Poll - 2021-02-03 | Las Vegas Advisor

This poll was suggested by Kevin Lewis, sent to us on the day that we ran a QoD about whether or not the buffets would ever come back. Thanks, Kevin; good idea.

The question is: If Vegas buffets are drastically cut back or don't return ...

Thanks to everyone who suggested more nuanced selections, most of which we've added (some were just different ways of saying the same thing). You can vote for as many choices as you like. And comments, of course, are always welcome.

2114 Total Votes

It will diminish my enjoyment of Vegas, since buffets were part of the fun.

16% (344)

It won't make any difference in terms of my visitation plans.

14% (287)

It would disappoint me, but it won't affect how often I come to Vegas.

13% (268)

Even though I don't frequent buffets often when visiting Las Vegas, they're another part of the whole experience and I hope they don't go away.

10% (220)

It won't make any difference in terms of visiting, but will take away my reason to visit some properties.

9% (197)

I will visit the hotel with a buffet if my hotel has none.

8% (177)

I will still purchase my membership to LVA, which offers other discounts, perks, and information beneficial to me.

8% (168)

It won't stop me from coming, but my choice of hotel will lean toward one that offers a buffet or at least is close to one.

7% (142)

I'll return, but think twice about getting an LVA Member Rewards Coupon book this year, because the buffet twofers were a great value.

5% (115)

I will be visiting Vegas less often than I otherwise would.

4% (90)

I won't be coming back to Vegas. Buffets were a big part of the overall experience for me.

3% (57)

It will cut my stay shorter, as buffets help with food costs.

2% (49)

Analysis

This poll received an unusual number of votes for a survey on dining. We're gratified by the numbers and comments.

As we expected, for the majority of respondents, whether or not the buffets return won't make too much of a difference. Only 9% will alter their Las Vegas plans if they aren't resurrected after the pandemic and another 5% will think twice about getting this year's buffet-less LVA coupon book; for 8%, the lack of buffet two-fers or 50%-offs won't stop them from renewing their LVA subscriptions (and thank you for that!).

Another handful will take the buffet, or lack thereof, into consideration when booking a hotel room.

Otherwise, in general, it'll be business as usual for vacationers; certainly the buffets will be missed, but not too terribly.

And our prediction, based on the South Point buffet's success throughout the pandemic, is that enough of them will return when restrictions ease up completely that even those who would be impacted the most if they didn't will come back to the Buffet Capital of the World.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Comments

Donzack Feb-03-2021

Where

Where will the masses eat? The buffets were a very efficient way of feeding large amounts of people easily

Steven Scher Feb-03-2021

mr

high end will be missed

Luis Feb-03-2021

It's part of the charm

Even if I can aford a gourmet meal experience, I wouldn't make a trip to vegas just to splurge in a Michelin restaurant, I go to vegas to have fun, to watch a show, for the free entertainment and sights and sounds, and part of what makes vegas is the Buffet seen, Take that part away and you are puting another dagger in the heart of Vegas, just like the implotions of iconic hotel-casinos, just like the de-theming of Hotel-casinos, just like the imposition of "resort fees", just like parking fees, Vegas is steering vacationing people away from the big properties, thinking that the "big spender" will suport their industry, and it might...for a while, but when they go, what will be left?, just the memories and their greed, Don't do it Vegas.

Sam Glantzow Feb-03-2021

single

as a single traveler, looked forward to using to 50%-off buffet qpons. this year's book has THREE 50%-offs. other meal deals I could use require costly meals to kick in. nope!!

Ray Feb-03-2021

It DOES make a difference

Part of what made Vegas a good trip was the ability to eat and drink cheaply while on vaca. And I noticed here in the Midwest, the lack of buffets reopening has had an affect on our short trips. On the other hand, we have found several nearby restaurants to dine at and hopefully those businesses will take advantage of the closed buffets to provide a reasonably priced alternative dining experience for the Vegas visitors.

Teresa Harrison Feb-03-2021

No buffets; Ok with me.

I never been a buffet person but have eaten at a few because it was comped. I always seen those trays of food as a cesspool of germs. It’s an experience I won’t miss in the least bit.

Beard Feb-03-2021

Good Point Donzack

Wait times at restaurants will be longer.  I enjoyed the Breakfast Buffets the most.

Pat McCoy Feb-03-2021

Problem

We come to Vegas from the Midwest.  One draw has always been the cheap eats (buffets), reasonable rooms without resort fees, fair airfare, free parking... What did I miss.  If all these things are gone, we have many casinos in the Midwest where we can go, drive there, eat and sleep at home in other words more money for the casino because less on everything else.  Would we miss Vegas - absolutely - but we are middle class, middle income people and all these extras that Vegas has tacked on are making our trips prohibitive.  Hope that explains how I feel.

Roy Furukawa Feb-03-2021

I'm with @Donzack

Buffets, especially at big megaresorts, are the easiest way to feed the masses. Restaurants will be by reservation only for breakfast, lunch and dinner if they do away with them. Even before the pandemic wait times at the restaurants for breakfast was long and that was WITH a buffet operating in the same hotel/casino.

Adam Cohen Feb-03-2021

There could be other options

I wonder if we will see more deals like all you can eat at restaurants.  Or more sampler plates.  As for the LVA I plan on buying it. One it supports this site that gives me great information and enjoyment. Two even though I travel solo a lot there are some good offers in there. But it will be interesting to see what direction it takes in the next few years as well

Mr. Seafood 21 Feb-04-2021

Vegas buffets??

I believe there will be buffets again in the future of Vegas. But limited. The very average buffet at most Strip hotels had gotten too expensive for the quality of food. The corporate muckity mucks at MGM and CET like to say they were losing money. If they lost money it was because a lot of people stopped going because of cost. Follow the lead of Southpoint and perfect it. People will go back.

rcurtis48 Feb-06-2021

found another place

loved the buffets still get the LVA book

Bridgett Way Feb-08-2021

Part of the CITY!

Buffets are a part of Vegas and have been for many years-not something that would just disappear without a fight. People will want them to return and the resorts will listen-I'm sure they would want them too. They are a good comp, draw in many, and the resorts have it down on how to run them (many years of trail and error) to make $. I have no worries on the return:)

Dorothy Kahhan Feb-09-2021

Buffets are a major part of the casino experience

The South Point has shown how to successfully re-open the buffets and other casinos would be wise to take note. Buffets were the major attraction for us, especially with the LVA 2-for-1 coupons, and gambling was something we did once we were there. WIth the buffets closed, I can count on the fingers of one hand how many times we've been to a casino, and one was the MGM Park to experience the thrill of a No-Smoking casino. We'll support LVA this year by renewing our membership.

Daniel Schladt Feb-11-2021

QCWT

It would be sad to see them not return as it was a pleasure to take a break from other activities to relax with a great meal at a good value.

Poll : 03 February - 16 February 2021

Analysis

Comments