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What is the point of using a host if he/she doesn't do anything?

Discussion in 'Comps' started by en11871, May 19, 2019.

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  1. en11871

    en11871 Low-Roller

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    I'm platinum with Mlife, V/P, and Cosmo. My hosts at MB and Mirage (Mlife home bases) and Venetian take care of me. I don't ask for anything insane: some show/concert tickets, backend comps, NYE parties on top of offers. They just try, to put it. I don't have to beg for every little thing. My cosmo host, on the other hand, has not done anything above for me. All he does is give me exactly what's in offer. If I book myself online/phone, I would have still gotten the same result. Backend comps from this host seems almost comical. I would have gotten the same backend comps if I were to see a host at the end of a trip. So what is the point of having this host? I'm not greedy with comps expected. From the helps of members of VMB, I have somewhat figured out what comps are expected from my play. Sometimes when I get killed and my bankroll does not last, my hosts from Mlife and V/P would just take care of charges. They know it was just that...I got killed in a hurry. I didn't have the proper coin in. This host here does not budge. So at the end of it all, should I just book myself and see a host at the end of the trip, or it doesn't really matter? Thanks to all.
     
  2. WelshBlonde

    WelshBlonde Wishing I was in Vegas

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    I'm not an expert at all and some others with more experience will probably give better advice but for what its worth, if your offer is the same online vs with a host then use the host anyway, and then maybe build on the relationship, if you play a little more than last time, make him look good etc, maybe then he will start to be more giving.

    I hear stories of hosts not being great and of course he could just be a dud but in my mind, if I was a host and comping people upto a level that is allowed and then these players started making me look good to my boss as the play was better etc then I would want to keep looking after these people better.

    I've had a really good experienece with my new host at cosmo, shes gone above and beyond on my next offer and I really want to keep that going.

    I dunno, I could be wrong but I'm just trying to work it out from the hosts point of veiw as its just a job with targets to them.

    Of course if you arent bothered about keeping a relationship with cosmo as you have great hosts elsewhere then thats another choice to make, you can just focus your play at the other venues and book cosmo without hosts.

    Good luck either way!
     
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  3. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    As casinos get tighter on expenses, and computer programs and metric are easier to "manage"... it all rolls downhill. I do not see the days of hosts having lots of discretion becoming a thing of the past.
     
  4. Taking

    Taking Tourist

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    Does this host have the initials JB? Because if so I had that exact same problem.
     
  5. lasvg3

    lasvg3 Low-Roller

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    Please forgive a "newbie to LV" question. I understand the basic function of a "host" (in the "travel" world, we'd call them a "fixer..." a local person that knows the location and smooths out the rough patches, etc. ). But I'm not sure on the specific duties of a host and the objectives for engaging one, especially when one is not a "High Roller" and who's experience would be facilitated "automatically."

    Any/all enlightenment would be greatly appreciated... :)
     
  6. VegasBJ

    VegasBJ VIP Whale

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    You need to work on strengthening the relationship with your host. Do you ever tip them or give them a gift card? Strong Host relationships go a long way to solving the problems you are encountering
     
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  7. WelshBlonde

    WelshBlonde Wishing I was in Vegas

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    So they are less about fixing and more about keeping you gambling in thier hotel.

    Im farrrrr far far from a high roller but I have aquired the attention of a host at cosmo.

    She is able to offer me comps on my stay that i dont get the option of booking online, she has also comped my resort fees upfront.

    They have other options too, they can arrange free uprades, transport too and from places like airport limos, show tickets, resturant comps and allmost most things you can think of within a hotel resort. The only catch is your gambling play must warrent the comps.
     
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  8. lasvg3

    lasvg3 Low-Roller

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    Gotcha! So, in essence, they work for the particular hotel/casino for which they're giving you all these comps, etc. Are there any that work like an "Independent Insurance agent" that can offer resources from different hotels/casinos?
     
  9. ripper

    ripper High-Roller

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    My last trip at Aria a few weeks ago i was comped a the room, resorts fee's a little free play and 150 F and B. Well as we know 150 in Food and beverage go know where in vegas. I only had about 90 bucks on the bill so wasn't worried about it. I had to check out 1am so just did express. A few days later my Host emailed me saying she reversed the 90 dollar charge on the card for me. She didnt have to do that but she did anyway. There are good hosts and Duds.
     
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  10. cjcjcj

    cjcjcj VIP Whale

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    There are definitely a lot of duds.

    I don't see the point in "upfront" gifting anything to a host before they do something above and beyond...basically a bribe. And if a host plays that game, they're going to play other games too.

    Everything is based on theo and computer generated reports, you are given a number so that's what you get. A host IS good for moving things around on an offer, for example getting 2 rooms on an offer, or more f&b instead of show tickets or something. Only when you get to very high levels do hosts have leverage.

    I would say they are a good point of contact for issues, but I had a billing issue with a food outlet posting a charge late, I asked host 2x to reverse, two weeks later nothing, and I contact MGM resorts central billing dept and they reverse within hours..
     
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  11. Texaschameleon

    Texaschameleon Low-Roller

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    I have an amazing host at V/P Who goes well beyond my expectations. He stops by when I am playing and has taken me to lunch and brunch too. He let's me know exactly where I stand with marketing offers and what to do to increase them.

    I was assigned a host at Cosmo when I did a match offer. She was great the first time but now non existent. When the site was down for July two weeks ago I wrote to her and she said she would take care of both my June and July two night trips saying I would get an email confirmation that night. I waited days then sent a friendly am I good to go and she replied yes. Days later when the site was back up I just booked it myself and sent her a message saying I only need her to book the gold comp nights. I received an ugly email stating that I messed things up. She sent one confirmation for july but the reservation for botj is invorrect. I apologized profusely saying that I was just trying to help. Not sure I want to feel like that again so will call in from now on.
     
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  12. mickyblueeyes

    mickyblueeyes VIP Whale

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    I have a great host at Cosmo and she definitely goes above and beyond however I had the best host at Palazzo but he left and I ended up with a gal who is an idiot so quit staying there altogether.
     
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  13. Jejas

    Jejas VIP Whale

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    I just want to answer OP's question directly, no offense:
    "What is the point of using a host if he/she doesn't do anything?"
    The point is you hate yourself, and want to torture yourself.
     
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  14. sinnerman

    sinnerman VIP Whale

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    Yes exactly. Most hosts are employees of the casino. There are some independent host and host agencies (Steve Cyr, URComped) who work with multiple casinos.

    To the OP's question: Unfortunately, there are some hosts who don't do a thing for you. I suggest you do a quick calculation of the percentage of total comps you are receiving as compared to your trip theo. If it is low (i.e. below 25% or 20%), and your host isn't giving you any back-end comps, then perhaps it is time to find a new host or move your play to the casinos that are treating you right.
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2019
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  15. Guy_

    Guy_ VIP Whale

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    People like to feel special.
    Having a host is a status symbol to those who are less educated about the system.
    Being able to say "I have a Host in Vegas who takes care of me" makes people feel bigger then they are.
    It's kind of like the old "I know a guy" comment.

    For most people, a host will do very little that you could not just book yourself. They might be able to give you a late checkout or a room upgrade to a better tower on a slower week but don't expect much free play/f+B above what mail offers give you or to go from a comped entry level room to a Jr. Suite.

    It is sad but the difference of a good host vs a dud in Las Vegas to me is one that reply's to e-mails or takes care of a booking request within 3 days :p (It is totally possible that I have just never had a good host in Vegas so my standards are very low)
     
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