Poll : 06 May - 19 May 2009

Analysis

While we're semi-loath to point the finger when we're aware that our own website isn’t quite perfect, not least because we have so much content that sometimes it's hard to find what you're looking for (yes, we are working on the next generation of LVA.com, but it's a big job...), there are some sites out there that are so unuser friendly (and we are heavy users) that we just couldn't contain ourselves...

As a general point, the obsession with Flash has resulted in some of the worst offender and we’re not thrilled about sound, especially when it's unexpected, not working properly, and/or really LOUD. Sometimes video content can be useful, but often it’s gratuitous and only adds to download time. Shouldn’t a hotel/casino website be all about presenting info as clearly as possible? Some of the ones that follow seriously challenge that concept.

• Take Aliante Station, for example: Video overload with commercials and "docubites" (what?) for everything on the property. What do we learn from a bunch of beaming models wandering around a buffet, or from the frenzied slicing of a carrot? Do we care that the chef once worked for Sandra Bullock? They're all shot in jumpy hand-held style and keep replaying. Still, at least this site generally works, unlike half the other Station properties.
• While we just noticed that Caesars is still prominently displaying Elton's Red Piano, our main complaint about anything in the Harrah's group is the length of their urls. Often we want to link to something – a poker-tournament schedule, for example: http://www.flamingolasvegas.com/EventsDetail.do?detailName=poker-tournaments-detail&displayCode=&locationCode=CLV&eventTitle=DAILY+NO+LIMIT+HOLD%27EM+POKER+TOURNAMENTS&searchDate=05-22 2009&categoryName=Tournaments&subcategoryName=ALL_SUBCATEGORIES&startDay=22&startMonthYear=05-2009&endDay=28&endMonthYear=05-2009. Are you kidding?!
• We actually apologize to each other within the research dept. if we ask a colleague to check something on the Wynn/Encore sites. Yes, that's how bad they are. We're not kidding that for months after Wynn opened, the home page was an apology from Steve about how long it took to load because of "all the great information." Well, it's not because of all the info, but rather the fact that it’s presented in the second-most annoying Flash presentation we know of. Try not to get nauseous as the dual menus speed by top and bottom. Seen what you're looking for? Now watch as it zooms off the screen!
• But then we come to nightlifestation. As our Twitter friend @badwebsites put it, "Cover your ears and run for the hills: How NOT to use Flash. There's NO ESCAPE button when sites are that bad--they immobilize us and freeze up the muscles."

• "PH, Wynn, Palms, Venetian, and Riviera are probably the worst offenders. Each seems to be plagued by poor design issues, lack of content, or just plain outdated… MGM Mirage has some great detail on its restaurants/activities and is updated regularly, but the integration of their players card and reservation systems is still about 10 years behind what HET has done. HET's reservation system’s top notch, but there are definitely design issues, plus the horrible tendency to not have menus available or, if they are, no prices." (Michael S.)
• "Binion’s has no facility for finding rates or for booking a reservation. The user’s directed to the toll-free number." (icroyals)
• "I've tried twice to stay at the Eastside Cannery but couldn't make arrangements (or even see prices/dates) on the website. Does it get worse than this?"
• "Many of your nominees were (un)worthy. Nightlife Station’s a joke (really, is it?) PH was awfully busy but I had to pick the Riv because, instead of posting their restaurants’ menus, they have worthless videos." (J D)
• "If you consider Casino Royale to have a website, it's not been touched for about 10 years! I tried to find out how much in comps I had there and discovered the only thing to do was to call the casino or wait until I got to Vegas. (Dan S.)
• "I tend to like and dislike some things about all the websites, so I found it hard to choose. And then I discovered NightlifeStation… I just have to ask, "Why? Why would they do this? Why does the boombox have a body and legs? Why does it dance? Why the annoying music? Why would I ever go back to this site?" The answer to that one’s easy... I wouldn't!" (Mike A.)
• "I know it doesn't really count, but I still have a soft spot for the Gold Spike. Finally, after three years or so, they changed their home page -- but that's it! That IS the extent of their website now. No info on anything, no way to book a room, or even tell if the casino is still operating..."