellagio, and even Mirage and TI, but when room rates start getting over 80 bucks a night, it isn't worth it. Compared with other cities across the nation, 80 dollars doesn't seem like much, but when you take into consideration the budget you need to have for gambling, that 80 dollars adds up pretty quickly.

[vegasaddict]

Yes, there is a big difference in room prices since my last visit in October. We are going again in April and I really had a hard time to fine a decent rate for a room. They are going to lose a lot of the middle class visitors if they keep raising their rates.

[jalf234]

Yes, years ago we would come in and the hotel prices were cheap as were the buffets. They are forcing people who can't afford to look at other places to go. I know now when I go to Vegas I don't stay on the strip. I look for the places off the strip cause they are more reasonable. Bring back the mob at least they were more personable about the people. The big corporations suck and they are only looking at their pockets. It ashame cause they are ruining Las Vegas for the middle class people.

[Sipsey]

Yes, I think so. But in the last few years, the megaresorts have started getting larger shares of their revenue streams from shows, food, rooms, etc. than from gambling. I usually stay downtown at a cut rate or for free, because when I go to Vegas I like to spend most of my time gambling, not shopping and certainly not paying $100 to see a show. Since my budget is limited, that means staying downtown and taking a few sightseeing trips to the strip.

The Vegas strip is an international vacation destination now. It's only going to get more so, I'm afraid.

[diana-al]

obviously, if people are willing to pay the high prices, it must
be worth it-if people are on a budget, all they have to do is
stay downtown where there is still a $25 room, $7 show & a
$6 buffet-we see no slow time in vegas-we were there in mid
december thinking it would be quiet-boy, were we wrong-
just as busy as ever-where else on earth do you get what
you get in vegas?

[vegastigr]

We moved here 10 years ago, and the changes are unreal. We never go on the Strip now, nor downtown. We go to the local casinos to gamble, and even there, the prices of the buffets are way out of line. It's also hard now to find 2 for 1 coupons. This town has become a town for high rollers, and the person with an average income would have a hard time finding affordable restaurants or rooms. And with the old hotels being scheduled for implosion and/or changes, it will become even worse. We really miss the "Old Vegas". It had more variety and was a lot more fun.

[thegreek]

Without a doubt they are pricing higher across the board. Room rates pay for two and get third one free, buffet BOGOF, Shows BOGOF it is getting to be a pricing game. Even car rentals are going higher. Las Vegas is heading for a super show stopper. When people realize Vegas is not a bargin anymore and spread out to other venues lookout. Places like the Plaza, Vegas Club, Binions and MSS are getting higher rates and have not touch a room for years. Most smaller casinos are getting $89 and $99 on weekends where befor ethey were $69 and $79. However the other side tells you every year Vegas gains in people visiting it and spending more each year. It is hard to say where the break point really is but it has to be looming in the near future. Celine, Danny Ganns are super but not worth the price but Casinos give out huge contracts and have to recoup somewhere I guess. It is time for some good lounge acts return and forget the $200 seats.

[Elva Jordon]

Not only the rooms, but the food and shows are sky high now. We used to enjoy dinner shows. We have seen many shows for under 100.00 including dinner and now the same shows are way out of reach of the everyday visitors. Only the high rollers and wealthy can afford to stay in nicer hotels now. The average person paid to make Vegas "the place" and now we are basically priced out.
:confused: :(

[lynzid]

We live in Vegas and it is definitely outpricing middle America. We went ot see Celine and had a nice dinner at Caesars and the evening cost $800 for two!!!! That's absolutely ridiculous. Even the small shows cost approx. $60 per person without food. One day people will stop going to the shows, eating at these absurdly expensive restaurants and Vegas will have to wake up. It's very sad.

[DCramer72]

I would say that the Strip has outpriced itself from gambling to accomidations. My once a year trip, which is usually a 9 day trip is typically Downtown. Why pay almost $200 a night for a room on the strip (low end), when you can stay in a clean room Downtown for as little as $30 a night. It really makes no sense. The Strip is a short bus ride or cab ride or rental car drive away and then you can just go back when your done. Really, only the Fountains at Bellagio and the people watching is the only draw of the strip. Drinks, rooms and gambling is all cheaper and better downtown.

[pugugly]

We felt in the past it was a good value to go to Las Vegas, when the rooms were very affordable and food was inexpensive or free. It left us the bulk of our bankroll to gamble and play with now it takes a very large bite out of it, and frankly is not such a value anymore, there is nothing worse than being in Vegas without any spending money.

[kidgarfield]

Most defininely, without a doubt, it's killing the town. Airlines are such a pain to deal with I could always count on Vegas giving me a value once I got there. But now the prices are just killing the opportunity to be there without having to worry about money (which is what vacations are for, to leave worry behind). There are plenty of shows I've wanted to see but don't want to pay $100 to see them. My friends have balked even if I had a 'good' day and was willing to break the $100 bill into a ticket.
I see way too much of the Atlantic City mentality creeeping into Vegas. AC's motto should be "how much money did you bring? Leave it on the table and get out now." Vegas has begun that mentality with the sting of adjacent hotels owned by the same corp. "you don't like our $20 nightclub cover charge, our $40 buffet, our $110 show ticket; so go next door, we own that too so we can charge $70 to see a comedian you've never heard of." good thing Vegas has excellent weather, I hope they don't start charging $30 for a lounge chair at poolside.
Vegas has to separate itself from that AC mentality or it will lose all middle class customers quickly.
And darn it get some originality, we dont need a Circque show in every room on the strip (especially at $75 or more for a ducat).

[beach3993]

This is a perfect reason to be sure you use your Slot Card at no more than 1 or 2 casinos. It also is important that if you have choice in your home area to play a Casino that is in Vegas ie: Harrah's for instance that it becomes your mainstay in your home area so that you can get comped for your rooms at least in Vegas. When you do go to Vegas, Laughlin, Reno try very hard to stay with that mainstay Casino so you can accumulate more and more comps. Yes Vegas is getting expensive unless you either do Downtown or out further but you can handle the Strip if you have good Comps. For me I am Harrah's player and now with all they have bought I get offers from Bally's, Paris, Flamingo, Harrah's, RIO and I am sure soon Caesars and that is extremely nice!! Keep this in mind folks.:)

[luvmesumvegas]

YES, YES, YES. Now I have schedule my trips between Sunday and Thursday. These are the cheapest days. This also means that I have to schedule vacation days from work. I cannot just go on Friday and come back on Sunday anymore.
Here is a little advise that will help in your search for a room, there is a free program out there called TRAVELAXE. This will search multiple websites at the same time and you can sort them anyway you want (price, hotel name, hotel rating, distance etc). I have used it many times and it gives me all my choices in one shot.

[Sherry]

I must say it is more like price gouging. This corporation is getting rich and we are making them rich. I don't know what it would take to get the old Las Vegas back once again like it once was. We had more fun back 16 years ago, won money and ate reasonable, now it is all about money:eek: SHAME ON THEM!!! Steve you ought to copy all of our replies and give them to their lottery commission and to the Mayor. They would probably laugh at them...:p Sherry

[Austin Phil]

Absolutely! The hotel and food prices are now outrageous compared to just a few short years ago. And forget going to any of the top notch shows unless you take out a loan at the bank first. My wife and I use to go to Vegas several times a year and spend around $1000 in gaming money, but our visits and the money we spend gambling is now greatly reduced.

[chunk2]

I really think they are overpricing for the middle working class. I always stay at the Imperial Palace thanks to your friend Bob Cohn, but with the impending closing of the IP, I dont know what I am going to do. People have suggested giving Laughlin a try. We will be going at the end of March and we are going to take a day trip to Laughlin to check it out.

[chick1]

the rooms & meals on the strip are getting way out of line. now that harrahs has bought almost all mid strip casinos they will soon have a monoply on rooms & food. casinos should never forget how they got to where they are now. JOHN Q. PUBLIC got them there. big shooters are nice but you cant live off them you need middle class because they run the economy in this great country of OURS.

[teppy1954]

When I first started coming to Vegas, I could get a flight from Canada and 7 days at the Imperial Palace for about $600. That way, I left much more in the casino rather than for the room that I didnt occupy all that much. That is unfortunately long gone. The strip hotels have fallen over themselves to market to twenty-somethings. Unfortunately the 40-50 year old crowds are no longer wanted. I subscribe to Vegas Hotel Deathwatch. In the coming months Harrahs, Stardust, Riviera and the Tropicana, all hotels that have catered to middle-aged crowd are slated to bite the dust. Harrahs and the IP are merging and probably will be gone in two years. Don't these folks know that the fifty somethings have more disposeable income with which to gamble. Well it looks that if I continue to come to Vegas it will be at the the locals joints like the Orleans or Palace Station.

What a damn shame.

PS This will be the first year that I will be giving Atlantic City my business. Vegas-Smarten up.

[wiley]

We don't object to paying $30 for a buffet if it's as good as the one at Bellagio. We average out with a dinner at Ellis Island. However, with more expensive room rates, we might have to consider staying less than 5 nights each trip as we have done. We also will be choosier about what shows we see, and see as many as we can in the price range of The Platters, Drifters, and Coasters, for example. Air fares are also higher this year.

The middle class is always squeezed, but maybe if we do change where we stay and what shows we see there are enough of us to make our point.

[bigbuddah24]

I ve been going to vegas for only about 7 years and I just got back from a trip in march. I loved going to vegas in the past but I tell you the values are getting harder and harder to find and even local joints like the station casinos are starting to suck. They have the crappy 5/6 blackjack just like everyone else. I used to love going down and playing video poker and getting free drinks and now even those are gone for the most part. Sure they have them but good luck getting a cocktail waitress to bring them to you.
I think the problem is that the money has just got to easy and corporate america has found what they always want a cold hard formula for profit. Build a big fancy resort and stick out their hand.
The fact is, imho, that vegas is not the value it once was and the fancy hotels are nice but I m bored with it now. There are better values and the sooner everyone realizes it and stops just giving there money away then the sooner vegas will have to start to appreciate their customers again. I think it quite possible that their very success could be their achilles heel.

[LuckyLucy]

Due to other commitments, my husband and I couldn't travel much last year and lost his Diamond status and my Platinum status at Harrah's. Back to Gold status we went. I called Harrah's in January for a May trip and was quoted over $750 for five nights (Sunday through Thursday). Barbary Coast quoted us $402. After a lucky streak at Harrah's in Cherokee, NC, my status went back to Platinum. Our room at Harrah's in Vegas is now a total of $40 (4 nights free and 1 night at $40) for those same five nights. This shows that you better be a gambler if you expect any perks because the average visitor will pay dearly to even get a bed and shower. And I can remember when the buffets were below $5. What's happening in Vegas is exactly what happened to Nascar. Both have priced themselves above the average person/family so you can't afford to participate or you have to give up something else to be able to enjoy one of those endeavors. Greed and the all mighty dollar has once again won out.

[walpolebd]

Good old corporations. Supposedly great for competition, but lets not forget they have shareholders to report to. Thus prices will continue to go up, up, up (think big oil, cigarettes, beer) until they reach the breaking point. For now Vegas is the IN place. But keep gouging tourists and the goose will stop laying all those golden eggs.

I picked up on this 2 years ago and started spreading a good deal of my play to offstrip casinos. I urge you to:
- Play at Terribles on multiple points days. A few days of play will grant you an enormous amount of comped food.
- Eat at Ellis Island. It is a short walk from Ballys'/Flamingo. Sign up for their players card and they'll give you $5 in future food credit on your card.
- Give Fiesta Henderson a chance. It's a bit of a drive, but a great place to stay and play for 1 or 2 nites if you don't need the strip experience. After my initial visit there I've stayed on six separate occasions, room comped and food covered by slot points. The people are incredibly friendly (workers and patrons), good paying slots, great food, plus I get a quarterly offer with
free nites, free slot play, 3X points coupon and usually a food offer.
- Take advantage of coupons, especially matchplays and free slotplay. Pick up more than one American Casino Guide. Order Casino Player, Las Vegas Advisor, etc. Tons of great stuff. There presently is no limit to the Aladdin free play coupons used. Make your money last!
- Be gambling savvy. Sniff out those better paying VP schedules. Watchout for 3 card poker where a flush doesn't pay 4-1. Avoid 6-5 blackjack whenever possible.
- And last but not least - always utilize your cocktail waitress service. Why pay $5 at the bar when you can tip a buck? If you're going to play anyway....Of course, you can always just hang out at a machine with credits and pull your slip after you get the drink.

Now go out there and have some fun!

[vegaslvr]

YES !!!!!! It's quite sad. Vegas was THE place to go for cheap rooms, food & shows & great odds on gambling. Those days are over. I have to tell you that this surprises me in some ways. The days are gone when Vegas & Reno were nearly the ONLY places to gamble, now you can play in almost every state, or certainly one nearby. The allure of Vegas is rapidly changing & I wonder how long it will be before the tourists wise up & just say NO.

Why spend hours on a plane & pay the fare so you can stay in an overpriced room & play too tight machines & deal with grumpy dealers? I used to go once or twice a year, but now am playing closer to home... I'd rather use my $$$$ for the gambling. If more of us would stay home for a while I'll bet there would be a change... maybe not, we shall see. It has to end somewhere, or the El Cortez will be charging $500 a night before we know it !!!!!! :p

[MTClancy]

Been going to LV for over 40 years and I now spend 95% of my time and money in the local casinos or downtown. Usually stay for a week. The Strip gets 0% of my food and lodging money and it doesn't get any of the $700 to $800 a day of my alotted gambling money. Some of the local restaurants (always fun to discover new ones) taste as good or better than the "Name Chefs" Strip eateries. And Sam's Town, Orleans, some of the Station casinos present a much better value and also seems to me anyway, to offer a better return on my betting "investment."

Bye-Bye Strip. It was nice knowing you.

[CHAPPY1]

Yea Just Back From 6 Days In Vegas, Been Going For Nearly 30yrs, But You Cant Blame The Hotels & Casinos, As Long As There Are Fools To Keep Paying, They Will Keep Raising, Even Downtown Rooms Have Gotten Heavy, But If You Know Where To Go, That Is Where The Locals Get The Most Bang For Their Buck You Can Still Find Good Priced Buffets & Meals, Now The Shows Thats A Different Matter, You Gotta Pay To See The Big Revues, & Stars Out Lying "station" Casinos,sams Town, Arizona Charleys For A Room To Put Your Head Ona Pillow A Few Hours Cant Beat Their Prices & For My Money Their Gambling Payouts & I'm A Video Poker Fanatic, 25 Cent & Dollar Player, Ya Wanna "stiff It" Then Expect To Pay

[sheplays4fun777]

yes!! no doubt that if this upscale pricing continues, las vegas will lose many of it's (majority) visitors to other gambling areas. I would certainly be one.:(

[arco-matic]

yes las vegas ought to be the working american's place to vacation.

[nchikk]

I guess I'm mixed on this one.

I have no problem paying $30 for a buffet. I think the quality of food is condiderably better at a high-end buffet than at a buffet like Terrible's or Circus Circus. I won't pay that much for every meal while there, though. I'll still hit the Orleans (especially for breakfast) or one of the mid-range buffets, but every once in a while, I have no problem paying for a high-end buffet.

I DO, however, have a problem paying $150-$200 for a hotel room on the Strip. I have found that my $40 room off-Strip looks exactly the same at 2:00 am.

It used to be I'd go to at least one show every night I was there. But now, maybe I'll see one big show each visit.

Basically, I'd rather save on the hotel and shows and have more left over to eat and play with.

[meldodds]

Until recently we usually stayed on the Strip for all or most of our stay, however we discovered the rooms at Golden Nugget, 4 Queens and Binions (yes Binions!) are very nice and more then adequate. And you can check in on Saturday. The prices are very reasonable and comps fare. Food is also more reasonable and some very nice restaurants. We enjoy how close the casinos are to each other. They offer excellant gaming also.;) And entertainment, shows and music free in some of the casinos. We try to go 3-4times a year for 3-4 days and this year we have found some wonderful airfare bargains, so we have already been 2 times :D and are going again April 22. If we miss some of our old haunts on the strip we just go out for the afternoon.

[hip112778]

....You bet , ;0) ,they are. Tough to find reasonable rooms anywhere out there . And room comps are pretty scarce too . Still....Gotta bite the bullet and go at least once a year . AC is nice, but there's only one Vegas .

[Dart]

What a change over the years. If I stay on the strip now, it is at the Stratosphere. We have tried some of the other lower price options, (Tropicana, Flamingo etc.) but the customer service there is so terrible we won't go again. Even casinos's like Monte Carol and Excalibur have gone up in price and down in service. We heard a lot of griping from the employee's about managment. Last time we came, we stayed at Sunset Station. Boy what a difference, friendly people, friendly staff, and affordable.

[kent304]

Srprise! It is now much cheaper to go to Atlantic City than to come to Las Vegas. The combination of the higher room rates, higher food and the rise in show costs plus the rise in gas prices have made travel to LV too expensive. Never thought I would see it.

[KingFishX]

In a word - YES, the Strip no longer cares about the middle market ($5 table game players) and everything is now geared to toward one big fat profit center. Us value-seekers would be screwed if it weren't for Station and Coast casinos. Downtown too. Let's hope Reno picks up on the current market conditions in Vegas and sets its marketing efforts towards the middle class; Reno is really getting spanked by Indian casinos and needs our business! Presently, though, a Reno trip costs MORE and offers less - until they get that straightened around Reno isn't a viable option. What about Laughlin??

[Janine926]

It's a little complicated because on one hand, Vegas has some of the most beautiful casinos and top chefs of the world, not to mention fabulous entertainment. It depends on what it is you enjoy doing I think and how you look at it.
An average person with no comps can stay at say... Paris for 150.00 per night. I know just traveling anywhere and staying at a decent room off the highway is almost 100.00.
If you go to dinner at Red Lobster and order lobster, it could cost as much as a great buffet in Vegas where you would have higher quality and broad selection.
A production in any city is going to cost pretty much the same as one in Vegas.
Vegas is not what it once was as far as price but it also isn't the same in any other aspect either. It's become a place to be pampered and endulge and you will pay.
A person can still stay at an average hotel at a good price and eat cheap with comps and coupons, gamble in out lying casinos but the experience will be entirely different.

[Johanna7]

It was amazing to see how many first time posters chose this topic to join and express their opinion. I agree with 95% of them, it is getting more expensive. In my opinion, I think all those large conventions are part of the cause. They attract a lot of well-off people on expense accounts who have employers that pick up the tab for their rooms and food.

Now all year round there are those conventions.

Having said that, we are leaving this evening for Las Vegas for 4 nights. My dh is attending a convention there tomorrow and Wednesday.

I still love Las Vegas and even if you don't attend any paid shows, the place itself is the show. So many free things to see. Carnivale Court, Fountains at Bellagio, TI's pirate ships and just touring some of those lovely places is fun. I always come along when he goes, after all, cost is the same for the room for 1 as it is for 2.

I can find LOTS of things to do and not many are very expensive. While I gamble, I play quarter VP machines with one coin in usually and can play for hours on $20 and I have come out ahead often as well.

Looking forward to coming each time. T-minus a few hours.

[cyngia]

Las Vegas has become so popular. Las Vegas has never been in your face till now! There are sitcoms that take place in Las Vegas. Lots of specials filmed there. You can always catch a game of Texas Hold 'Em everyday on different channels. Las Vegas is the place to be. Many celebrities having big parties there which are all over the media. Maybe these big hotels had to give specials and coupons to get the people in, like advertisement. The people are overflowing in Las Vegas and the big hotels have no need for coupons or free be's now. Well, I say the ones who go once or twice a year are much more in number than the big rollers and celebrities we are the ones who can fill the casinos and hotels. I for one will go where I can get more for my money and have more to play at the casinos. Eat and Sleep I can do that at home! :)
"And thats all I've got to say about that" Forest Gump.

[mysweetevie]

Srprise! It is now much cheaper to go to Atlantic City than to come to Las Vegas. The combination of the higher room rates, higher food and the rise in show costs plus the rise in gas prices have made travel to LV too expensive. Never thought I would see it.
I totally agree. I used to save money going to vegas now i have to go to Atlantic city. The comps are easier to earn too. And with Harrah's buying 4 casinos i dont know when i can afford vegas prices. Unless someone wants to sponsor me...LOL

Oh yea my room on the weekend in AC was 79.00

[bevierose]

I have been going to Vegas for a long time and can remember staying in rooms on Fremont St for $19.95 a night. Recently I have stayed at Venetian, Bellagio, TI, Paris and Monte Carlo and can honestly say that the actual rooms are pretty much the same. When you step out, is another story. The prices are more reasonable during the week, so try to book then. Or, try to cut the prices by booking a package deal. What happens for us is that we have less to gamble because of the high prices of lodgings, buffets, shows and snacks. You can get some bargains, but it takes longer to find them than to enjoy the benefits.
LV seems to have more visitors from other countries than ever before, which makes me happy. It is a good thing for our country's economy for people to enjoy themselves when they visit. I have spoken to people from Asia, Africa, Europe and South America and none have complained about prices at all. We have grown to expect a lot for our money, and to win on top of that.
If people pay the high prices, they will continue to go up, and that is reality.
Bevierose

[Lola]

We used to go to Vegas about twice a year in April and October. However, my husband's health has put a stop to that. But, I keep up with what's going on there, because it was my very favorite vacation destination. BUT, I'm sure we could not afford to stay on the strip today. We always flew in from Omaha to Vegas, rented a car at the airport, and stayed mostly at The Mirage or Treasure Island. (I always wanted to try the Bellagio, ha!) Don't think there is anyway we could afford that today. Someone said that the "average person" built Vegas into what it is today, and they are probably right. It is so sad.

[vegasmann]

I have noticed the higer Room prices and i said from the start that as soon as they get a monopoly ok two Harrah/MGM that the Average Joe will get Screwed.I have to blame the Board that ok the deals but if the avg people start to stay away or cut down on their Length of Stay it will have some Impact.It a shame we been going there for the Past 13 years and after last oct trip we noticed the big difference,and will be looking to change our plans in the Future.
It even getting that off peak times are expensive.
Hopefully Vegas will realize it made a mistake just like it did when it tried to bring Families to vegas in the 90"s.
Cheap food and Cheap Rooms is what made Vegas Vegas

[margekate]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! The only time I go now is if a really good air rate comes up and a good offer from one of the hotels.

This past December was one of those times. Stayed at Harrahs for $39 per night and got one of those nights free with comp. Only had one free meal and that was at IP.

I remember Sammy Davis Jr. saying, when talking about the big entertainers like himself,(now you know how long ago this was) "We will price ourselves out of the business".

Marge

[jslocke52]

Yes, they are outpricing the middle class, but there seem to be enough tourists who can afford the higher prices to keep the megaresorts doing well. The Wynn is clearly aimed at the wealthier tourist and a few middle class tourists who can afford to occasionally splurge. "O" at Bellagio continues to sell out despite price increases from $100 for the best seats when the show opened, to $150 now. However, as many have commented already, there are many good deals off Strip, and even a few good deals remaining on Strip.

[Nancyjo]

I have been going with a group to Las Vegas for 20 years and we started staying off strip (San Remo, Palace Station, Orleans) 5 or 6 years ago ... we go for 10 - 14 days. I think the prices started to rise on the strip when whoever the GENIOUS was that decided LV should be a family destination. The new casinos had free entertainment for anybody that walked by or strolled in -- just the places themselves are fun just to look at. SOOOO all those famlies didn't need to gamble for entertainment and spent little if any money in the casinos. SOOOOO of course the Hotels/Casinos had to start charging more for food and lodging because the gambling just wasn't covering it as in the past and then throw in 911 when travel in general took a nose dive and here we are ... You can still get there pretty cheap but staying and eating cheap on the strip is a thing of the past :( ......... Just my opinion

[Lori R]

I feel a rant coming on and it's bound to get off topic. I'm not going there. Instead, I feel that Walpolebd said it best. A corporation answers to its stockholders and the bottom line has to look good.

In the old days, the hotel's general manager was more or less a figurehead. The casino manager had all the "juice." It's turning the other way now as rooms, food and beverage, etc. started becoming more profitable. Hitherto, they were pretty much loss leaders. One would think that getting "heads in beds" would be the bottom line but there is another component: The average daily rate or ADR--sometimes more important than the other.

To see what direction it's going, one need look no further than the ads for Vegas. The glamour is being flaunted more than anything else. The young celebrities that are partying there are always in the news and that's attracting a lot of wannabees and all the trappings that entails. I read about a study not too long ago, and I sure wish that I could remember where, but it said that the 20 somethings are spending more on vacations than their older counterparts (that means us, I guess). They are demanding more comforts and luxuries and are willing to pay for it. I think we're paying for it.

LR

[tryon4]

;) Yes Vegas is more expensive now than it was 10 years ago. So isn't life. However if you take your time, look around, have some patience you can still find a deal or two here or there. Flexibility is the name of the game.

[joanieT]

WOW... first I'm hit with two Hurricanes, take two years for the rebuilding of our home and started saving for a well deserved trip to Las Vegas... looks like we can't afford it anymore...

What we all should do is go see the Comedy shows, eat at the smaller resturants in the Hotels... they all have good food...look for dinner off the Strip... I know there are some good meals around for $10.00... and let's gamble at the older Casinos,
look for $5 blackjack tables, $.25 video poker and nickel slot machines...
AND.. the Sports Books are a fair deal also... "come on "7"... "dunk it Shaq"

If the majority of Vegas visitors stay away from the $200 shows, $100 dinners, they'll most likely have to bring the costs down... let's face it, you can see Celine on the Oprah show... plus many other Vegas entertainers... FREE too...lol

In the daytime, visit Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charlston, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, or drive over to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, that alone is a full day trip... The Indians are building a GLASS bridge suspending high above the Canyon it opens in 2007.. imagine, like walking on air... they're saying you've got to wear SLIPPERS... and, you get to keep them...lol
I sure want to see that... talk about a Heart Stopper... phew...
when at a Beach, "Leave only footprints in the sand"...
when on the Glass bridge, "Don't leave any scratches on the glass"

Perhaps you'd like to drive an hour across the Desert to Laughlin, the Mountains are glorious...stop in Searchlight, the halfway mark... have a nice Lunch, and a $.10 cup of coffee...total cost about $4 ...continue on to Laughlin, I think it's a pretty drive...then, gamble a little,
at resonable rates too... have a nice dinner...drive back to Vegas, have a welcoming shower and get some well deserved sleep...
You think the mega resorts would feel the absence... you betcha!!!

Let's all let them know we're unhappy and refuse to dine at unbeliveable prices, and $25 black jack tables...
Try Arizona Charley's $2.99 breakfast, and Blueberry Hill ... hit the Bingo Hall ... both Arizona Charley's have Bingo... and all the Station Casino's, Texas and Fiesta also...and buy a $20 pack
you can spend a couple hours and only spend $25 max... HEY.. if you hit a Bingo... you could be hundreds ahead of the game... and the STRIP...
yeah... they'll sure change their tune... ya think???

Maybe by the time we get to Vegas, it'll be a little more resonable...lol
Good Luck All, and do your best to send a message to the Strip...
Joanie

[Ron Feldman]

We get to Las Vegas every other year from Saginaw, Michigan. Yes the prices of food, shows, and hotel rates have gone up way too high for the comnon person. We have always stayed on the strip; but in the near future we will have to either stay downtown, and bus a couple of times to the strip, just to visit for the day, or else stop comming to Vegas, which we do enjoy so much.
Ron Feldman

[vegasmann]

have to also say the airfare from here in NYC is Horrible and the prices since America west and Us air Merger have went up.
They are overpricing everything associated with Vegas

[Hbaseballfan]

I agree that the strip is getting more expensive. We always got offers from Harrah's,The Rio, and Bally's and always one to two nights free. Unless you go in December the prices are to high. We now stay at the Orleans as they give you deals like a couple of nights free 2-1 buffets and 1/2 off on show tickets (we saw the Smothers Brothers) for $30.00.
Visited the South Coast and hopefully we will be getting offers from there.
On the buffets, I don't mind $25.00 -$30.00 price because the quality is better and both me and my wife can eat $30.00 worth of crab legs.

[hhalligan]

Yes the prices are higher. I always go Mon to Fri. and work my vacation around the slower times in vegas. Look for cheap air and then for deals on rooms or visa versa. We only go to 1 show in 5 nights, 1 higher prices restaraunt, Am going in April for 5 nights 2 free at Paris and 2 free at Bellagio and one night at $200. That is a $40 a night average. Round trip air for 2 is $475.00. Have 2 credit cards one from Southwest Airlines and one form Harrahs. Get points for comps and free Air travel. Only go when I get a deal otherwise it is to expensive.

[chips]

i agree that vegas is now overpriced and puts a strain on the middle class. however, the hotels, casino's, restaurants are still filled to capacity. they have no reason to lower the price if they're getting people to purchase. it's like people complaining about the ballparks or movie theatres being overpriced especially at the concession stands. but the stands are a mile deep with customers.

overpriced yes but people are still coming. until they have a reason to lower the prices i see a higher horizon

[King of Kurtopia]

Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week"


Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?


They aren't overpriced as long as people are paying for it. Things are expensive all over the place; gasoline, food, etc. Deals can be found at the mega resorts for rooms under $100. People just need to plan their trips around those deals if they want to save money.

I don't go to shows usually, so I can't comment much on them. I am a chef and I love to eat top notch food. The food prices in Las Vegas are very comparable to L.A., San Fran, NY, Chicago, etc. Heck, they're even comparable to this little hick town that I live in, in Oregon.

That said, do I think the corporations are overpricing themselves? No. I don't like it, but I'm still going to Las Vegas, aren't I? It just cost me a little more now. :(

Kurt

[trackman]

[QUOTE=Steve]Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week"

[SIZE="4"][COLOR="Black"]
Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?
I believe that the prices are getting too high! I only started to go to Vegas in '99, when I have been going twice a year. In that short amount of time, the prices have gone up considerably!! I go to Vegas from the East coast, so I am used to spending a little more for shows and meals, but room rates are getting too high!! Hopefully, the prices will start to level off some, but with the trend of so many visitors, it does not seem likely any time soon. It is still a wonderful place to go, though!!! :)

[carpenter_super]

yes they are way to high i go to vages aless 2 times a year and i stay on the old strip its alot less to stay there then on the strip

[Jacob36]

Yes! I used to come 2 to 3 times a year, now just once every year. Coming out April 21 for a week and I hate to say it but it might be my last trip. Still get room comps and food from marketing offers, but getting fewer and farther between. The whole problem with Vegas now is that people just keep coming and spending there money, so until the average person figures out that Vegas is no longer a bargain and stops coming, there is no reason for the casinos to change.

I am waiting for Las Vegas to change its name to Las Harrah’s or MGM City (why spend ~9 billion when it is already built). I did not like Harrah’s 15 years ago, and nothing has changed, will not spend a dime in any Harrah’s casino. I like to play nickel slots for a break from VP. Noticed on my third or fourth trip that the pay-outs where different on their nickel slots for the same bet; betting 45 would pay-out 30,000 at Harrah’s while the same game at any other casino paid 40,000 to 50,000 so this has been going on for a long time, not just recently.

Jacob

[malsie]

Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week"


Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?

Absolutely...that is why I no longer stay on the strip, gamble on the strip or eat on the strip....I like where the locals go, or downtown...

[Alex accross the pond]

My wife have been visiting LV since 2001 and like most people it draw's you back again and again. Like many blue colour workers we have to watch the pennies, getting over to the US is expencive $ 1700 air fare then plus the hotel, spending, car hire etc. The hotel costs are the most important we like most book over the web rather through the travel agencies as we can get a better deal. The only hotel we can afford to stay at mid Strip is the Imperial Palace. Nothing wrong good clean rooms, friendly staff and lots of fun. One other thing about the IP is it has personality, which many of the high priced hotels do not have. I find that you pay a high price for a room at in the so called 4 & 5 star hotels but plenty of marble and glits but cold and bland and lacking in the personel toutch and far to expencive when you consider that all you get at the end of the day is a room, perhaps a little bigger than the IP's but how long in Las Vegas does one stay in the room as most people are here for the sights and some gambling. The large conglomerates will find that they will have killed the goose that layed the golden egg as only the wealthy will be able to visit LV thus missing out on the $ that the slot jockies put into their pockets, my advice go Down town where you can get a good room in the Golden Nuget or the Fitz at a good price and have the old Las Vegas feel to the experience.

[waishta67]

We used to go to Vegas a couple of times a year. Now, because of the increased pricing of everything from the local bus fares to shows, to meals, we haven't been able to go in 2 years.

I live in Albuquerque, NM - we have 5 really nice casinos (4 of which are as big and glitzy as Vegas) within anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes from our home. They are all Indian casinos and actually pay out more often than Vegas did last time I was there. We spend our gambling dollars here at home and what we would have to spend in Vegas goes to other vacations.

[REFLOG]

Prices are too high but strip hotels are stll packing them in. I have been going to Vegas 2-3 times a year for over 15 years and its amazing how much rooms and food has gone up. I can remember getting paid to stay at Stupaks "Vegas World". Just hope eventually people will start doing as many of the posters here are doing and start spending more time at off strip hotels and casino's. There are still great deals to be found off the strip. I also agree with one of the other posters who commented on Haraahs, wont spend a dime in their places either.

[shasta714]

Yes!!!- But We Still Love Vegas!!! We've Been Going 3 Times A Year For 20 Years And The Prices Have Really Gone Up. The Only Way To Get A Good Rate And Sometimes A Free Room Is To Always Use Your Players Cards, And Try To Go During The Week. We've Never Gone To A Show-way Too Expensive. We Go To Gamble. I'm Afraid We Won't Have As Many Choices In Prices With Mgm/mirage And Harrahs/caesars Just About Owning Everything On The Strip. We Always Rent A Car-we Would Like To Go And Just Ride The Duece Bus Or Monorail, But After You Add In The Taxi Or Tram From The Airport For Two-it's Just About The Price Of A Car Rental. If The Monorail Went To The Airport That Would Be Great!!!

[leighw55]

We have noticed that the strip hotels are getting more expensive every year. I even saw when pricing some rooms a couple months ago that The New Frontier was even charging $140 a night to stay there. That's a joke. We stayed there about 4 years ago, but only paid $42.00 a night. The hotel was really in need of a face lift back then and they haven't done any updates since. I have no idea how they can justify charging that much. It was OK at under $50 a night, but I would be really pissed if I paid over $100 and that was what I got for it. I think the best place for the price is The Golden Nugget downtown. You get a four star hotel with really great service and a very nice room and when they run specials, you can stay there for under $100 a night. We even stayed at the Plaza last year and the room was under $50.00 a night. It was clean and we had very nice people at the desk and also in housekeeping. We are staying at the Flamingo this time - coming in this Sunday on the 26th of March and all 4 nights are free this time due to bad service they are trying to make up for the last time we stayed there and 2 free promotional nights. That is the only reason we are staying there this time. But the hotels on the strip are definitley way overpriced. The only shows we ever pay for are the comedy shows at The Comedy Stop. It's a really good bargain and always a good 2 hours of laughter. I would never dream of paying $200 to watch an entertainer. I don't know how they can sell more than 50% of the seats at those shows. My here's the main point - we are middle class average Americans who work very hard for our money, so to us, paying that much to go see a show is crazy. That would be an all day gambling quota for me. Best and least expensive eats are downtown. We especially like the Market Street Cafe in The California - where else can you get an excellent prime rib dinner for under $8.00, and this even includes desert?!

[philipj]

Some years ago I had to travel a lot, and I subscribed to Best Fares Magazine. From them I learned a lot about getting better air fares, rental cars and hotels. For the good stuff , Best Fares was $50.00 a year. Then since we enjoyed Las Vegas we subscribed to the written magazine Las Vegas Advisor, another $50 @ year. From there we learned about room fares, best deals on meals, gambling and entertainment, and a great cupon book. Then we subscribed to Casino Player Magazine. It's real value is a carino pay out report near the back 1/5th of the magazine. It tells you the 'holds' at various casinos or groups of casinos. Again, most people want the into for free, we paid, and it has paid off for us. We have also purchased a number of gambling systems, and learned , not just how to play, but how to WIN. Yes, we paid to learn to win, again most people want the info for free.
We have left Las Vegas an over all winner, all but once. And we never stayed on the strip, or any place with 6/5 blackjack, and only played at places with the most player friendly holds. Anyone who does the same is smiling and enjoying Las Vegas, and we have never paid for an overpriced show. We go to Las Vegas, not for family entertainment. We are there for gambling, a good time and adult entertainment. It's blow off steam time.

If Indian Casino ever start publishing their 'holds'. and if the Internet casinos become trusted sites, I think Las Vegas is sin trouble.

[Coaltownannie]

Yes, the prices of the hotels, shows and buffets are really getting overpriced. I have been going to Vegas for the past 11 years and each year it is more and more costly. Are they trying to make it unaffordable for the middle class people? If so, then they are succeding. I have also noticed in the last few years, that the majority of the people that are there are much younger. Guess that explains why more and more nightclubs are opening.

[christmas10023]

The strip is now expensive.
Stayed at the El Cortez and Plaza last summer and Downtown is still reasonable. The Strip isn't just losing cheap hotel rooms, its atmosphere is changing from entertainment mecca to a wealthy neighborhood.
I have been going to Las Vegas for over twenty years but over the last two years have noticed the change from focussing on the tourist to a focus on attracting wealthy people to buy condos.

[dashiloh]

They do not take Middle Class in consideration anymore...package deals to Las Vegas are way up..they are going to lose a lot of visitors...show prices are off the wall

[larrygjones]

As a Las Vegas Headliner,
I too think many shows are overpriced, but from my side of the fence, much of it may be reflective of more corporate greed for ever increasing room rents and ridiculous advertisement costs of a few companies that own most of the printing.
I'm sure most everyone has seen all the Magazines which advertise shows and tourist attractions such as What's On, Showbiz, Today in LV, 24/7 etc.(There are about 8-10 of them). What many people don't know is any review, or article about any show in them is there because someone has paid alot of money to have it there(ever notice they only have great things to say about the performers?). And the Full page ads which most shows run cost from $4,000-10,000 per issue! Then if you want an ad in every magazine you'll soon be paying out the nose x8. An 'off location' billboard starts around 4K-6K. The ones by the airport are approaching 20K/month.
So far I have not taken any ads out because of the prohibitive costs, and am thankful that enough people like Steve and other on Everythinglv have been supportive by telling people and posting about the show. While I'm not in a million dollar showroom, it's a living.
Mike Weatherford had an article yesterday in the Las Vegas Review Journal regarding ticket prices in which he said "It's fairly obvious most shows cost too much. More complicated is something that took me a long time to believe: There really is a tourist suspicion of less-expensive shows"
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Mar-19-Sun-2006/living/6391258.html
Would those same people who think show price is a direct reflection of value buy a Rolex watch at Neiman Marcus(needless markup) if they could get the exact same one at Wal-Mart for thousands less?!? At the current time, my show is one that falls into the 'suspicious cause it doesn't cost enough' category. (We're talking VIP seating and a free CD for $31). How could it possibly be on the caliber of "that 'sold out' $100 impressionist show?" (which by the way is NOT sold out most the time). We don't spend over 100K/month on advertisement and instead rely solely on word of mouth. Should I move down to the strip one day, the prices would have to come up to account for greater room rent, large advertisement campaigns, and unfortunately....to accomodate those who would otherwise refuse a show 'because it doesn't cost enough and therefore must be no good'.

'What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas' ..like how much money people actually lost on the tables and machines...like how many times you got turned down at the local 'ultra lounge'.....unless you saw a really fun show, created some great memories and want to tell your friends about it! :)
Thanks for listening.
Larry G. Jones - The Man of 1002 Voices

Videos, Audio, and the Lowest Ticket prices on the Internet!
http://www.larrygjones.com

[doorthru]

Yes things are getting very expensive, but if you play at certain places you always get comped . I go 3 or 4 times a year and always stay at rio or harrahs free i give them alot of play but also play other places. But prices are getting to high i agree with the other replys.

[Cllctbear]

We have been going to Vegas only since 1998 and average 3 trips a year. I can not stress enough using your players card. We are nickle/quarter slots players, (though we do gamble for long periods of time but not huge amounts of money) using one card and we always have our room comped and usally our food. We are going in April for 4 nights at Caesars in the Palace Tower, comped, plus 75 in food credit. We only pay for our room when we want to splurge and stay in the spa suite at Monte Carlo or TI and then we only pay the upgrade fee. That being said, we were going to stay at Wynn's for one night this past October in one of their suites. I think it was around $450 a night. We figured you only live once and we would never stay there again. Well, about a month before leaving we got an offer that was too good to pass up from Caesers to stay in the new Augustus Tower for free. So we will probably never stay at Wynn, because of the cost.

I really think the production shows on the strip are very over priced. Take Mama Mia, we saw that here in Cleveland for about $60/person. Which is a lot cheaper than the cost in Vegas. We saw Danny Gans when he was at the Rio. That was comped but I think the ticket prices were about $50 back then. I remeber walking out after the show and telling my husband it was good they were comped because even at $50/ticket that was way too much for a show that was less than an hour. We did eventually pay the price and see Seigfried and Roy and that was money well spent at $100/ticket. Even though I love Elton John, I will never pay $250/ticket. We usually see the afternoon shows at are usually 2 for 1 and less than $20 with a drink included. I can not make myself pay the price to see "O" or "Mystere" or Celine. We have not seen Larry Jones but after reading his post here we probably will.

The biggest change we have noticed is the night clubs. There is always a line to get in. We have often said that they obviosuly make a huge profit from them or there wouldn't be so many. We laugh about the lines because in our day, we would never stand in line to enter a club, pay a cover charge and then outrageous amounts for drinks.

Things will not change because the number of Vegas visitors increase very year and right now it is the IN spot for young Hollywood. No matter what gambling destination you go to, it is not Vegas. No one has been able to capture the allure of my favorite vacation city.

[alwinj]

Vegas is overpriced during the weekends. One must go there, Monday thru
Thursday where the rate is much lower. If you rent a Hertz car, just for
seven days you will pay close to $230 with all the airport, city, federal
tax included.....Never stay at the strip...Go to Boulder, Sunset stations or
Arizona Charlie in Boulder (about $30 a night).....And always gamble where
the local people gamble, never on the strip....in Henderson or
North Vegas...the machines are looser.........Alwinj March 20th

[JudyJFLA]

Mom and I used to go to Vegas 4 times a year for 4-5 nights and did this for many years. We stayed at almost all of the strip hotels and several downtown including the Golden Spike! The old Reserve in Henderson was great (we have not been back since the Fiesta purchase). We have gambled and played bingo all over the city. We always caught a show or two of Wayne, Gladys, or even Mel Torme (back in the day).

Since the room rates went up, the shows went all Circ and Celine, the broadway shows going to higher than Broadway, and the food going up, we have not been back in over 4 years. We now stick closer to home (FL) and have decent Seminole Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood that cashback day bus trips with free food. We also gamble on 7 day cruises out of FL since the total cost of the cruise is usually less considering the shows and food, and the casinos are usually large.

I would love to again stay at CP, see Elton John and have a decent meal, but the best Elton John concert out of the 7 I have attended was a $27 ticket in Tallahassee 8 years ago and a $30 Motel 6!

Vegas may want the "Beautiful People" like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, but when the dust clears it is still all of us regular Joes that built the city.

JudyJFLA

[TisSweetDestiny]

Yes, it's much more expensive. I feel the prices have increased because media coverage/tv programs has increased (Travel Channel specials, WPT Las Vegas, etc). I have learned to book far in advance for the strip hotel and keep calling once a month to check for any specials that they may have running.

[billfarr]

We usually make it to Vegas twice a year but we rarely even look at Strip Hotels and only gamble VP or slots when we have someone with us that hasn't been on the Strip. After one trip to the Strip our guests figure out we really know where to get the most bang for our hard earned $. Downtown and Boulder Highway are still customer friendly. Dealers are more talkative, drinks are quicker and the Pit Bosses are much more friendly. We'll be at GN the end of April and probably won't do anything but cross the Strip to go where we feel more appreciated.

[Tweeets]

I really think they are overpricing for the middle working class. I always stay at the Imperial Palace thanks to your friend Bob Cohn, but with the impending closing of the IP, I dont know what I am going to do. People have suggested giving Laughlin a try. We will be going at the end of March and we are going to take a day trip to Laughlin to check it out.


Instead of going to Laughlin, you might try staying off strip. Sam's Town. Boulder Station, Sunset Station, the Orleans, Gold Coast, etc., are all good alternates. These hotels have rates that are lower than those at the strip hotels, and have regularly scheduled shuttles to the strip. Hey, it can't hurt to inquire..........:)

[jzoppo]

I can no longer afford Vegas. I enjoyed everything about Vegas. Now I just stay home. I am just glad to read the trip reports and reminisce about all my Vegas trips. My husband and I work full time and have grown kids and one would think we would be able to afford it, but the prices are too steep.

[sonntex]

The only way we can afford to go to Vegas so much is that we use our Harrahs/Caesars comps. And frankly, we are glad that they have merged. Gives us more choices to use our Harrahs points. If we can't get rooms and food comped we don't go. Believe me, if we could not use coupons and comp points, we would not go to LV but maybe once a year, if then.

We have paid for some shows, Rita Rudner, Jubilee, Wayne Newton, Gordie Brown, Legends at IP, but usually don't go to shows unless they are comped.

Our biggest expense on a Vegas trip is the airfare, and it has gotten outrageous from DFW. Best price is about $225 per person.

That said, yes, Vegas is getting outrageous for the average person. Like I said before, if it's not comped, we don't go. We have money set aside for gambling, and that's for all it's for. Not rooms, food or shows.

Edit--The coupons we have received from Harrahs recently have not been as good as the ones a year or so ago. Instead of 4 nights, it's 3 nights: 2 nights instead of 3. Cash back coupons are smaller. However, Harrahs must have woke up some of the other casinos because we are receiving better offers from some of them, and we don't patronize them very much. Recently received an offer from Excalibur for 2 nights and $75 cash; usually only get a few dollars off on a room with them. Our friends who go to Vegas regularly are experiencing the same thing.

[Robbylou121]

I can't believe the prices nowadays. It's hard to find an independent casino now. We stayed 2 years ago at the IP because of the prices and we really enjoyed our stay. We wanted to go back this year and stay there again but now that Harrah's bought them out the prices again have risen. This year we are trying the Casino Royale. We've had friends stay there and say that they had a nice room.

As far as the shows go, there really isn't much to pick from. One circus act is like another, in my opinion (and I don't really care about flying actrobats) but did enjoy the Blue Man Group a few years back. Just too pricey to see the Headliners.

Buffets are too high because they all want to offer the same food. Why should I pay $30 because someone wants Alaska King Crabs??? (I hate fishy things.) That's why there are expensive. Give me the old-time buffets anyday!

[Bevhill1]

I think they are very exspensive also. I usually travel alone and I don't want to pay $129.00 a night and its just me. And when you go to vegas you really don't want to stay at a rinky dink hotel you want to stay at the best or something at least in the middle. Even those are not what I expected. I don't even attempt to go to the buffets because the really good ones your are standing in line for an hour just to get seated :( and the expensive ones:eek: you wouldn't want to pay all that money for two things anyway.

[fligor]

Prices are high but if you plan and budget properly you can have a great time worshipping the sun !! We have been visiting every other summer for years with our now two teenage/adult children and stay either at Mandalay or MGM or split time at both because of their pools, usually staying for a week to 10 days. I don't drink and my wife and oldest daughter drink in moderation. We set a budget of about $500-1000 for gambling. We choose to budget and spend our money on other perks. We budget around $600 to enjoy a pool cabana for a few days of the trip. We budget $1500 and enjoy a few headliners and a couple of "second tier" shows. Sure the room costs $2000 for the trip. KA alone sets us back $500 plus. Howie Mandel "only" set us back $240. Comedy shows can be had 2-1 for $20 bucks. Sure dinner at a nice establishment will set us back another couple hundred but juice or coffee and a muffin in the AM is only $5-10 per person.

I guess you get out of it what you put into it. For us, it's a major vacation and we plan accordingly. I suppose if we visited more frequently I might find the pricing an issue.

[Lena]

We love going to Vegas and have been going for 20 years, but everything has increased in price. We have 4 casinos in the Kansas City area and 4 in the St Louis area. We do a lot more of our gambling here now, but still love going to Vegas. But now we make sure that we are getting a good deal on our airfair and rooms, before going to Vegas and if rates keep going up at least we have casinos here. So if Vegas becomes over priced, try the casinos in Missouri.

[jtichman]

This has caused me to stay away from the Strip and patronize the Local Casions.

[vegasbabe]

since moving to vegas, my rent has increased nearly $200 per month. that's just during a 3 year period of time, with no improvements to the place. I am concerned that the people who work in the casinos and the retail establishments, may someday not be able to afford to live here anymore. What comes next, busing us in from Mesquite, or Pahrump?

As for the entertainment, I've always had more fun at the $35 shows, than at the bigger $100+ productions. (except for Barry Manilow at $187--worth every penny) With all the older, smaller hotels being closed and torn down, there is virtually nowhere for the smaller acts to go. Again, can we expect to have to drive to Mesquite or elsewhere to see an affordable show in the near future? Well, at least Earl Turner is back in town! At $28 for locals, it's the biggest bang for your entertainment buck in town!! Fun, fun, fun!

[Wilbur95]

I have been getting my rooms comped at Harrah's/Rio for years and I am currently a diamond card holder. However, my most recent offers from Harrah's for Vegas are for room rates of $49 rather than my normal comp offers. This is definitely a sign of the times. I will continue to go to Vegas at least once a year but will cut back from the 3 to 4 times a year I have been averaging over the last 7 or 8 years. I agree that I will likely take my gambling to the local casino's rather than Vegas if the comped rooms disappear. I just have a hard time paying for something I have been receiving for free for years and thus my justification that my Vegas experience is an overall good value no longer holds up . I believe the trend will ultimately reverse itself but I I feel that trend may be years away. I will miss you Las vegas but it was fun while it lasted.

[lovevegas]

I am so sad to see the middle class get outpriced! Soon the average person won't be able to go and we do LOVE the strip!:confused:

[Pops904]

Bargain hunting is part of the fun of Vegas! Last November, my friend's $160.00 per night room at NyNy was way smaller than my $69.00 room at The Golden Nugget, our bathroom was larger and set up better, and the hallways leading to our room were bigger and more lushly appointed. Yea, we went to the strip. To attend a meeting, to meet with our friends that were staying at NYNY, and to take another couple that was with us (first timers) sightseeing...Did we shop, eat, and gamble there? I Think NOT! Partied our butts off downtown, got more drunk than I'd been in 25 years for a total of fifteen bucks on Freemont Street. Won over $1,000.00 playing Bingo at The Plaza. Ate like kings at the buffet at Main Street Station. Had fun with some friendly slots at Sam's Town and took in the free lazer/fountain show in the courtyard. Laughed to myself at the people lined up at Starbucks as I walked by with my $9.95 coffemaker I'd just bought at Walgreen's (on Freemont) and was carrying back to my room at The Golden Nugget. Tripled my buy-in on the Roulette table at Arizona Charlies. Lusted after the beautiful waitress at Orleans while breaking even on the 5 cent "Reel 'em In" slots. Had great greasy burgers and fries from Carl Jr's...I'm doing my part to get great value for my money, and I hope that someday the strip properties will feel it!
Yes, we're still going to stroll the Forum Shops and the Shops at Venetian. It's fun to look at designer clothes and watches that cost more than a new Corvette. We bought two bottles of water on our last trip to the Forum Shops, total expenditure five bucks, and had a lovely fun afternoon strolling and looking. To us, that's what the strip is for: We go and look,(You can spend an hour each in the Coca-Cola Store & The M&M Store and still not feel compelled to buy more than a pack of M&Ms.) but we eat, sleep, party, and gamble in all the off-strip spots. We just feel that our business is appreciated more and our money goes further that way!

Boy, this question hit a nerve, didn't it?

But that's just me...

[ASTIDIXIE]

:mad: YES indeed it is going to make it impossible for me to visit Vegas soon.
I cannot afford to spend a lot on a room & cannot stay off strip that does not have a shuttle back & forth as I travel alone.
I guess I will be looking in the near future for another vacation location.
If I spent that kind of money for a room..............I would have to spend the entire vacation IN that room..........

I guess they are saying the hell with the little common man huh?

[mary6746]

I have to agree, the Vegas strip is outpricing itself.
We've been going to Vegas for over 20 years, 4-5 times per year. Now it's down to three. Usually staying at Stardust (comped rooms). But, with the upcoming closing and rebuilding of the $5 billion dollar Echelon, (low rollers-nickel machines) I doubt we'll be getting rooms there.
What with airfare from the east coast and the high cost of rooms (who sleeps) we'll also be staying downtown. There's no place like Vegas!!!!
We've also started going to Atlantic City monthly for a few days.
It's not the same, but at least we get our gambling fix!!!!!
I believe the big corporations would rather have one $1000.00 table player than 20 $5.00 players. But, that's just my opinion.

[John White]

We used to go to Vegas at least twice a year to enjoy the sights, play the slots and mingle with the crowds. On a budget we find it a bit difficult these last couple of years with the increase in everything from food to shows. I think it is ridiculous when the middle class is pushed out of what was once a yearly vacation spot.

[cactuscousin]

Great topic!
My husband & I have enjoyed trips to Vegas 3-4 times a year for the past 28 years. We will not be returning. We went to eat delicious cheap or moderately priced meals & buffets & to gamble. With the demise of 25 cent full-pay video poker & the move toward promoting nightclubs, shows, & gourmet foods, we no longer feel welcome there. We will go to Laughlin until the corporations ruin it, then will stick with local casinos.

[pateboo]

Las Vegas used to be my safety net. If I couldn't afford to go anywhere else for a vacation, I could always afford Las Vegas. Not anymore, and because I go by myself I also get stuck paying double occupancy. They changed all the good stuff about it, good food at affordable pricing, slot machines that didn't cost an arm and a leg to play the maximum amount per round, and the hotels are so big or far off of the strip because of lakes etc. that you're exhausted by the time you get to the actual hotel. The monorail was a good concept except that to get to it takes much more time and distance than if you just walked to the hotel you wanted to take it to. Pretty soon the only people who will be able to go to Las Vegas will be all the celebrities, who get their trips comped anyway.

[fredma]

Its a joke to have to pay 25-30 for a buffet.How they get away it is beyond me.Lounge acts for free are over as well .Not many left

[gcw]

I would have to say that they definitely are impacting my ability to visit Las Vegas. Now granted, things are not as rosy in my world as they have been in the past, but I used to be good for at least one trip a year. I can't afford to pay $200 for a show ticket! A buffet for $25 - $30? Not for me!

Vegas used to be a lot of fun where you could get a room for $40, a decent meal for $5 - $10 and have a great time for $100 a day. I fully realize that these things are still available, but they are the exception rather the norm. For the kind of money it takes to do Las Vegas these days, I can plan a major holiday!

We have a casino in our town and it's good enough for us for now. There is no question that I would love to return to Vegas and do it up right, but my income doesn't cover that much out-go!

Maybe I'm whining - I don't know, I've been sick :p

[Desertgal]

:eek:

I was in Vegas a few weeks ago in early March and had to stay an extra night due to an illness and bad weather from getting back to CA. The extra night was at The Orleans, a Friday night and that was $195.00 and used my AAA to get it down a bit. I was disgusted, because when I made the reservation I could not gain that extra night due to being sold out and when it came open the price was sky high. The Orleans is expensive for weekends.

Yes, Vegas is way way too expensive and I am not spending that kind of money to eat expensive food or seeing a "star" for the sky high prices they are asking. Miss the old days, this town is going down the tubes, although I do like to walk around the fancy hotels. Pretty soon they will charge you to walk around!! :eek:

[Mulberryflash56]

Yes, it is more costly than in the most recent past; however, the lodging in Vegas is still more reasonable than in the Big Apple (NYC), the City by the Bay (S.F.) or the Windy City (CHI) . Try getting a reservation for decent lodging in Manhattan for less than $150-$200 per night. If you are able to do so, I hope that the angels from above are watching over you. Entertainment and food are also more expensive in those other cities...You take Manhattan, San Diego, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco, Boston,or:D LA .....me, myself, and I will take Vegas, Baby. Take "beach3993" 's advice which was given in an earlier response to this question and begin to "work smart" to continue to get where you really want to go in VEGAS: USE YOUR PLAYER's CLUB cards selectively. Then wait on the marketing dept. to send your great room rates at popular strip resorts or wherever you "play" most often while in VEGAS . SEE ALL OF YOU IN VEGAS. I'll bet on it.....gene

[swampknot]

If I want to gamble on the cheap. I gamble locally. When I wish to do something special, I go to Vegas. Paying $130 for a ticket to LeReve was well worth it. I'll pay that gladly for such an awe inspiring experience. Dinner at Drais, more than I'd ever pay here, but again, a terrific experience. There are numerous sites you can research prior your trip to find whatever you want, working within your budget. I would be less inclined to return to Vegas if I went there, spent less, but also did not have moments I was amazed, regardless the price.

[Jacqui, Duskette8]

I think the corporations are overpricing everything and there are casinos popping up everywhere now but, hey, there's only one Las Vegas!

[jays491628]

I was looking at the replys blaming the corporations. Well what are coprorations for but to make profit. Gambling and entertainment is no different. That being said history is full of corporations that priced themselfs out of business. (GM and the UAW may be the latest).
As long as there are enough people willing to pay the prices will go higher. An example being full tables at the 6-5 Blackjack.

I after looking at the higher airfare and rising Las Vegas costs may cut back on my trips.

JAY

PS For the last 20 years every time I mentioned in LV the rising prices the reply was the same " They kicked out the Mob and brought in the accountants"

[garfield1]

We say there are two Vegas vacations now - the Strip & Boulder Highway.
We think a player's choice has nothing to do with mega vs locals casinos.
The question is: do you prefer more playing time for your money or shows?
We prefer more play, so we play on Boulder Hwy since we win at Sams, Fiesta & Station casinos. When the Cannery goes in, it'll be even better.

But, we spend just as much money at these casinos vs had we gone to the Strip. We enjoy the locals casinos so much, & end up spending all day & just as much money if not more had we gone to the Strip to see shows.
We're from the East Coast & don't have video poker like these locals do.
We can't wait for our next vacation at Boulder Hwy & N Las Vegas.
So, it has nothing to do with being a mega resort -
for us, its the playing time that you get for your money.

[vpugno@aol.com]

I Agree With Everyone Regarding The Pricing Out Of The Middle Class. Do They Not Realize It Was The Middle Class Of Gamblers That Has Put Las Vegas On The Map? I Am Trying To Book A Room For October, And Boy What High Room Rates. I Will Keep Looking Till I Find A Reasonable Rate. I Might Start At The Out Skirts Of The City.

Vera From Michigan

[PinkFloydActuary]

Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?


I'd love it if I could still find rooms at a resort for $40 a night and spend $10 on a dinner buffet. But let's be honest here - they've raised the rates and people are still willing to pay them. As a number of places undergo implosion or remodeling in the next few years, this will probably only get worse over the next few years.

As was mentioned a few times before, what bothers me most is the mega-corporations owning basically everything. I can no longer easily walk next door and give someone else my business, because it's owned by the same person. If Harrah's converts to 6:5 BJ everywhere, half the places I gamble are no longer an option.

I still think there are deals to be had, and part of the fun of planning a trip is finding them. So we go to the big buffets for lunch instead of dinner, scour the internet for days for a good room, and hop hotels when necessary. If it gets too ridiculous, we'll just find a new favorite vacation spot. Until the masses also reach that point (if they ever do), nothing is really going to change...

[Bosco]

I'm with Pink on this one. I just hope they keep their filthy mitts off of downtown.

It is obvious that the big corporations don't give a hang about the middle class tourist right now. They are filling up their rooms with the "rich and famous". Why should they care about us? Until the "elite" get tired of going to Vegas and it is no longer the Destination De Jour, I'm afraid the rest of us are screwed. :confused:

I started going to Vegas five years ago. Went three times a year for the next two years, staying center strip. It was easy to score a room at the Flamingo or the Barbary for $30-$40. Not anymore! :mad:

[rkbak]

I LOVE VEGAS! The bargains are still there you just have to take some time to find them. There are coupons for free dinners, buy-one-get-ones for shows and yes you can still get rooms at a reasonable price if you are a gambler at heart. I am a penny and nickel slot player and definitely not a "high roller" but I receive offers from Stratosphere, Sahara, Riveria and Harrah's 2-3 times a year. I cash in on these offers and normally stay for free.

I love the shows and always see 3 or 4 while in town. Now these aren't the $100 shows but they are fabulous and very entertaining. I truly enjoy my trips to Vegas and I never tire of the atmosphere that surrounds it.

You can spend enormous amounts if you chose but this gal enjoys the trip on a budget and loves each and every minute!!

Rita

[jbeall]

It's not so much the price of the rooms- we just got back and stayed 5 nights for free (by switching casinos in the middle of the trip). We had never done that before - figure once we're unpacked, we don't want to move, but have to admit, it wasn't too bad. Stayed 3 nights at the Flamingo and 2 at Harrah's. What we do mind is the food prices. I don't know why they can't serve smaller portions and charge less. Also, what's with all the changes in the comps programs? Our points used to be good for 18 mos. at some casinos, now they're only good for 6. Plus, we really miss the cash back. We loved running around on our last day to pick up our cash and use the comp balances in the gift shops. The mega corps are ruining it for us.

[Marla Chi-to-Houston]

Hotel rooms plus a gambling budet have definitely out-priced me. Now, I only go on a comp, do the buffets, no shows, no rental cars, no serious shopping, and search for the best airline deals.

I know I paid dearly to get the comped rooms, but for me, it's the only way I can go.

[laferney]

What about the Senior Citizens, who are on a fixed income, from what I see when I come to Las Vegas The largest majority of the people gambling are Seniors. I think it time to get it back to normal. If you are there to gamble you should get a break on the food and rooms.

[earleene]

:eek: Have to say that just getting to Vegas these days is holding us back. The air fare eats a big part of the budget for the working class. We don't get to travel enough to earn any free tickets. like everyone is saying, the prices once you are there have gone thru the roof. I'm glad I got a couple of trips before, cause they are sure limiting us now.

Why so high now, I really needed a Vegas trip. :( Guess it will have to be something else this year.

[rbobst]

Prices are definitely higher but if planned well there should not be a problem. It's basically what are you looking to get out of your vacation? My wife and I travel to Vegas twice a year from the Phila. Pa.area(a five and a half hour planeride). We stay and play at MGM Mirage Resorts; either TI or the Mirage. We book through our slot host and we usually get at least 3 of the six nights comped up front. We are not big gamblers(about 400 a day between us). We are slot players at the nickel and quarter level(occasionally dollar if doing well). We charge about half of our meals at their resorts and in our last five trips have had all of those charges comped at checkout. The good thing about that is you have multiple casinos to play at and earn comps. We use TI as a base and work our way around from there. We love the strip! Downtown and the locals casinos are nice but we prefer to stay centered on the strip. It's our idea of a nice relaxing vacation.
Try and get those kinds of returns if your traveling someplace else for vacation.
Harrah's has the same set-up that friends of ours use. They play in Harrah's Atlantic City properties and use their comps when they go to Vegas. They stick mainly to Harrah's properties and are rewarded at the end of it.
Rick

[patinomaha]

I have only been going to Vegas since 1995. I have made 17 trips in that amount of time. I am by no means a high roller or by any means wealthy. My wife and I have stayed at Treasure Island a couple of times, MGM a few times and the Luxor all the rest of the times. I also have a guys trip in there where we stayed at Las Vegas Club.

I play no bigger than quarters. I may on occasion play up to $5 a spin but never any more. We eat the buffet for breakfast and we eat a nice dinner someplace. Usually at a Mandalay property. Or in the shops at Mandalay Place. Cafe Gorgio is a great place.

What I am getting at is this... If you have to eat at Mcdonalds while in Las Vegas to be able to go to Las Vegas, maybe you should not be in Las Vegas. If you have to stay at a crap-hole in order to have some gambling money, maybe you shouldn't be in Las Vegas. Or wait until you have more money than you think you need before you go.

Reading some of the replys to this post made me laugh. If paying an extra $10 a night is going to keep you from enjoying yourself in Las Vegas, then stay home and wait another month before you go to save some more money. If you have trouble finding a decent room rate for your trip, maybe you should not go in October and in April.

The room rates will never be what they were in the past. Never! Like the other post said, there are $25 rooms out there. $7 shows. If that is what you have to do to be able to enjoy yourself while in Las Vegas, then I'm sorry for you. You are missing out.

Vegas is not going to lose out in any way. You may not get to stay in the $100 a night rooms, but someone will. People will still come to Las Vegas, they will just have to bring more money.

I myself am going soon. I will be staying at the Luxor in a nice room, eating at decent places, gambling like I want to. I will be thinking of you who can not do the same while I am there. But only for a minute.


patinomaha

[lvandm]

Vegas is great and worth every penny
Just ask the Stockholders and Boards of Directors for Harrahs and MGM Mirage.
Seems that us players that go for the gaming and good deals have lost sight of what a good time is. We should no longer think of Vegas as a Gaming destination.
Maybe someday the people supporting all of the Madison Avenue tricks will wise up and things will come back to reality. Of course we still believe it is better to pay $5 for a cup of Starbucks coffee. So Madison Ave. is still winning and not only in Vegas.

[torontogambler]

Definitely. I have been visiting Vegas frequently for the last twenty years and it is changed alot - not for the better. I am a regular but not a high stake gambler. It is a fact that the mega resorts are catering to a different crowd now - not the gamblers. (The gamblers used to subsidize the meal and entertainment costs.)
The shows have been particularly priced out of reach and even if you gamble regularly, it is hard to get comped for shows. (Not only that, if you do not book the popular shows ahead of your arrival, you may not be able to get in.) There are a lot of 2 for 1 show ticket coupons in the Vegas magazines and being handed out on the strip, but obviously not for all of the shows (and not for the most popular ones). Also the booth that sells the "half price" show tickets is a bit of a rip off - they only have certain shows and certain seats available. You do not get assigned seating, you have to present your coupon at the specific box office - first come, first served.
Regarding meals and rooms, it is still easy to get meal comps and not too difficult to get rooms comped (or at the very least "casino rates"). But for visitors who only go once a year or less often and may not qualify for a reasonable casino rate or room comp, the prices are really getting out of hand.

[Tammy]

I think the costs have gone up from five years ago and it isn't that long ago.
My husband found a good deal with airfare and the Wynn hotel. If he hadn't found that deal we would probably stay at the Golden Nugget. We probably won't stay on the strip anymore after this trip unless we can stay nearly for free. Food has gone up too and I need to be able to afford that.
GOTTA EAT! GOTTA GAMBLE! GOTTA EAT!

[kaytwety]

More americans are making more money these days. Thus the Hotels can charge THE GOING RATE. The ones who will lose out are the Midle class and the Retired people living on pensions. I used to stay on the strip, but at the West ward Ho or the Stardust as they were the really reasonable ones there. For the time you spend in a room do you really need Marble floors in the bath or a soaking tub? I can do these things at home. We now stay Downtown as the rates are reasonable and the OLD HOTELS are pretty well kept up. All you need is a clean room and a comfortable bed for a couple of hours a night. We have found the Buffet at Main Street very good and lots of choices for about 11 bucks. Not Seafood but then it's also not 30 bucks. We go to the strip to see the Big Hotels and free things, then go back downtown to gamble. The poy out seems better there and you can WALK from one casino to another. We will be going in August for 8 days and staying downtown. 7 nights at the Fitzgerald will cost us $287.00. This seems like a fair price for the 7 nights. I don't intend to gamble on the strip. We will go see the FREE sights, then return downtown. The best thing Vegas has going for it is the FIVE DOLLAR --24---HOUR BUS PASS. I read where you can use it on the C.A.T. bus and the Deuce. It also appears that the Deuce bus stops closer to the casino entrance than the regular bus. Shop around for some of the FREE COUPONS that are out there. Haagen-Dazs---Nathans hot dog__the New York Pretzel have 2 for 1 and this brings the price way down to where little old ladies can afford them.

[Vegas Queen]

A few years ago we would visit Vegas 3-4 times a year. Now if we go 2 times we're doing good. They increase the hotel, show and food prices and that means less money for gambling, so in the end are they really ahead.
It's getting crazy, we never go to any of the big shows as their too expensive I'd rather see 2 smaller shows for the same money. It's getting to the point that we may go once a year and find an alternative spot for our second week of vacation. Too bad though as we love Vegas

[USMC Vet]

I think Steve Wynn is the worst thing to happen to Vegas. The strip isn't for the working class anymore. Fremont St is still pretty good for the lower end gambler, but even there it's harder to get comps. We've been going every year since 1995 and have enjoyed the trips and will continue to go. In fact we're leaving for our yearly trip in under two weeks. My wife and I aren't high rollers, but do budget $200 each per day for gambling. We enjoy the comedy clubs and an occasional headliner. Most of the shows aren't that out of reach, but there are a few(Elton John for example)that are ridiculous.The big themed resorts are nice to visit, but I'm happy with the Horseshoe, Golden Gate, Plaza, etc.

[cindyinnj]

Yes...I do believe some places are charging way too much, but not all of them! Let's face it, you get what you pay for, and if you want class, elegance, top notch service and best chefs, well then you'll pay through your nose to get it. Then there is the lower end buffets, which are affordable, but not exactly the tastiest, but edible nevertheless. Unfortunately, they are not usually close by and you'd have to travel to them.

I can handle 5 days in Vegas once, maybe twice a year, but I have some friends and family members who cannot afford Vegas, therefore they don't go! They go where they can afford to go.

You can't just decide to go to LV, then you get there and you don't have enough money to eat meals because you didn't know how expensive it is! Research prices long before you go to LV and budget yourself and stick to it! Join a forum like this so you know when and how to get bargains, or best place to stay or eat!

[AnnPedi614]

I think prices have gone through the roof, however that isn't stopping us from going to Vegas. I remember not too long ago (2000) staying at Paris for $59 a night. The following year got ever better rates at TI. Our first stay at Mirage we paid $75 a night and that was only 2 or 3 years ago!! Now we would be lucky to find the same rooms for under $100 a night and usually more! We won't stop going to Vegas, however, it is not the inexpensive vacation it used to be. I remember telling friends there wasn't anywhere else I could go for $600 for the week for both my husband an I. Cheap airfare, cheap rooms. All that is gone. So now if it is between Mirage at 129 a night or Bellagio at 149, I spend the extra money. We gamble but never enough to get the deals at the hotels I want to stay at.
We are lucky though, we go to confrences for my husband's work and we stay at wonderful hotels throughout Florida, so I think now when I go to Vegas I don't want to skimp on the room. Vacation is meant to be enjoyed.

[Maac]

:( They sure are getting really creedy. We started going to Vegas and staying on the strip ten years ago, when it was much cheaper and we always had fun, and came home with some money in our pockets. Now you're lucky if you could win a few dollars and be ahead. We go twice a year, and they're always putting in new machines, and we all know what that means. The food has gone sky high too, and staying on the stip has gotten way out of hand. Talk to anyone and they'll tell you that no one is winning like they use to. As far as the shows go, I would never pay the money that they want in Vegas. We have seen some of the big stars right here in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and I really wasn't impressed at all, so I certainly wouldn't pay the money that they want in Vegas. We'll have to try downtown the next trip we make this fall.
Maac
of Cleveland, Ohio
conjmb@wideopenwest.com


Here is this week's "Topic Of The Week"


Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?

[BIG TIME]

I have been coming to Vegas 2 times a year since 1997. I brought $1200 to gamble and eat with and it lasted the whole 4 days. Now I have to bring $5k to enjoy the same entertainment. So, yes the Strip is starting to price people out of a good time. If i was not compped for most of my trip, I would have to stop coming.

[YJAJJ]

Are the mega corporations overpricing the Vegas Strip for the working or middle class consumer with the $30 buffets, $150 shows and $200 room rates?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegas to me is like if you have to ask how many miles it gets to a gallon you can't aford a caddilac!

I have stayed on the strip at the Flimingo for years - I'm going in May - invitation free slot tournament - comp rooms etc.

But it has not been that way always - the worst I pay is casino rates -

The thing I see is people jumping from casino to casino and build no loayelty and don't get to know a host!

So you pay the going rates!

But to me what ever it takes it's a fun place!!!!


JIM J

[James]

what's sad is that i'm only 27, yet even i can remember back when things were more affordable. i remember when $15 was a lot for a DINNER buffet!

i miss how sahara was just a few years ago. the cheap rooms, cheap food, and cheap gaming was perfect for a college student. it's where all my friends and i learned how to play craps. we'd even get up early to scarf down their $3 breakfast buffet.

the deals are still around, just not on the strip. downtown caters to gamblers, you're more than an afterthought.

[account_deleted]

for the under 30
No it's cheap to go.. example my 25 yr old daughter plans a 3 night trip to stay at Paris for $160 a night, two beds, with 3 girlfriends. This is only $40 a night. sleep late, head for the pool, eat something pool side. dinner is a salad in the coffee shop. Night activity is to an ultra lounge let the guys buy the drinks. I asked her how much she won or lost gambling she said " I put $20.00 in a slot machine and lost it right away and I refused to waste any more money on gambling"
Cheap trip Yes !

For the 30 to 40 yr old Vegas Tourist
Maybe it cost too much but I don't care .... It's my once a year vacation and I have been to vegas 6 times now. I expect to over pay a little and don't care, it's my vacation. I rent a car to see all the sights. Sometimes we bring the children. I'll pay for a nicer room, try the $20.00 trick at the front desk because a view of the strip is so important. I paid $150. per show ticket and booked them on line 2 months ago so I was sure to get a front row seat. The $30. per person buffet is ok as long as they give me lots of choices that I can't get back home. So what if The steak back home that cost $23 in the nice place, I don't mind paying $32. here. You see I on vacation, and want to cut lose, I want exciting and nice. By the way my gambling budget for my husband and I is $80. per day total.

Maybe One day Mr and Ms tourist will wake up and decide to head someplace else. I heard Euro-Disney is a nice cheap place to go..

This is for Joe Vegas
YES IT COST TOO MUCH,,, been there, done that, seen it,, I understand that all Deluxe Vegas rooms are the same, in all the hotels. Sometimes they come with a view of the strip, sometimes it's a view of the parking garage. The view is pot luck, at check in time. I spend 5 or 6 hours a day in it at most. It's just the wife and me. We want a reasonable priced hotel that's clean, with reasonable priced food and good inexpensive shows. I expect the hotel to have everything in it that I want. We don't plan on leaving the hotel. Well,, Maybe I'll go for a walk one day. The other days when the eyes get blury I promise to go out side for a breath of fresh air and too see if it's day or night. We play basic BJ strategy and know what an 8/5 pay scale means on a VP machine. Craps is a good word. A vacation, is a trip to a tropical island, maybe a ski resort but,,
We came to gamble, to grind it out for hours on end and with luck, get some comps to lower the cost and maybe take home some winnings.

Did Steve Wynn owner of the mirage start it all back in 1985,,,, Get the people that would never think of coming to Vegas to come. Make a nice and pretty hotel, A tourist destination. Then if we don't clean them out at the tables we will over charge them every which way we can. Every department needs to make a profit. The idea worked, the new clients (people) came, they bought into the pretty hotel idea and paid up. Steves plan caught on and then it spread.

For the average grinder, I say yes it's getting over priced, less competition for the number of people going to Vegas.
Not to worry, greed will have them over building, prices will drop. $150 tickets will become $200. Hotels like the Mirage will become the new Stardust or Tropicana, offering cheap rooms, shows and food to get you in the door so they can make money the old fashion way. Gambling revenue.

Sincerly Joe Vegas 32 yrs, 17 different hotels, 100 + trips and yes in 2005 # 17 was the Mirage for the first time.
PS: The standard deluxe room this time was a Volcano view room, Thank goodness I didn't pay extra for it.

[sonntex]

I am seeing a lot of posts regarding the prices on shows. Yes, they are high, but they are still cheaper than if you have to pay a scalper near your home to see them.

Last year tickets to Elton John/Billy Joel at AA arena in Dallas sold out so quickly that it came down to getting tickets from the local agencies and they were going for $600 and the seats were not that good. So $250 to see Elton is not that bad if you are going to be in Vegas any way, why not take advantage of going to the show?

Same for some others. We paid $200 a ticket to see Bon Jovi 3 years ago in Dallas and this was just pure luck because we bought them 15 minutes before the agency closed, and they wanted to get rid of them. They were going for $400 and more.

Neil Diamond tickets were $600 the last time he was in Dallas.

Granted, if you can get into the ticketmaster website early or be lucky enough to get a good place in line to buy tickets, you can get good prices, but so many of them get bought up by the ticket agencies that you have to pay their prices if you want to see the show.

So yes, shows in Vegas are pretty expensive, but if you look at the prices when these same performers are on tour, Vegas is a bargain IMO.

However, we don't go to many shows in Vegas unless they are comped. We go to Sin City to get away for a while and gamble.

[GerryD]

My wife and I used to visit Las Vegas several times per year. Unfortunately, prices have risen to the point where it is just too difficult to bankroll a gambling fund and come up with the money to stay, eat and see a show. Because of that we switched several years ago to Reno. We have really grown to love it. Our bankroll goes so much further and that allows us to make more trips than we would have if we were going to Las Vegas. We hated to leave Las Vegas but they just priced us out.

[Nevada]

It is real nice to see all the new people who have put replys to the new topic. Now for my two cents things have gotten more expensive but for many years Vegas was way underpriced and we got so use to it that now that prices have caught up with rest of the hot vacation spots. WEall hate to pay more but for the money if you watch what what you do you can still have a good time on the strip with out going to the overpriced shows.There are still some good Buffets out there without paying an arm and leg for you just have to do your homework to find them.ASfor room rates I seem to have to go on my birthday a different day or week to celabrate it:eek:

[sonntex]

My wife and I used to visit Las Vegas several times per year. Unfortunately, prices have risen to the point where it is just too difficult to bankroll a gambling fund and come up with the money to stay, eat and see a show. Because of that we switched several years ago to Reno. We have really grown to love it. Our bankroll goes so much further and that allows us to make more trips than we would have if we were going to Las Vegas. We hated to leave Las Vegas but they just priced us out.

We have looked at Reno as an alternative, but the airline tickets from Dallas are about $350 per. However, we have gotten some offers from Harrahs which included airfare. We may have to take them up on it some time.

[Muggs McGinnis]

I've been going to Vegas for about 15 yrs.
I go 3 or 4 times a year.
.
I have NEVER run $200 thru a Slot machine ever !
( nickels, dimes,whatever)
So I don't get comp'd like some others who do.
People who do -- have expressed here, that they have no
problem with rising Vegas prices.
You shouldn't.
Casinos LOVE Slot players = and we know why.
Worst odds in the house.
But I don't gamble that way.
.
My money management is very good.
I have gone over my daily budget only twice in all those trips.
Most days I do not even reach my budget --- yet I feel
I've always had enough gambling fulfillment.
.
I play Craps, VP, 3 Card Poker, Baseball bets,and a maybe $40 in a slot.
.
"The Deals" are not out there as they used to be for me --
at the "high end" resorts.
I do ALOT of homework.
I used to be able to find a "Deal / Offer" for a few nites at
one of these places.Then, stay cheaper the rest of my week.
I'd love to list the deals I have gotten in the past.
No More.
.
Airline, Hotels, Food, Shows have all risen $$$.
.
90 percent of the shows in Vegas ?.....I have NO INTEREST in seeing.
I wouldn't watch "crap" just cause I'm in Vegas.
.
Muggs

[hipster818]

Before my wife and I got married we went to Vegas often. We decided to go in our first year of marriage and nearly fell over when we saw what it cost to stay someplace. We are not big gamblers but we had to make sacrafices about what we wanted to see and do because of the cost had gone up so much. How is Vegas going to get people who want to go and new generation of people if your having to pay over $100 a night.

I long for the days when Vegas was less adult and not so mch kid friendly becuase at lest then prices and for the average joe. Also Vegas seemed for friendly then too.

[vegasmann]

It seems the air From NYC is crazy to get to vegas also.
It looks like my 2 week vacation is going to be cut down.
unless i give up my oct time and try to go in Dec which means no pool.

[ChicChas]

Face it folks. Prices have gone up everywhere. It costs $299.00 per night to stay at the Westin in KANSAS CITY, for crying out loud.

[parisbill]

The profile of the LV strip is changing big time.

New profits are from room and food beverage along with gaming. Land values and construction costs have sky rocketed. Big consolidation taking place with marginal strip casino/hotels being taken over for destruction and new building. Condo construction of hi-rise buildings in process and 45% of buyers are investors hoping to cash in on rental of their units when not in use.

All this equates to higher prices for EVERYTHING.... food, rack room rates, less comps etc.

Not an opionion but simple facts....

[gcw]

I find it interesting the jabs at middle class people. We are not all "old ladies", nor are we stupid because of the situation we may be in!

Hey, if you can afford to go to LV and do it the way I'd love to and not bat an eye - great! Congratulations, but there is no need to laugh at the less well off and call them names.

[Muggs McGinnis]

GCW,
I agree.
Some previous posts were "smug".

[terryOle]

:eek:
It's really sad the middle-class gets burned again. We've come to Vegas once or twice a year for the past 8 years or so. We would love to visit more, the atmosphere is exciting. We used to feel so special cause we got to stay on the strip ($49) per nite and were treated like high rollers even though we weren't. We always got mail after our visits for these fantastic deals like the $49, free shows, etc.

Now, we get nothing in the mail and you have to stay off the strip to afford your trip. We like to see the shows (which have also gone up in price) and are limited to our gambling expenses. The one thing I like is a "really nice" room, where I can pretend I'm richer than I will ever be, and enjoy the feeling while I can. I suppose that's too much to hope for these days .... just can't afford to even "PRETEND" anymore!

[janis]

After reading about 90% of all the posts on this topic it is obvious to me that most of the people on this board are 40 + years old. Las Vegas knows that we will moan & groan about the high prices , etc., but WE WILL KEEP GOING! They are in the process of getting the next generation "hooked". I just got back last night from a 4 day stay. Since 1994 we had been making the trip 2,3,or 4 times per year. Due to medical problems we had not been there since Nov.'02. Since it has been such a long time between visits I really noticed a difference. Everywhere I looked there were groups of "twenty somethings". These people DO NOT GAMBLE! They drink, act like asses, exhibit extremely rude behavior and in general get in the way. And these are just the girls!!! I won't even go into the behavior of the males! They are more than willing to pay whatever the room rate is because the booze is free!! But since they will be the paying customers when we all die off, that is the way things are going to be from now on. I am no different than anyone else. I will keep going & will pay the price with the understanding that the good old days are gone.

[YJAJJ]

After reading about 90% of all the posts on this topic it is obvious to me that most of the people on this board are 40 + years old. Las Vegas knows that we will moan & groan about the high prices , etc., but WE WILL KEEP GOING! They are in the process of getting the next generation "hooked". I just got back last night from a 4 day stay. Since 1994 we had been making the trip 2,3,or 4 times per year. Due to medical problems we had not been there since Nov.'02. Since it has been such a long time between visits I really noticed a difference. Everywhere I looked there were groups of "twenty somethings". These people DO NOT GAMBLE! They drink, act like asses, exhibit extremely rude behavior and in general get in the way. And these are just the girls!!! I won't even go into the behavior of the males! They are more than willing to pay whatever the room rate is because the booze is free!! But since they will be the paying customers when we all die off, that is the way things are going to be from now on. I am no different than anyone else. I will keep going & will pay the price with the understanding that the good old days are gone.


Yes - this said it all! as to the "old lady" comment on another e-mail I'm a 100% disabled Korean vet - lost a leg among other things do to being shot!
And I am old but relate to the young I have 4 kids that go to Vegas with me looking forward to some of my 13 grandkids going!
It's a fun city - that has much for the young - as does the rest of the world - but there is much for me to - great host good service and i love to people watch - gamble see all the shows and - not eat as much - lost 40 lbs since chrismas - look out kids I'll be in Vegas in May!!!!!!!
Jim J

[Suzanne Vadnais]

We have bee