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Switching hosts but staying at the same property

Discussion in 'Comps' started by WolfpackRobNC, Oct 8, 2019.

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  1. WolfpackRobNC

    WolfpackRobNC Medium-roller??

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    Hey everyone......

    For this trip I just wrapped up, I used a host for the first time ever. I’d rate the experience a 6.5 on a scale of 1-10.

    I brought in a crew of seven players that would not have been there otherwise, but none of us are big gamblers. We probably had about three hours of play per day at $5-10 a hand. I didn’t expect many comps but was glad to get the resort fees waived and pay the casino rate on the rooms.

    My host wasn’t “bad,” and was perfectly nice, but I just didn’t click with this person as I would have liked. A few of my questions via email leading up to the trip went unanswered and a couple of small promises of perks like match play coupons were not delivered on.

    But I *really* liked where we stayed and had fun gambling there. I emailed yesterday morning to thank this person and ask about a casino rate for some specific dates I am thinking about returning and have had no reply yet.

    Am I expecting too much for the level of play? I’m sure I’m in their bottom 20% of player spending, but it didn’t seem like too much to expect my basic inquiries answered.

    I don’t want to go up the food chain over this person’s head or get them in trouble. They provided decent service but it just could have been much better.

    Is there a protocol for breaking up with your host but keeping the property? :goofy:

    Or am I being too high maintenance for my meager level of play (certainly possible)?
     
  2. WolfpackRobNC

    WolfpackRobNC Medium-roller??

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    UPDATE: As I was typing the original post, I got an email that my card had been charged by the hotel. The resort fees that were promised as a comp were still on the final bill, so now I gotta get that refunded. I hope the customer service improves and it’s not a problem with the property overall.

    Given that I’ve now had another problem, I will name the property - The D.
     
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  3. Vladimir

    Vladimir Low-Roller

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    Very much depends on the tier of property you’re staying at. I’m guessing from reading between the lines maybe downtown, but understand you probably don’t want to name it because of the host.

    Perhaps use this host for your next trip but make conversation with some others while you’re there to see if you can find someone you ‘click’ with?

    EDIT - Now see you’ve named the property.... not got much experience there but glad my hunch was right!!
     
  4. SH0CK

    SH0CK Stylin' and Profilin' Quasi Tech Admin

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    Don't expect a reply so quickly. If you were a top tier player, you might get quick service, but these people take days off too, so factor that possibility in as well. If nothing after a week, then I'd be more concerned.

    As for getting charged the resort fees when the host said they'd take them off? Raise some hell and talk to their boss or someone higher up.
     
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  5. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Without knowing your exact play, it is hard to say.

    But $10 a hand blackjack is not going to get them very excited.

    Also, hosts must get calls all the time about folks that want to come in and be "players" - but in the end are not so much...

    As to the resort fees - were they on the bill when you checked out?
     
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  6. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    Question: Did you get it (no resort fees) in writing?

    Meaning - do you have an email thread detailing no resort fees?
     
  7. TriggerMN

    TriggerMN The Norwegian Hammer

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    Your play certainly does not warrant a host. I’d be happy you got anything at all.
     
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  8. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

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    I don't really know what the play expectations are at the D or any place downtown. But frankly, I am shocked you had a host at all playing at the $5 to $10 level. Its not a criticism. Its just that hosts typically have a lot more to do than to worry about a player that is generating twenty bucks an hour in theo.

    I will let the DT experts weigh in here if I am wrong about red chip play generating host attention downtown. But my guess is that yes, you are expecting too much for your level of play. If, however, I am wrong, then there is no set process for getting a new host at the same property. I have done that at some Strip properties and it wasn't easy because you're still coded to the prior host. The best way I found to switch hosts was to get a referral from an established player of a new host, start a communication, and if the new host takes care of you, play big to show them it is worth the effort
     
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  9. WolfpackRobNC

    WolfpackRobNC Medium-roller??

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    All of this is exactly why I asked. As I indicated, the problem could have been (and was, judging by the responses) my level of play.

    I do still think I have a legitimate beef about not having some responses to basic questions I asked along the way.

    The resort fee issue got resolved piece of cake with a phone call today, so that’s done.

    Thanks for the frank and valueable advice!
     
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  10. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    Glad you got your issue resolved. I have been playing on and off with the D since 2013. They were my home property in 2013-2014, and I have always been treated well there by all of the hosts that I had.
     
  11. pressitagain

    pressitagain VIP Whale

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    You basically got something for an illusion. Host saw multiple dollar signs and you capitalized!!!

    Well done!!!
     
  12. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Even if your were a good player... I would be slow to change hosts.

    They talk among themselves and you could be in ever worse standing after a switch - especially since your play may not have even warranted a host.
     
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  13. Roccoscollar

    Roccoscollar VIP Whale

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    Rob - Trigger is right. To get a host to do anything you really need to hit the gambling a little harder. Before you go next time ask the host what you need to gamble to hit the comps. Also, if you get to the point where the host does provide comps (rooms, food, etc) I'd highly suggest sending them a thank you (gift card, etc). You'll have there attention going forward.
     
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  14. WolfpackRobNC

    WolfpackRobNC Medium-roller??

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    @Roccoscollar - Excellent advice.

    To be clear, I did do some of that. I talked to the host ahead of time, told my level of play, probably 3/4 of which I hit. And I brought a little thank you gift along with me.

    What I got comps-wise, was probably more to do with the fact that I brought in a group, which is fine. In the end, I got the cheaper casino rate, resort fees waived and limo from/to the airport. I’m 100% happy with that.

    Like I said, I just had a few inquiries and smaller promises that were not followed up. At my level of play, I didn’t want to be “that guy,” pestering to email again about XYZ which I emailed about three days ago.

    Right now, I’ve asked about rates for March Madness to come back. That was 2 days ago and I’ve had no response.

    My play doesn’t merit your services? Fine. This is a business and I respect that. But communicate and tell me that.Be professional and courteous and perhaps you’ll develop me as a player. That only takes a couple of minutes of your time.
     
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  15. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    My experience is that hosts are rather slow to respond to reservation requests more than two months in advance - especially if a special event. There are reasons I suspect.

    * Unknown what will be offered by the "system" automatically. Host does not want to offer higher or lower than what corporate is going to offer

    * Plans change. Why spend time making reservations only to find out the customer is going to change things. Hosts need to focus on this month/quarter - not next year.

    * Depending on level, host may not even be authorized to offer anything more than what the "system" will offer which is ZERO right now for March

    * Level of play could change between now and then. You can go up, or go down. They surely do not want to call after your next trip and say your comp room just was reduced.

    * Maybe level of play does not warrant ANYTHING

    * Host knows there will be some deals in March, but not sure what the level of play will be and how many higher level players will be calling in

    As a basis - I usually get suites and a couple hundred in F/B/Play - and emails more than 2 months out usually do not get quick responses
     
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  16. alexm

    alexm VIP Whale

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    @WolfpackRobNC
    When I first dealt with my host I had a lot of the same questions you had. Being totally honest my play is significantly higher than yours and I am still not sure it really warrants a host. Going with the top end of your play and combining the entire group figure 70/hour for 3 hours per day (assuming blackjack) That's a coin in of about 14,700 (rating 70 hands per hour which may be generous) or a group total theo of 147 per day, meaning about 50 bucks in comps earned back for the whole group per day. That's assuming a high number of hands, all 7 players playing everyone of the hands and a 10$ rating per hand for each. Assuming you didn't all stay in one room I would say you did great to get what you got.

    ALso remember that many hosts have their weekends during the week since big players come in predominantly on weekends. If you go a week without a reply call VIP services and tell them you never got a reply. My bet is he isn't even coded as your host
     
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  17. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    I have had a host at MSS/Cal for many (10 maybe) years. The Gold Card, limo and the suite each trip were fine, but I got so frustrated with her lack timely responses to my emails. I'm talking two weeks out and I still don't have confirmations. This went on and on for at least two years and we're there 8 times a year.

    I finally got so annoyed I emailed the GM and requested a different host. Apparently, that caused the sh*t to hit the fan. The GM called me at home the same day and apologized and said the host would be calling me the minute she got in. She did and apologized profusely. Then I got a phone call from the slot manager saying to CC him anytime I sent her an email. I have kept the same host and never had a problem with emails again. That was maybe 3 years ago. Both the GM & slot manager have moved on, so my emails only go to her now, but no problems.

    I don't really understand the reaction. I never threatened to go gamble somewhere else, I just requested a new host.
     
  18. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    I don't have a host and honestly am happy with what I'm offered and I won't play just to get comps anyway.

    But I'd like to share something about what was said earlier about hosts talking to each other. I believe this can hurt you.

    Case in point: My BIL who in my opinion is a red chip level player has enlisted the help of a host and last trip he wasn't happy with her and so he went and talked to another host. When talking to the other host he mentioned that his first host was rude, did not give him what he wanted, and overall just said he cannot work with her.

    The new host told him she was surprised he said that because his former host is considered the best in the company and is highly regarded by her superiors, her clients, and fellow hosts. She told my BIL she will review his history of play with her and get back to him.

    My BIL claims that she never got back to him. Both of them. He tried calling and e-mailing but they do not respond to his calls.

    I told him in my opinion, they were very lenient the first time, and went out on a limb that he would increase his play. I said his play didn't warrant what he is expecting. I also told him his comments of his first host probably did not sit well with the 2nd host.

    You talk shit, you get shit. That's what I think happened.
     
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  19. VolleyBall

    VolleyBall 7* & MLife Plat

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    I can't talk specifically for MSS/Cal but don't feel bad requesting a different host
     
  20. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    IMHO, your level of play is too low to get any kind of meaningful attention from a host. Host cycles "cost" $$$, and the host would rather be working on things for a $25 player who's putting in at least 4 hours a day.

    I don't know what you're expecting, but those are "30 year ago" levels of play. Even for downtown that's low.

    A player at your level should just stick to taking whatver the mailers give you. Your "bringing a few guys" didn't help if they aren't playing, or are playing at your level.

    Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking your level of play, I'm just saying that I think that you're being a little bit optimistic about what you should be getting with your level of play.
     
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