Odds and Ends from the Frugal File

It’s the Thanksgiving season and I want to tell all of my readers here and on my Jean Scott Facebook page how thankful I am for the constant stream of encouraging words so many of you have written to me while I care for Brad. Some of you I’ve met in person, but it’s amazing how well I know many of you just through the magic of online friendship.

Many have asked how Brad is doing. He’s very frail physically and losing weight since he doesn’t want to eat much. He sleeps 18-20 hours a day, but is still able to walk short distances with his walker.  Mentally, he seems to be happy in his own little silent world. I’m sometimes able to coax him out into my world, but he struggles to find words to communicate with. However, everyone here at Legacy loves him and his smiles when he can’t respond with conversation. And when there’s music, he sometimes still remembers how to dance.

3-year old great gran Cooper loving the Cat in the Hat Halloween dance.

CZR Notes

Some have asked for more information we found when we were at Harrah’s Cherokee in October. Like most businesses of any kind anywhere these days, the casino is having a terrible time getting enough help. They have billboards up all around the area, saying they need 700 new employees for both this casino (which just opened a new hotel tower) and their smaller sister, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Hotel & Casino in Murphy, NC.  Therefore, that factor and pandemic restrictions are a double whammy causing a decrease in service. There’s no routine room service during your stay, although you can request supplies you need. We still find the employees very friendly, even though they have to bustle around to cover more duties. Masks were required when we were there, but I have read that this restriction has now been lifted.

The biggest problem we had was in the food area. Of course, the buffet we loved is still closed and sadly not to be opened; the area is already being remodeled for the two-story Guy Fieri’s Cherokee Kitchen and Bar. When we were there, the Food Court options had been cut, with sometimes an hour’s wait to even enter, then long lines at the few choices. All the other restaurants had hours-long waits or were closed because of a lack of help.  Selu Garden Café is still our favorite, with the breakfast buffet back, and it wasn’t as crowded. But once you leave the hotel side, there just aren’t enough dining options in the casino, especially casual ones for players who are anxious to get back to the games.

Those specific issues about Cherokee are probably part of the reason why I’m seeing so much criticism of CZR properties in general. I understand player discontent with this new era of benefit cutting and service decline. However, I’m seeing the latter not just in casinos but at all kinds of other businesses. The pandemic is still wreaking havoc everywhere.  Hopefully, some good business practices will eventually come back, even in casinos.

I think a lot of casino visitors who have been playing for a number of years just can’t cope with change. However, wise veteran gamblers know that casino conditions have always been in a state of constant change and they have to be quick to adapt in order to stay successful.  They have to leave thoughts of what-used-to-be and look for what-can-I-do-now.

That has been the theme of most of my blogs for over a year, giving hints on what you might be able to do now.

I know I play at a higher level than many wish to, but there are many things I do to get more value in a casino that others can do, whether video poker or slot players, whether serious advantage hunters or recreational fun-seekers. I’ve been getting extremely good offers since my three trips to Cherokee this year, especially free charter flights to various CZR properties around the country. However, I’m hearing from many who are playing at a much lower level who are also getting these same free offers, especially slot players or those that mix in some slot play with their VP. And some at the very bottom levels of play will get these offers for a very frugal package price considering the convenience: straight-through flights, free rooms, and baggage handling and transfers from airport to hotel.  Especially helpful for seniors! Check out the website to see what is available in your area.

And for all those who used to check the “Seven Stars Insider” website for detailed information about CZR properties and wonder why it’s no longer available, here’s the sad news about the passing of its author, Darryl McEwen.  You can read a good tribute here.  I will miss his very helpful detailed writing. And to someone who suggested I do something similar, that is a big NO.  A site like that takes an unbelievable amount of time-consuming research.

I’m still taking your questions, so continue to fire away in the comments, on Facebook, or with a personal email.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.