Stations Buffet MRB Devaluation?

I have always received the "Boarding Pass" price when using the MRB 2-for-1 buffet coupons at Stations. I have also never had a problem paying for the one I had to buy with points.

Today at Sunset Station I was told "No discount, you can't pay with points."

Did I just get unlucky or has there been a policy change?

If it's a change they got significantly devalued. Instead of costing 7500 points it cost $16. In fact, I obviously should have just paid for both of us with points. It'd have been $1 cheaper than using the coupon. Boo.

It does stink, but I think it started last year.

I know I got the slot club price and paid with points at Red Rock using the 2012 MRB.

And I know I got the lower price and paid with points at Sunset late last year.

Pretty much makes the MRB coupons about worthless, at least to anyone with a Platinum or higher Boarding Pass.

ETA: The new coupons do say "when accompanied by a cash-paying guest" and "not valid with any other offer" but they all worked great last year. I can't find my 2011 MRB to compare language.

Lousy policy - hope it was just a fluke - what a rip!!

For the past SEVERAL years Palace and Boulder would not allow me to pay with points using an LVA 2/1 coupon. This is nothing new for those locations. GVR on the other hand always has allowed me to pay with points using the coupon, although I have not tried to there in over a year.

Last year I was told at Sunset Station that I could not combine points and the MRB coupon by the cashier and it was confirmed by the buffet manager.

Hmm. Sounds like I didn't just get unlucky, but was, instead, lucky last year.

Sometimes they do let you use points-sometimes they don't.

It depends on the property, the cashier's mood, etc.

I figure, you're in Vegas, it's a gamble!!

Either way, it's still a good deal.

Either way it's still a good deal provided you get the Boarding Pass price for the buffet. I was denied even that.

Two buffets, boarding pass price: $19.98, cost of one: 9.99 plus sales tax

Two buffets, non Boarding Pass Price: $29.98 Cost of one: 14.99 plus sales tax

Two buffets, boarding pass price, pay with points, Platinum 25% discount: 14985 points ($14.99) And you don't get charged points for sales tax.

It's cheaper to pay with points than use the coupon if you're Platinum or higher provided they don't let you pay with points AND charge the "regular" price.