So I am going back to Vegas

Today I decided to book a trip to Vegas, my first since May of last year, and honestly I am really trying to get excited about it, however I think I will be cancelling this trip like I did my last two trips last year in August and October where I decided last minute that I didn't want to go. I love Vegas and love everything about Vegas, but the three times I went last year in January, March and May I just really started to hate the general attitude of the casinos. It is really difficult to explain, but in short it seems the VP gets worse every trip, the comps for anything above free rooms are getting harder, the general attitude of the casino staff seems to be empty your pockets first, then ask your questions last and then we will tell you no, etc, blah blah blah. I use to get really excited about Vegas as soon as I book the trip and now not so much. Curious in knowing if anyone else is going through this "funk" where they are burned out on Vegas or not excited about going or whatever. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE VEGAS, but for some reason just not really excited about going back to Vegas. Difficult to explain and sure everyone will think I am just crazy on this forum, but I cannot be really alone here. And, BTW, really doesn't have anything to do with bankroll or even losing money, although I want a fighting chance to win or break even with decent odds in VP.

I wouldn't cancel for those reasons and here's why:

Bad VP - You didn't say if you play on the strip, downtown or at locals places. All three are seeing downgrades as companies are trying build bottom lines to survive. There is still decent vp DT or at locals joints. Food and drink is a lot less also.

Comps - You mention that it's tough to get comps above free rooms playing vp and that's probably right. RFB takes a fair amount of coin in even off strip, but it's much easier to achieve off strip than on.

Attitudes - Personally, I've always felt a certain amount of 'tude at most places on the strip. I think the economic downturn of the last few years has made it worse. You see it off strip too, but not across the boards. Casinos are in the service business and not all employees are good when the chips are down. Sorry about the pun. Point is, it's easy to be nice when the cash is flowing. When things get tight is when you see the true pros giving the same level of service. Don't let a couple of jerks burn a casino for you.

Net result is that a good experience is still available, you just might have to reset your sights on some new targets. LV is still the best vacation value around. My last trips I stayed downtown for the first time in sixty plus trips and had a great time. I almost nixed the idea just before leaving and I'm glad I didn't. It opened up a new avenue for me. If you haven't stayed there, give it a try. Have a good trip.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes

I say go. Try to change things around a little though. Like Ric suggested, stay somewhere that you don't normally stay. Try a new game. Take in a show. Stay in a new hotel. Get a massage. Play somewhere that you've never played before. Maybe even try not to worry about comps, and just enjoy yourself? Have fun! You'll get the old thrill back.

I agree with the Mix it up attitude. Try different places. Go different places.

Do you ever get a rental car?

Might not be everyones cup of tea, but I love taking off & seeing all over the city.'

Think I know Vegas backroads better than my hometown. lol

I'm going to suggest something a little different - why not go to another destination? Vegas is great, but there are so many great places to visit in the US and around the world, that it might be a good time to try something different. Maybe after a few trips elsewhere, when you do come back to Vegas it will feel better to you.

So many good ideas! I definitely get more out of LV every trip because I rent a car and look for new experiences every time I go; some within city limits, some outside the city. Other cities that are great for tourists: New Orleans has the best party going in the country with the French Quarter for live music and the galleries and The Walk. Just a great short trip. San Fransisco is ultra geared for tourists. Spend 5 days and then rent a car to head up to Napa or Sonoma for a wine tasting excursion. Chicago, Boston, Philladelphia and Washington D.C. are great 3-4 day trips and have loads of history, museums and great restaurants to visit. Sooo many places to see!...and that's just this country. I could walk the streets of Paris for weeks, the architecture is so fantastic it's art at every turn, in every alley. What country outside the U.S. have you dreamed about visiting? Well, if you're only traveling once a year, go see it!
Stu

Last year at this time I had the same feelings that you have now. I booked a trip for Feb 2010 but canceled. I had been going to Vegas 2 to 3 times a year since 2000 but quit going in 2008 due to the whole just give us your money and leave attitude. In August I booked a trip stayed at a different property and did different things and had one of the best trips ever. It was so good I booked one in December and had a geat time. Granted the attitude is still there but not as bad. Give the city another chance things are starting to turn around.

I agree that over the past 4-5 years the attitude has been "give us your money and leave". It is why I always stay at local places, and rent a car, and move around and play at local places. It is why I stopped playing at the Station properties, although they seem to be getting a bit better again. Don't play for comps, play for fun, take advantage of deals, and just find things to do, there are many. I still go 4 times a year, and have never had a bad time. Every time before I go, it's like I am going for the first time.

I think there's a huge difference between the Strip and other areas. I have been gradually getting to the point where I find no reason to go there, and every reason to go to such other places at Palace Station and Main Street Station and The Palms. And there are lots of others -- South Pointe or Silverton, some of the places in the northwest. The Cannery East.

I always rent a car. That, it seems to me, makes a big difference.

There has been some excellent responses and I have been so busy with work to follow up on the responses over the last week. In terms of different destinations, I travel all over the US and Canada with my job so honestly there isn't any one destination I would like to do in February (anyway). I do have plans to spend two weeks in the northeast in late spring to visit historical sights including Washington DC and probably taking a train up to Philly and perhaps New York. I have seen it all before, but would really like to slow down and take more of it. I think my big issue is there is a part of me that wants to go to Vegas and a part of me that really doesn't care. To change things up a bit for me I am having my girlfriend make all of the arrangements, etc. and told her I don't care where we stay (I am Diamond Harrahs and get free rooms but really didn't want to stay at any HET property). She has my credit card and made her own reservations and I honestly don't know where we are staying now. She said it will be fun, told me the room rate she is paying, etc. and I am okay with it. I think she chose Palms based upon something she let slip last night, but don't know for sure. She also has purchased show tickets, etc. that I don't know about so this should be fun just going and letting her lead and doing everything differently than my normal. She told me I will have my days to do what I want including gambling as long as she had me at night for shows, clubs, etc. so this should be interesting. I am actually now starting to get a little more excited. We will see.