Hard Rock back to The Encore

[smartone618]

As some of you know, I'm in Las Vegas once, sometimes twice a month for 2-3 days at a shot. I decided last spring or thereabouts that it'd be in my best interests to pick a property and concentrate my "stay and play". I chose the Hard Rock, in particular the HRH Tower.

Last week I went to book my March (Wed.16-Sat.19th) stay and though I expected rates would rise, as this is the start of March Madness, I didn't expect the HRH Tower to already be "sold out" and was surprised to learn that the regular rooms of the Casino and Paradise Tower were going for $459 and $469 on Friday night.

I called my casino host and he confirmed that info. I mentioned a promo code they'd sent me that would get the price down to $109 in a Casino Tower Mountain View room on Friday night. I ended up taking a pass... I've gotten so used to the HRH Tower, I wasn't into what I assume would be low-floor room, next to the elevator overlooking the beautiful CVS store on Paradise as seen between the air-conditioning units. I'm assuming those are the rooms given in the promo, maybe I'm wrong. Checking in the HRH Tower is also a much better experience with the separate valet and more intimate counter. The other side can be a total zoo, expecially on a busy weekend. Then if you draw the Paradise Tower, you've got a 2 mile hike to the elevators.

Anyways, I was kinda bummed that with the loyalty I'd given them and a month to go and 1,500 rooms, that's what I was being offered, so I called the Encore... WOW... I forgot how good they are at customer service and this was just the reservation's agent. I had received an offer from them a couple weeks earlier and ended-up with a rate of $129, $249 and $249 for what I know is a busy weekend. The agent (Crystal) was great at making me feel like I was the only one they'd be expecting. God they're good!

I have no reason to "abandon" the Hard Rock, as so many of the valet, check-in folks and bartenders have been very, very good to me and know me by name (a good feeling), but it's a good reminder that there's a lot of quality properties in Las Vegas and it's worth checkin' around a bit.

[Rescuediver]

I would think you may have a reason to abandon the HR. I read another post of yours (I believe it was yours) where you actually made it a point to speak to the casino host and make sure he knew you were loyal to the HR and thats where you sleep and gamble when in town. You're in town anywhere from 12 - 24 times a year and always stay there but yet theres nothing they can do for you? I dont have any idea on how it all works behind the scene, I dont know how much you spend on average each trip but I would think there is something they can do. I would think about speaking to a host at Encore and telling them the situation and seeing what happens. Never know you may end up with a new home.

[smartone618]

Thanks... that's why I posted this... was curious what others thought... My room and food charges each visit average between $800-$1000 and at least for the past 6 months or so, I run between 3,000-5,000 points thru my Rockstar card each visit. That's $1 in=1 point. I usually play video-poker, which isn't as lucrative to them as slots I know, but it's 4-5 hours of play none the less. I'm there for business, so am not at the machines all day... but I'm there and I've seen a pretty empty casino quite often. Also, I previously haven't asked for anything, so I know I haven't worn out my welcome. I didn't expect them to kick someone out of the HRH Tower on Friday... if it's full it's full, but would've gone for a Paradise Tower room at $200-300 (not $479) for that night. Casino Tower Mountain View just says, "your a nice guy, take the room by the elevator and the ice machine."

I know a lot of folks say, "big deal, how much time to you spend in the room anyways." But I haven't stayed in the casino tower in a couple years and have always book their corner deluxe suite in HRH since it opened and the host knows that. At the very least, I thought it was an "indifferent" attitude displayed.

I was even dumb enough to let him know that if there are any cancellations, please let me know and I'll change my plans. I'm just rambling out loud now, I think I know where I fit.

[Matt]

From what I hear from other people, for that amount of play consistent every month I'd expect you to be getting comped nights, not having to ask for discounted rates on basic rooms. The hotel and service provided at Encore is fantastic, you won't regret switching.

[MikeyTantalo]

abandon them!!! come see mee!!!!

[smartone618]

I probably will! I enjoy your posts... you're proud of the Wynn properties and it shows... and you have a keen awareness of your customer's needs. It's evident in all your comments.

[Rescuediver]

If you're playing with that kind of cash every time you stay then i agree its time to jump ship. I mean you're no million dollar player but thats still a nice chunk of change especially when its 12 - 24 times a year. Go see Miley T and enjoy the upgrade from HR to Encore.

Oh yea lets us know how you make out, im interested to compare who does what for you.

[smartone618]

I'll keep the group posted... and that's the thing, I'm not really expecting a property to do much of anything for me at all, just not put me out in the back yard or ship me off to another property when they get busy. I called and added Saturday, March 20th to the reservation with Encore to make it 4 nights, cause my son's gonna come along for the whole March Madness watchin'. We're excited... I remember Wynn's sportsbook is one of the nicer ones.

One thing you all might find funny... last night I was watching a youtube video of a Rehab Party and comparing it to a video of the Encore Beach Club and my daughter walks by... I ask, "which one of these looks better?". Without missing a beat she says, " are you serious? Regarding the Rehab one, there's a guy flippin' off the camera and offering numerous explitives and in the background there just crap strewn everywhere and my daughers says, "look at the water! It looks like everyone's pissed in it!" I then flipped on the Encore one and she says, " look how classy everything looks, the colors of all the furniture, etc., and the water's blue, like it's supposed to be!" Don't get me wrong, I love a good "Woodstock-type" (Rehab) get together with the best of 'em, but the Encore video really was impressive. And this wasn't the professionally shot one from the website... both videos were somethin' that someone shot themselves while visiting.

[MikeyTantalo]

I probably will! I enjoy your posts... you're proud of the Wynn properties and it shows... and you have a keen awareness of your customer's needs. It's evident in all your comments.

I appreciate that I try to be the guy who helps all.. even if you dont book with me.. as long as your trips great... that all I ask!

[MikeyTantalo]

I'll keep the group posted... and that's the thing, I'm not really expecting a property to do much of anything for me at all, just not put me out in the back yard or ship me off to another property when they get busy. I called and added Saturday, March 20th to the reservation with Encore to make it 4 nights, cause my son's gonna come along for the whole March Madness watchin'. We're excited... I remember Wynn's sportsbook is one of the nicer ones.

One thing you all might find funny... last night I was watching a youtube video of a Rehab Party and comparing it to a video of the Encore Beach Club and my daughter walks by... I ask, "which one of these looks better?". Without missing a beat she says, " are you serious? Regarding the Rehab one, there's a guy flippin' off the camera and offering numerous explitives and in the background there just crap strewn everywhere and my daughers says, "look at the water! It looks like everyone's pissed in it!" I then flipped on the Encore one and she says, " look how classy everything looks, the colors of all the furniture, etc., and the water's blue, like it's supposed to be!" Don't get me wrong, I love a good "Woodstock-type" (Rehab) get together with the best of 'em, but the Encore video really was impressive. And this wasn't the professionally shot one from the website... both videos were somethin' that someone shot themselves while visiting.

HAHA Thanks for this!!

FYI.. the people who ran Rehab its first years.. now run Encore Beach Clud.. it will have same class.. just run more smoothly.. it was rough last year...

[novanoto]

I probably will! I enjoy your posts... you're proud of the Wynn properties and it shows... and you have a keen awareness of your customer's needs. It's evident in all your comments.

I appreciate that I try to be the guy who helps all.. even if you dont book with me.. as long as your trips great... that all I ask!

I can vouch for this 1000 times over. I've been in contact with Mikey for at least 3 years now and without fail, he has ALWAYS taken care of me, no matter what I needed...his list, others lists, contacts for other spots, anything. Mikey, I've recommended who even knows how many people to you and they've all said the same thing to me...top notch. Keep up the awesome work my friend!!

Frankie

[smartone618]

The Encore was incredible! Though I gotta tell you, since I'm a bar video-poker player who plays $5/ hand and fast... I was taken aback that the Wynn/Encore policy on drink comps doesn't apply to vp players at the bar. After paying $12 a drink (w/tip) three times while dropping $70-$80, I decided to get in a cab and head to the Hard Rock. I played there, won $300 in a couple hours and had several drinks, at no charge.

I came back to the Encore and gambled (not at the bar) and watched NCAA games the rest of my stay. Room on the 61st floor looking straight down the strip was outstanding. It was tough to tell being that high up, but looked like there were folks down at the Encore Beach Club getting things in order... was that you Mikey?

Anyways, my stay was a lot of fun and the staff really has unbelievable attention to detail. I may not be so tied to the Hard Rock on future visits... Mr. Wynn and staff do a fantastic job!