So, the only help I can give all of us CZR players is what seems to be fairly solid information that has been put out there in the news.  The name of the new merged company will be Caesars, and the players club will be Caesars Rewards (the recently-changed new name for the old Total Rewards club).   Eldorado players will be transferred over to the Caesars Reward players club.  The new company will be managed by Eldorado, and that worries many CZR players since the word around is that they are “tighter” with player benefits.

However, right now it seems, according to all the emails and snail-mail offers I am getting, that the club is operating pretty much in a business-as-usual fashion, with many of the same type of benefits we have been getting for years, albeit reducing in value like has been happening in casinos in general the last few years.  So, who knows what the future benefits will look like after the merger.

But there are some bright spots at the moment.  The daily tier-credit bonuses will continue as usual in 2020:

• Earn 500 tier credits and receive a 125 tier-credit bonus
• Earn 1,000 tier credits and receive a 1,000 tier-credit bonus
• Earn 2,500 tier credits and receive a 5,000 tier-credit bonus
• Earn 5,000 tier credits and receive a 10,000 tier-credit bonus

And here is a bonus tier benefit promotion that is going on the rest of 2019:

Earn Tier Credits® for 2020

Get ahead of the game and start earning towards your 2020 status! Register now and for every 500 Tier Credits earned between October 1 and December 31, 2019, we’ll award you a 100 Tier Credit bonus for 2020. (Maximum 20,000 bonus tier credits)

But remember you must go online to your account to register for this promotion.

To my surprise – and probably to many other players – they have added some new levels of Diamond status, with new benefits, above the basic Diamond tier level which you reach after earning 15,000 tier credits.

Diamond Plus:  If you reach 25,000 tier credits, you get unlimited complimentary access to Laurel Lounges.

Diamond Elite: If you reach 75,000 tier credits, you have a $600 airfare credit to fly to a  Las Vegas CZR casino.

This new positive upgrade to the tier system was just recently announced and the details are a bit sketchy on their website.  (Watch for the fine-print exceptions at the bottom of the page.)  But although those benefits kick in February 1, 2020, some are based on your 2019 play so there is time for you to accumulate more tier credits this year if you want to work to reach one of those new Diamond upper levels.

And finally, here is a continuing valuable CZR perk I want to talk about because it is not heavily advertised or promoted:  the monthly Tier Benefit Shows for Caesars Rewards players in Las Vegas.  Diamond and Seven Stars players get 2 free tickets per calendar month. The shows are buy 1, get 1 free for Platinum players. Brooklyn Bowl shows are Diamond / Seven Star only.  The list of eligible shows varies slightly from month to month, and the best place to find the current offerings is either in person at any CZR players club desk in Vegas or online at Mark’s Las Vegas valuable site.  He updates the list at the first of each month, giving many details about this benefit, including how singles can get added value.  I especially recommend the show “Wow!” at the Rio.  Not as large as some, but a very well-done production.

At this same Web site you can find the updated list for the free/discounted shows offered by Las Vegas Caesar properties. This June list includes some new offerings, including a pass for the new High Roller. Diamonds and Seven Stars get two free tickets per month; Platinums get a two-for-one discount –  http://markslasvegas.markanduss.com/total-rewards-free-shows-list/.

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Speaking of the High Roller, Brad and I did do this ride – but only because it came complimentary with a VIP party we attended. I hate to talk negative about anything so hyped – but we have never been more bored by an “attraction.” Brad thought the Ferris wheel he rode at the fair in Connersville, Indiana, was more exciting. Of course, he was only 10 then – we are probably a bit jaded now. Our pod had only about 25 riders, not near the max capacity of 40, but it felt crowded and cramped, with only a couple of benches for those that wanted/needed to sit down for at least part of the 30-minute ride. The view was underwhelming, especially looking west – mostly rooftops. And the acoustics are terrible; just people talking in normal conversational voices was deafening.

We were able to do a handicap test; Brad was using his walker since it was a long way to get to the boarding area. The wheel moves slowly enough that a person (or an employee helping) can easily lift the walker over the small gap between the boarding platform and the pod so the wheels don’t get caught. (If needed, they can stop the wheel long enough to push a wheelchair into the pod.)

We did it in the daytime; perhaps dusk would be a better time? Many of the people in our pod had just come from a cocktail party and were having a great time – maybe if we hadn’t been so sober we would have enjoyed it more.

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And, yes, there IS going to be a trip report about our recent Seven Star visit to San Diego and Caesar’s newly-named Harrah’s Resort Southern California (formerly called Rincon). For some reason when I’m gone out of town for 5 days, no one comes into my house and keeps up on all my paperwork. Therefore, I come back to full In Boxes demanding my attention. But here are some photos from the non-gambling part of that trip.  A report will follow as soon as I can get caught up.

Bottom of the aerial tramway in Palms Springs – Steve, Angela the Frugal Princess, Jean, Brad

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San Diego Zoo  Safari Park

Riding the tram is easier than walking!

Hanging with the Bats

We don’t know how long this will last, but you can currently get tickets to Veronic at Bally’s for just a $2.50 handling charge by logging on to ticketmaster.com, choosing “Veronic,” and entering the code VPAPER. Tickets are normally $40-$104 for this singing-impressionist show that’s getting good reviews.

We took advantage of this deal – and really enjoyed the show.  Don’t be discouraged if you find the Ticketmaster Web site a little complicated.  We had to try several times to snag this offer.  At first we wanted to get 4 tickets and our request wouldn’t go through. Finally I tried for 2 tickets and it went through.  So I then went back and tried right away for 2 more tickets and was successful – and it ended up all 4 seats were together.

Note:  For some of you who know we play heavily at Caesars, you may wonder why we just didn’t ask our host for comped tickets. Unless you are a “whale,” even heavy 7* players get very few discretionary comps – for food or shows.  You usually need to use up all your Reward Credits before these comps are available – which is sometimes hard to time.  Another issue comes up if you want to see a show on a day you aren’t also playing.  Getting a show comp then would trigger a “day” and reduce your daily average, something that often would lower your future free play offers.

Shows

We don’t go to casino shows as much as we used to even though we could get many of them comped.  Is it a sign of old age that we prefer to spend our evenings at home?  Perhaps, but another factor is that we have already seen most of the major shows down through the years.  Then there is the reality that we don’t appreciate much of the more modern music offerings.  We are definitely stuck in the “oldies” category.  This is borne out by a couple of our recent show choices.

Engelbert Humperdinck –   Still sexy at 77 despite a growing waistline, his voice has lost very little of its power even for a demanding almost-two-hour show.  The audience was filled with fans in our age group that refused to let him go, their applause keeping him coming back for multiple encores.  He was perspiring profusely by this time, and I was afraid he would faint right on the stage.  The last time he came out, he was in a sexy red satin bathrobe, shaking hands with the fans who poured into the space in front of the stage.  I’m not that crazy of a fan, but I left in a very uplifted mood, with happy thoughts of this trip down memory lane.  Although these show tickets were comped, I think we would have gotten our money’s worth if we had paid for them.

Louie Anderson – This was not a musical choice but definitely an “oldie.”  Usually shows that feature stand-up comedians don’t particularly appeal to us, but we received an offer from Showtickets4locals for his first show at the Plaza (his new venue after moving from Palace Station) and we were going to be downtown anyway, so we signed up for the free tickets.  I’m glad we did.  We hadn’t laughed this much in one hour for years.  I recommend this show for those who enjoy humor that doesn’t depend on trash talk and staccato delivery, but features leisurely but well-timed punch lines on difficulties everyone faces sometime in their life.  Louie just turned 60 and has faced numerous medical problems so his subject material will really resonate with senior citizens, although I saw that the younger people in the audience were laughing as hard as we were.

Million Dollar Quartet   – This was in the category of we-have-coupons-for-a-free-show-but-do-we-really-want-to-go.  But we had four tickets and we had friends who were interested so we went – and we were really glad we did.  An enjoyable evening – again with “oldies.”

Buffets

Caesars Palace – Have you wanted to try the Bacchanal Buffet  there but were put off by the long lines that faced people who did not have Diamond or 7* tier status that would allow them in the shorter lines.  Well, in September, IF you are a local and IF you can go on a Wednesday, you are in luck.  They are offering a free line pass if you show a local ID on that day.  (This is a pass that usually costs $15.)

Another frugal option at this buffet for anyone – go there for a lower-priced breakfast or lunch on Monday through Friday instead of dinner. (One of my all-time favorite frugal hints for buffets that do not have long gaps between various meals during the day.)  Lunch is especially a bargain if you go just before the 3 p.m. cut-off time because you will have the option to choose the more-expensive dinner menu items that come out at 3.  Just don’t wait too long to get in the lunch line, however, because you pay the price in effect when you get to the register, not when you enter the line!

Silverton – Mondays are Senior Days and those with a 50+ sticker on their players card can enjoy 50% off the buffet.   On Thursdays the whole month of September all card holders can get a BOGO (Buy-one-get-one-free) buffet.   This is one of our favorite buffets in town.  Do try to go off-times when they are running specials – the lines can get pretty long during prime-time hours unless you have a higher-tier players card that allows you to use the VIP line.

Suncoast – Continuing there is the long-running buffet special, good Monday through Thursday.  Earn 300 points and get a free breakfast or lunch buffet.  Earn 600 points for a free dinner buffet or $10 off at the coffee shop.

Lots of other changes at the Palms.  We won’t miss the Playboy Club which has closed but we will miss Gardunos.  No date has been set yet for that announced closure but it is coming.   The Earl of Sandwich is scheduled to open July 4, in the former Kids Quest area of the Food Court.

Ellis Island sure can make additions in tiny spaces.  They tucked a new sandwich shop  in a small nook that in the past has seen a small band playing and more recently tournaments held.  And some seating has been removed in the little sports book to make room for a couple of poker tables.

Now for some good news – and some lost faith restored:  If enough people complain a casino might give back some benefits they have taken away.  Caesars Entertainment has brought back the Tier Benefit for Vegas shows, and not just for Seven Stars.  Both Seven Stars and Diamonds can receive 2 free show tickets per month,  and Platinums will be entitled to a Buy-One-Get-One-Free for one show per calendar month.

Members may use their Backstage Pass while gaming on Hard Rock Hotel’s newly-renovated casino floor, high limit lounge or full pay video poker machines to receive the ultimate program benefits per dollar spent. Guests can play the slots and receive one point for every $1 coin-in on reel/video reel machines and every $2 coin-in on video poker machines. One hour spent at the poker table will earn 500 points forBackstagePassmembers. Additionally, Backstage Pass members earn 10 points for every $1 spent on non-gaming experiences including hotel services, dining, nightlife, entertainment, spa/salon and retail.

Rewards and benefits of the Backstage Pass include:

• Preferred Guest Room Rates (All Members)
• Access to ticket presales for concerts and fights at The Joint (All Members)
• Priority Reservations for unique Spa Treatments at Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa (Entourage and Platinum Access Level Members)
• Complimentary Access & Priority Entry to famed Rehab Pool Party/Beachlife Experience (Entourage and Platinum Access Level Members)
• Complimentary Bottle Service and Priority Entry to the Exclusive Vanity Nightclub (Entourage and Platinum Access Level Members)
• Two (2) Complimentary Concert Tickets every 25,000 points earned (Entourage and Platinum Access Level Members)
• Personal Host Services (Platinum Access Level Members)

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino guests and patrons can sign up for their complimentary Backstage Pass membership online or by visiting the Backstage Pass service desk in the hotel’s main casino tower.  For more information on the Backstage Pass Program or to sign-up, please visit call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit www.hardrockhotel.com/#/game/Backstage-Pass/.

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A question arose about whether you can use the Palms 50%-off coupon from the Las Vegas Advisor coupon book at the Drift spa over at Palms Place now that the spa in the main casino is closed.  The LVA office said when they last called to check the answer was “Yes.”  However, I had another report from a visitor that a spa employee said “No.”  So I would suggest you call and double-check close to the time you plan to visit.  And perhaps ask for a supervisor!  Any question I have connected to casinos I am always prepared to ask a second time when I don’t get the answer I want the first one.  And sometimes it takes even more “trials.” I always ask very nicely – but I find it pays to be persistent!

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Finally some information about Caesar’s (formerly called Harrah’s) new program that is to start April 1, exchanging reward credits for slot play.  The details are sketchy but it seems to be a company-wide program –  every day, every casino, with a ratio of 2:1.  However, I would encourage you to check details with the individual properties where you play since each one (or each area) seems to have quite a bit of freedom to individualize their programs.  And example of this is with their restaurants and how they set redemption rules – sometimes 1:1 and sometimes 2:1.

A new change in Las Vegas also reflects this same “local area” benefit.  For years players club members enjoyed free or discounted show tickets for many Vegas property shows, the exact benefit depending on your tier level.  With little or no official publicity from the casinos, the word has slowly filtered out through the Internet forums that this benefit will be canceled as of April 1.  Sad news indeed for many.

Today’s RJ Deal –  Fillaseat.com – 50% off 

• You have until Thu, Nov 10 2011 11:59 PM to purchase!
• $39.95 For A 2-Person, 1 Year Membership
• First Time Fillaseat.com members only (Not valid for existing or previous members).
• Must be a Nevada Resident with Valid ID, or Local Military with ID. 

First, some general considerations:  You will almost never find free tickets to the biggest shows, i.e., Celine, Cirque Soleil productions.  But I have been surprised with some offers of high quality productions, i.e., Barry Manilow, Blue Man Group.  And there are many “small” shows in town that provide good entertainment value. 

Members must have a local ID and they have to pick up the tickets in person.   Most of the tickets are last-minute options, often same day, but sometimes a day or two in advance.  The number of choices varies considerably, depending on the popularity of the show, the day/time of the performance, and how many tourists are in town. There is always a limited number of tickets and the earlier you see the offers the wider the choice you will have.

All of these companies have specific rules.  You need to go to their Websites and read carefully to be sure their program fits your needs.  For example, some will charge you or cancel your membership if you accept a free ticket and then don’t pick it up.  There are sometime specific age resrictions for certain shows or occasionally small ticketing fees.   

• Show Tickets 4 Locals  – Here you have a choice of a free membership and a premium membership that has a yearly fee.  The free one gives you a morning e-mail blast of show options; the premium members get that e-mail the night before and thus have a wider choice of shows.
• Fill A Seat – This is a newer company and recently had a “Deal” on LivingSocial for a half-price membership fee.  I have friends who go out several times a week to see shows offered through this company.
•  House Seats – This is a well-established company that has a very good reputation.  In fact they are celebrating their 6^th birthday by offering a short-time but super frugal discount on their membership.  From Sunday, November 6, 2011 through Friday, November 11, 2011 you can purchase, upgrade, renew, or even buy gift memberships and get 60% off their regular membership price.  For around $30-$35 you could see innumerable shows for a whole year!   When you go to their Website to subscribe, just before you actually pay, you need to put in this code – HSEATS60 (that’s ALL CAPS) – and the regular price will change to the low discounted one!   (By the way, this company also has branches in Reno/Lake  Tahoe/Sacramento, Arizona, and Austin/San Antonio.)

If you have reviews or opinions about any of these resources – or if you know of other options – please add your voice in the Comments section below.

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