We've had no problem getting descrectionary comps at Orleans and GC either.
The thing to do is always ask - you never know what you can get.
Also for higher play be sure to ask for extras such as show tickets and RFB
from hosts ($1 and up) - you just might get it. By asking host I was able to
get tix to McCartney (through Rio) and Rolling Stones (through Harrahs)
though I received no mailings on these events. I also learned that some
people at Stardust get "gold" cards giving them RFB at all restaurants, while
others get "red" for coffee shop/buffet. I was given "red" so asked and got
upgraded to "gold." If I hadn't asked I would have eaten at the coffee shop
instead of the Sushi King.
Harrahs/Rio properties seem to be really weird with promotional mailings,
with you randomly getting one promo while you might not get the other. But
if you ask the host you can get the one you missed.
I've been told that I have to use my Points at the Palms for all comps, yet I
know someone who was out of points and got a room comped due to some sort of
"secret comp" account. So ??? A friend of mine just stayed there and had
about 80,000 points in 2 days (with some being double points - not sure how
many). His room and a couple of buffets were comped. He asked during trip
how much he could get comped - like a gourmet meal - and got waffling answers
that didn't say anything - so he didn't eat gourmet. It looks like they left
the points in his account when he checked out. Other people have reported
all their points being used up to pay for the room. So ??? I don't get it.
Just keep asking and asking - I hate to have to call hosts who sometimes
don't return calls - but it does pay off in the end. The comp systems really
could use some overhaul - and it sure should be easier to get in touch with a
host (why don't they return calls!).
Not all hosts are the same, thank goodness. There are some good ones around
like Mickey Petkus at Palms, Dawn at Orleans, Lisa Wright at Stardust, etc.
So keep asking.
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