Got an out-of-the-blue phone call from a host at Cosmopolitan offering me two free weekend nights and a greatly reduced rate on a third night later this month. I stayed at Cosmo once two years ago, didn't gamble very much at all there because the table mins were so high. Haven't been back to Vegas since. I took him up on the offer and have the trip booked. The value of the room that weekend is outrageous, Saturday night is like $495 on the website. He said to contact him before I leave to see if my play garnered any additional comps. I can't envision that occurring. My worry is that they will try to stick me with part of the bill because I didn't gamble enough. Am I crazy for worrying about this?
If you're worried, get the offer in writing. If they won't put it in writing, then try to stick you with the bill afterward, you can always dispute the charge on your CC. I can't imagine this would happen, but at least you would have a little bit of protection if they tried to scam you on it. Enjoy the Cosmo. I'm headed there later this month
Maybe not so crazy based on a May report found on VMB. A friend of mine just ran into this at Cosmo. Free room. No mention of expected play or rate. But, a few days later he got a charge for the room. He is arguing with them now saying he played plenty, but they have no record. Personally, I think that is a bunch of crap. If they want to be CLEAR about what they will and will not do, then do so. But to just slip it in after the visit. NO WAY. If this is the new way at Cosmo, they will take another hit in their revenue, fast. [YOUTUBE]Gpn8MANhdLU[/YOUTUBE]
they can't charge you for the room if you check in and it says "comp" under the rate on the check in ticket you sign. every time I check in the desk clerk specifies that it's a comp and it says so in bold at the top. if you sign a ticket that has a rate on it, it's not a comp and of course you could get stuck with it at the end. some people just don't pay enough attention.
I've stayed at several strip properties which had a room rate noted during registration (either on a screen or on the check in paperwork), but when questioned the check in clerk usually states "The rate is for our internal accounting / Casino Marketing" and the clerk verbally assures the room is comped. This has happened during my check in at Cosmo, TI, Luxor and The Hotel (I have not seen a "room rate" during check in/out documents for CET). I personnally have never been charged on a comp room offer. Perhaps these rates or internal accounting notes are not visible / noted when a host books the room (similar to resort fees). Many comp mailer or online offers have a small print disclaimer re: comps based on play including my Cosmo offers. I decided not to book Cosmo partially based on the May report but primarily based on the fact they continue to downgrade blackjack conditions (CSM, 6/5, increased limits, etc.). I entered and observed BJ tables during my past two visits, but declined playing blackjack due to the poor rules/conditions (ended up played some craps before leaving). If the OP is going to stay there anyway, they may as well use the comp offer, but they may want to call and clarify the terms before booking.
It is very, very rare that anyone gets hit up after the fact. After all, you never agreed to a "rate", so how do they figure out what to charge you? That friend of mine that got hit for the room after he got home filed a complaint with the credit card company and it was taken off in a few weeks. So, Cosmo did not get the money. Cosmo will no longer get my friend in the door. And, they will no longer get me in the door. Easy stuff.
Chance of it happening is VERY VERY slim, but YES always print out the offer, review the offer, understand the offer, and keep the record for later reference in the slim chance you need it. Also, as Shifter noted, carefully check (and question) everything at check-in. If you are signing off on something that is contrary to what was said earlier . . . bad move. I would also add to what everyone else said, that you should, if at all nervous about charges, be sure to go through the full check-out routine. Then you can check room charges, additional comps (and get verification on whether they used points or discretionary comps), and final bill. This will get you ANOTHER paper document that is foolproof if ever needed later. I've NEVER had a problem with a property (including Cosmo) pulling the rug out from me after I've low-played (almost all of my play is low play, haha) their property. And I was lucky to get an introductory offer from Cosmo with 3 nights in a Wraparound, $300 Freeplay and $300 Dining Credit. It was totally undeserved and I am certain that my $1200 spent on gambling for the weekend wasn't what they hoped to get from a comp of that size, but there was no awkwardness or dispute resulting.
I once had a host at Red Rock try to charge me for a room comped through a marketing offer. Because I had the printed offer with me, he wasn't able to do it. That was my last trip to RR. A decent host will at least email you a confirmation which you can print out and take with you. Chances are slim that there would be problems, but it's always best to have documentation of your offers. Also, I've had hosts make incorrect reservations for me, and an email confirmation is also important to be sure you're getting what you want.
Did you get an email confirmation of the offer and does it state that its comped? Because this was an unsolicited call from a host offering the comped room, I'd like to see it in writing. Not likely a problem. Even still I'd call with the reservation number and ask for an email.
Yes. I have a Res # that works on their website system. No rate is listed, nor does the word "comp" appear. I do have a stream of emails confirming everything.