Should We Come to Las Vegas? | Las Vegas Advisor

We put off coming to Vegas last year on your advice. We are both fully vaccinated (since March) considering coming to town at the end of October. Was wondering your thoughts?

And

Just heard this from a podcaster who is in Las Vegas at the moment. “In terms of clientele and service quality, a visit to Las Vegas is now indistinguishable from a visit to your local Walmart. Plus, the additional unpleasantness of people screaming at you to put on your mask everywhere you go.” He went on to say he used to love coming to Las Vegas, but now plans never to come back. Your thoughts?

These are just a couple of questions that are representative of QoD submissions (and comments) we continue to receive about the quality of current Las Vegas visits. Here's what we have to say about it.

As far as COVID is concerned, it's still quite dicey here, as it is in many other places. As of this writing, new positive cases announced last Friday were the highest in eight months. Hospitalizations are at peak levels. The ICU units in Las Vegas are either nearing, at, or above their capacity, from 90% to 104%, with patients stacking up in the hallways, waiting a long time to be admitted. Sixteen of Nevada's 17 counties are now considered high-transmission risks where masks are mandated. This delta mutation is a doozy and it continues having its way with the susceptible.

And yes, as the podcaster indicates, the mask mandate creates issues that aren't to the liking of a lot of people.

That said, tens of thousands of visitors regularly come and go with no problems and we're sure that plenty of them are unvaccinated. Of course, the statistics indicate that even if you are vaccinated, though you can still contract the coronavirus in a breakthrough case, only one in 5,000 vaccinated Americans has tested positive in recent weeks and that number is probably less, according to estimates from health officials, for those who take adequate precautions.

But if you're not willing to brave the Vegas COVID gauntlet, that's the short answer to your question about visiting next month.

If you are willing, you'll also face the financial and quality issues. Here's what Anthony Curtis writes in the September issue of the Las Vegas Advisor. And keep in mind, A.C. is one of Las Vegas' biggest boosters over the past 40 years.

"The casinos are currently enjoying a boom like they’ve never seen before. Nevada’s gambling win has been setting records in every succeeding month. Visitation hasn’t caught up, but those who are coming are spending like crazy.

"At the same time, expenses are down. One reason for that is a tightening of marketing expenditures and giveaways. Another is that casinos and restaurants continue to be short-staffed. The former is bad. The latter is downright aggravating. In casino restaurants, for example, it leads to problems with just getting a seat, especially on weekends. Then, once you get in, service usually falls somewhere on a scale from substandard to abysmal."

Indeed. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show that upwards of 300,000 Las Vegans worked in the tourism sector in February 2020; two months later, that had been cut by more than half to 142,000. It bottomed out in May 2020 at 127,000. As of two months ago, 70,000 of those jobs were still not filled. Obviously, the casinos are more than content to keep payrolls as low as possible.

Anthony continues, "More revenue and less expense — and service be damned. Add rising prices, higher betting minimums, tighter comps, paid parking, and resort fees to customer-service apathy and plain old shoddy business practices. How long can it go on? For as long as customers will allow it."

Meanwhile, gasoline here is averaging $4 per gallon, one of the highest prices for gas in the country. Room rates, of course, are up across the board, with hotels gradually raising resort fees to boot, and show-ticket prices will give you sticker shock.

If you determine that this isn't the best time to come to Las Vegas, you won't be alone. Yes, the hordes were here in force over Labor Day weekend and continue to flood the place; that will continue with the Raiders and Golden Knights home games and residencies starting up again in force. But according to a new national survey conducted on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, American leisure travelers plan to "significantly pare back travel plans amid rising COVID-19 cases." Among the 2,200 adults surveyed, of whom nearly 80% are leisure travelers, 69% are planning fewer trips, 55% are planning to postpone existing travel plans, and 42% are likely to cancel existing plans without rescheduling."

On the other hand, 72% are likely to travel to places within driving distance. That accounts for Vegas visitor counts nearing pre-pandemic levels, as people drive in from southern California, Arizona, Utah, and beyond. The first question doesn't indicate say if they're flying across the country from Maine or Florida or driving from Bakersfield or Kingman, but if it's the former, they'll probably be in the minority.

When all is said and done, this decision is a no-brainer for the legions of Vegasphiles crowding the casinos, hotels, and restaurants during the continuing recovery from the worst of COVID. Plenty of them care about neither a virus nor a fleecing (if they're even aware of the latter); others are taking adequate precautions and doing fine. And if you, like many of them, simply cannot live any longer without your Vegas fix, then by all means, run the gauntlet.

However, if you can live without it — and, for example, have a closer and more affordable casino destination or two — we feel that you might want to think twice before subjecting yourselves to what's going on here at the moment.

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.

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Comments

VegasVic Sep-14-2021

Covid

I'm sure this will spur many "interesting" comments here.   The bottom line is get vaccinated. No it's not 100%.  You have a right to kill yourself, whether with booze, cigarettes, chew or high living. You do not have the right to kill others by spreading a virus. Insisting on your rights without acknowledging your responsibilities isn't freedom, it's adolescence.

Vegas Fan Sep-14-2021

Masks

Hmm, the blogger doesn't like people telling him or her to put a mask on. There's an easy fix.

Gregory Sep-14-2021

5 times

I have been to Vegas 5 times during the the pandemic.  3 trips were pre-vaccine.  I've played by all the rules and I have not gotten sick once.  I just got back last week and feel fine. During my May-June trip. masks were optional and I took the risk and went maskless in the casino. Airlines still required them at that time.
This is a departure from my "normal" Vegas experience.  Pre-pandemic, I would pick up some nasty cold, or flu about 50% of the time. Twice I ended up so sick with chills and fever, that I had to spend a night in bed.  I HATE when that happens! I am convinced masks work and may continue to wear one going forward, at least for the flight.

Joseph Fink Sep-14-2021

Tyrrany

Never coming back if I have to wear a diaper on my face and if I have to get to poisonous Fauci Ouchy.

Diamonddog2801 Sep-14-2021

Tyranny

Maybe your 'diaper' fell over your eyes, you buffoon.

Luis Sep-14-2021

Politics and corporate greed bad combination

Politicization of the covid pandemic has done more harm than good, too bad, and ad to that corporate greed that is really getting out of hand in vegas, price hikes higher resort fees, worse customer service, far less employees, they are runnin  the hotel casino business to the ground , and they know it, but they don't care, it's just "get all you can right now and then leave the ruins, that's part of why they are selling all properties and are now renting, It makes it all way easier for them to just get up and leave. yes, covid pandemic politicization and corporate greed, what a bad combination, hope vegas survives it.

Rick Sanchez Sep-14-2021

Walmart?

That podcaster must not have been to Vegas in the last ten years. I can't stand what the strip and downtown have become. The strip is nothing but drunken duchebags and downtown is drunken rednecks and bangers. There is no class in any of these people anymore. Maybe it has to do with the BS mantra of "What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas". People believe it to be real and they can come here and be the biggest drunken idiot and nobody back home in the church choir will ever know.

Lucky Sep-14-2021

Vegas trip now

I am scheduled to come out there with 3 buddies for 3 days of golf in the searing heat in October. Last time there was in March, after full vac.  Everyone was wearing masks.  Was not a problem.  Floor people were making sure masks were on.  Again no problem.  Do they work?  Don't know.  Not wearing one, and not being vaccinated is a personal choice.  OK. Your right (until Biden says you have no right, see if that stands, NOT).  But don't go anywhere where you could possibly infect someone else.  That's it.  You do not have the right to get everyone else sick.  You cannot yell fire in a theater if there is no fire.  Same principle.  Stay home and don't put others in jeopardy.  Worst part of the masks are you cannot see someone smile at you. As for the prices, lousy service and no chance to win, that should be more of a deterrent for a Vegas trip than anything else.  I think another big shutdown is coming soon.

Kevin Lewis Sep-14-2021

Alternatives

When casinos starting popping up around the country like mushrooms a couple of decades ago, Vegas was still the preferable destination, because the gambling was better, the rooms were cheaper, the food was better, comps were easier, etc. Now, Vegas has lost/deliberately forfeited those advantages. So why go there now?

Reno might be an excellent alternative in October, after the nearby fires are put out.

Roger Gallizzi Sep-14-2021

My Experience

I live here and go to a very South Las Vegas Blvd casino 3-4 times a week.  I sit at their main bar, play VP, order a drink, pull my mask down and no one yells at me or anyone else.  I'm still going to shows and sports events in the big venues and my favorite Italian restaurant every Sunday.  Other than the mask things, life feels pretty normal to me. I don't go to the "Strip" except for fine restaurants and shows so can't comment on the visitors.

Rick Sanchez Sep-14-2021

@Roger

I'm like you Roger, I live here also and I'm betting we go to the saMe resort on the far south part of LVB. Much nicer clientele and the dealers have a personality.

Dave Sep-14-2021

KEVIN-RENO

Actually going to Reno/Tahoe for my anniversary early October. Never been, will see how it goes.

Lotel Sep-14-2021

I'll wait.

I was out a couple month ago. wore a mask every place no big deal. I will never understand why people complain about it.  It was a fun trip. but casinos super crowded, hard to eat at a restaurant, long waits, high prices poor service. few if any buffets open. I just checked room prices for Nov /Dec, they are the highest I have ever seen. and hard to get a comp. I will wait until sometime next year or find someplace else to go

steve crouse Sep-14-2021

Covidiots

Amazing!! VegasVic just accused people without the magic injection of trying to kill the peo[ple that have the magic injection.
I guess it really isn't so magical, now is it.

VegasVic Sep-14-2021

LOL

Steve and Joseph showing that the dumbing down of America is full steam ahead.

O2bnVegas Sep-14-2021

dining-make reservations

If you know where you [might] want to eat, go online and make a reservation.  This applies everywhere, Vegas and other casino meccas.  You can always cancel it if you change your mind.  Do it as far ahead as you know you are coming to Vegas.  

I think about 1 trip out of 3 post pandemic was mask optional in casinos, but I found I didn't mind the mask at all, even for hours at a table or machine.  But then I tend toward being tolerant, especially when I know it is for my benefit.  Plus, my mind would be on the game, not so much on my comfort.  Ya do what ya got to do; just go with it.

VegasVic Sep-14-2021

O2bnVegas

Good advice. I did that in early July when I was there.  I know when you're gambling you often hate to  have to "be on a schedule" but if there are specific places you like to eat and they take reservations you'll save yourself from waiting in line

And here's a rental car tip (we always rent cars, we never stay on the strip and like to explore around the area), join the loyalty club of whoever you're renting from.  Usually the lines are short but in July the lines were HUGE.  I anticipated this and joined the Budget club (it's free).  Got to skip the line and go right out to the cars.  Was out in 10 minutes. Most rental car companies have similar policies.

Doc H Sep-14-2021

No.

Because:

1.) I've read the same from many reviews, on yelp and various other sites that customer service is not good at many places, short staffed, etc.

2.) Mask requirements. No, I don't care if you feel safe wearing a mask, think they are evil, they work/don't work, etc. For us they are uncomfortable and no data in double blind/true large scale studies show they even work but we respect the rules and won't be going until the mask nonsense lifts, simple as that.

Doc H Sep-14-2021

Hey vegasvic

In regards to your vaccine pushing post(the COVID vaccine doesn't prevent you shedding virus.It protects YOU. Fact) and virtue signaling on the amazing person you are in not spreading viruses....I trust you've been wearing a mask during flu season the last few decades? You do know 10's of thousands die of the flu every year...CDC data shows 61,000 THOUSAND died of the flu in 2018 will 810,000 hospitalized. Be honest, you haven't worn a mask in public in flu season. And given you weren't wearing a mask during flu season where so many die and are hospitalized, how many vulnerable people could YOU have past the flu virus to? 810k hospitalizations and 61k dead not enough for you to worry about?

As for your the other part, do you realize that being overweight raises ALL of our health care costs, 100% preventable with self control? So where are my rights here? CDC data....78% of hospitalizations/death from COVID are overweight/obese people. My "responsibility" ends at their lack thereof.

steve crouse Sep-15-2021

Ha

Doc Stop making sense.

Question of the Day - 14 September 2021

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