Poll : 30 December - 12 January 2010

Analysis

A great – and instructive – response to this poll, so thanks to all to who took part.

First off, for those who don’t know what the MRB is, it’s the coupon package of MRB Rewards that’s one of the benefits that comes from an LVA membership. Click this link to see the full array of this year’s deals.

From the survey we ran back in August, we learned unequivocally that buffets were the most popular choice of coupons among LVAers, so we really went all out to get the best of the best this year, which is evidently appreciated, with M Resort’s Studio B and Cravings at the Mirage dominating in the #1 and #2 spots in this poll, and Planet Hollywood’s Spice Market not too far behind at #5.

No surprise that the Palms 50% remains a strong favorite, not least because there are so many different uses that you can put it towards. It was also gratifying to see a lot of the new additions ranking high – we really did want to put together a fresh package this year, with a good tranche of unique offers unavailable from other sources, so we’re pleased that offers like Bally’s Sterling Brunch, Firefly, Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse, Rosemary’s, Cloud Nine Balloon, the Improv at Harrah’s, and the twofer room offers at Red Rock and GVR are meeting with your approval.

Here’s some of the other feedback we received regarding your favorite offers in this year’s package:

• "Applaud the increase of "single-friendly" items - i.e. more 50% off versus 2-for-1 items."
• "The Brasserie at Paris for their amazing hamburger."
• "I marked ‘other’ on the voting page because we always look forward to ALL of the good deals in the MRB. We go to Vegas every January, around the 22nd, for ten days, and literally plan our days and meals by what the MRB has to offer."
• "I like free slot play, so I chose ‘other.’ but the two-for-one at M is tempting, too."
• "I was disappointed to see the match-play coupons were not in the book this year. I’ll still buy one this year and try it, but I enjoy buying both the ACG and LVA books and use them simultaneously to enjoy a lot of different casinos. Hopefully the experience will be as good this year." [Ed: With the special offer in the back of the MRB, you can get the ACG book for practically half price, and they still carry the match plays that we didn’t want this year, so with both books, you should get the best of both worlds!]
• "There are too many good 2-for-1 buffet coupons we use, but none of the ones listed. We have used the Palms and that is also a great value. "
• "The one I am looking forward to using most is the one for the Silverton Buffet. By far my favourite!!"
• "The Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio would be high on our list, as well as the Carnival World Buffet there, Johnny Mathis is at Buffalo Bill’s tonight Burger Brasserie at Paris, and also the buffet at Harrah’s."
• "Looking forward to using any coupons that have free slot play."
• "The buffet at Green Valley Ranch. They have a grill where they chop up crab legs, shrimp, etc. and add spices, I could come from Minneapolis just for that."
• "Glad the buffet coupon for The Rampart is in the book, as well as other buffet coupons: Orleans, Gold Coast, and the Cannery."
• " I would have easily picked several of the BOGO buffets, but since the ones I am most likely to use aren't 50% off one, I'll have to vote elsewhere. Next year, would be nice to see more 50%-off one and the Fremont seafood buffet back on the coupon pages. You did a good job though, despite all the ongoing criticism. There is still plenty of value and I like the idea of the free slot play!" [Ed: Fremont opted not to take part this year, despite us asking repeatedly. Their decision makes little sense, especially when you see how many other downtown properties did take part, with some great offers. We consider it more their loss than ours. As far as 50%-off offers are concerned, we try hard to get those, but many properties are reluctant. We figure the large number of restaurant offers that are good for singles, not to mention the shows and attractions, still make this year’s MRB one of the best in that regard. Plus, if you’re not shy, just ask a fellow single diner if they’d like to take advantage of your coupon – no strings attached (we’re not trying to operate a dating service!)]
• "I'm looking forward to the Palms comp - I use it in the spa for a massage. I also hang out in the spa while I'm there, enjoying the jacuzzi & steam bath. I usually go on the last day of a Vegas visit, when I have my suitcase with me to get dressed after being pampered and before flying out. Love it!
• "Ellis Island coupons are the best." [Ed: And, since they were pulled by EI from the ACG, you can only get them in the MRB now.]
• "Here's a vote for the 50%-off coupon at Flame Steakhouse at El Cortez...this one hasn't gone unused yet and the coupon makes this the best steakhouse-value in town. Also pretty good bets to get used: Larry G. Jones and Carrot Top.
• "It's a tie: The Spice Marker buffet is always good, but I am also looking forward to using a coupon at Le Burger Brasserie at Paris, which is one of Las Vegas' hidden treasures -- all the food there is sensational, and the service is terrific."
• "I just hope to get to Las Vegas in the coming year to use ANY of the coupons. Hope it happens." [Ed: So do we. Fingers crossed!]