Politely 'parked' by Aria host.

Ok,I can totally understand that comparison. I was perhaps seeing it as all employees under the MGM banner but was clearly being naive on that score!

 

I probably am reading too much into it. I did say in the original post I realise I am probaby too small a fish for Aria at my level of play. I think my host hoped I might start to increase my numbers from when she originally approached me but I tend to keep a similar bankroll each trip.

I hope this post doesn't come across as me whingeing. I was just surprised to be told to book it myself online. I had expected at worst something along the lines of 'I can't beat the Mlife rate but I will enter the bookings for you on the system if you are happy to proceed' type of response,being the type of thing I would want to do for my clients.

But I don't run a car dealership....

 

I think the variable here is how often you buy cars or glasses (or gamble in Vegas). If you buy one car every 2-3 years, then yeah, you wouldn't want to call your Honda guy to refer to you a Toyota guy. But let's say you buy 5-6 cars a year, for whatever reason... a smart Honda guy would realize that potentially losing out on one sale but earning enough goodwill to keep the rest (and maybe even improve the relationship overall) is a better move than risking losing you for good over that one sale.

Although, I agree with the point that it might be a little much to expect from a low-level host; I still think it's good business, and not just from a "help your customers" perspective.

 

It's a give and take, which is precisely why if you develop a relationship with a host and they understand you will be a profitable player long term they will be more willing to bend over backwards for you and make you happy short term to ensure a mutually beneficial long term relationship. Think of it this way, when a car salesman gives you a good deal, they are essentially taking money out of their own pocket for you. It works the same for a host. Their compensation package is based on how much their players lose (minus whatever they give you in return). If they give you a suite when you don't deserve it, their check is going to be smaller.

 

Even with that thinking, the car dealership comparison stands. Say you go to your Buick guy looking for a recommendation for a Chevy guy since you really like the new Corvette. All are under the GM banner, but it just doesn't work that way.

 

I have cut down on cars, and now buy 2-3 houses a year.

 

I am on the side of saying there is nothing wrong with asking your current host for a recommendation at a sister property. I say this based on the perspective of having a long standing relationship (professional only) with the host and staying at that host's property 3 out of 4 trips. Perhaps it is different if you do not know your host well enough.

Keep in mind that if you are on the radar of your host at all, they will know when you book at a sister property. My main host even made a comment to me when he saw i reserved at a sister property recently - so better to go through your host than around.

 

That's insane. You bet like thousands per hand. I bet a fraction of that and a host gave me a sky suite. I know I was overcomped but that's such a huge gap between your play and what they're telling you.

This is the difference though, when you have a good enough relationship. For what it's worth my thinking was the same as the OP's. Its all one company so they shouldn't care. But I did it with a new host and noticed it bothered him. I was assigned a new host at MGM because my previous one moved elsewhere and I had the new guy set some things up. He was being really helpful and generous. But then the rest of our group wanted to stay at MB so I asked him for a recommendation there and he gave me one but wrote that he was disappointed if I thought he wasn't being helpful enough. That wasn't the case but that's what he felt. He was a nice guy, the same host I believe shifter and some others here have. But it was probably a bad way for me to start out our "relationship".

 

well, not always that much. But certainly enough so that my host there shouldn't tell me, I can't guarantee you anything more than a basic room (and then not return my calls or texts while I am at the property). Obviously, I have issues with Aria

 

yeah, if you have never stayed with the dude and he takes the time to set you up and then you not only cancel on him, but ask him for a recommendation somewhere else, I can understand he would be disappointed. honestly I think that's even worse form than the OP's situation.

 

That's sad. I like the property - it has a lot going for it, but the people can make or break it. My first trip there was in a Sky Suite thanks to a corporate offer. During that trip I made contact with a host and was told that RFB in a Sky Suite would require something like an average $700 (BJ) bet. I booked the property again, though went through a corporate host who essentially upped the ante from what the Aria host was offering. I don't play enough to really justify a Sky Suite, and I know that... but once you've tasted certain things, well - you understand!

I have some type of corporate offer now for 3 nights in a suite (9 Vegas properties to choose from) with $250 resort credit. I'm guessing that does not include a Sky Suite - but it's still a reasonable/tempting offer. Unfortunately it's only for 3 nights, and only good through May.. but blocks out Memorial Day weekend.

Perhaps they'll dangle something similar out there for this summer. Hopefully that will pop up soon - as plans need to be made!

 

I stayed at Aria for the first time last trip and was totally unimpressed. I am a huge Bellagio fan, so I thought I'd like Aria, but it just has this pompous vibe to it that I can't put my finger on. I also don't like the space-agey design of the place. Makes me feel like I'm orbiting the galaxy.

And I'd have to agree with the lack luster hosting staff at Aria. I am by no means a huge whale, but I do get the prompt attention of a host at Bellagio and MB who give me suite and RFB up front. In the Aria case they just didn't seem eager to get me back in the door or comp up front as much as I'd get at the B or MB. So they can keep their stuck-up spaceship resort, I'll stick to the places that actually appreciate my business.

To the OP: If you ever need a host recommendation the best place to do it is on this forum. I have found some of the best hosts by asking other members.

I just briefly scanned over this thread, so forgive me if this was addressed, but it does sound like your play is not worth her time. Especially if she cannot beat a rate you found by yourself. I am a tables game player so I don't know much about slot coin in/out terminology when explaining your level of play.

But just like anything else, if your don't like the service you're receiving move onto someone or some place else. I'm sure there are plenty of other Vegas casinos (even within the MGM family) that would be eager to have your action.

 

I kind of like the space-agey design concepts. But staff from top to bottom has always been an issue with this place. The gaming staff has improved since they opened, but the front desk and host staff have consistently sucked. Let's hear it for consistency!

 

LOL

 

I like the restaurants a lot, too, but seriously, the gaming staff is pretty terrible. The one exception I've found has been the craps dealers, who are usually pretty good, but if there are cards involved, forget it.

 

My wife enjoys the shoulder/back massages at the tables... and if she's happy...

 

I'm surprised about all the hate towards Aria. I've only stayed once but I thought the staff and facilities were great. Staying in the sky suites helped because there was probably a bit of extra ass-kissing which I'm always in favor of but even in the casino and elsewhere I thought people were great. I can't remember a dealer who wasn't friendly and fun to play with. I was a bit worried about the design and general vibe before going because I also love places like Bellagio and Wynn which don't have that modern/glass look but I ended up loving Aria. It definitely feels less "Vegas-y" than other places but in some ways that was good. My biggest gripe was no quick eats which sucks when you're gambling and just need some quick food to prevent death and nothing more.

 

I love Aria. I am just fed up with the staff. I go to Vegas for fun. Not to be hassled or made to feel like a jerk. That's how the Aria staff has made me fell multiple times in the past. I don't feel I ask for much based on my level of play and I really don't even mind of the answer I get is No. Its really a matter of attitude. The little things bother me and make me feel like they could not care less about my business. That's especially bothersome since people in the same company (Bellagio, MB, MGM, Mirage) and other companies (Wynn and Venetian) do all the little things to make me feel welcome.

So screw it. i will stay elsewhere and stop by Aria every now and then to eat their food, use their spa, and take some of their money!

 

WOW!!

I have stayed at Aria for over 16 times and Sky Suites 4 times.
Besides a few issues handled very well afterwards from higher ups, service has been wonderful from Aria.

I am shocked at all the anger towards them.
Maybe I am fortunate to still really enjoy my stays there.
Sorry to hear some have had such problems there.

cheers Deb

 

people are angry mostly when they don't get something they feel they "deserve". whether that's actually true or not is up to debate, but it doesn't make them any less angry. I've actually had good experiences at Aria with everyone - host, dealers, pit bosses, CWs, etc. I've also had good luck there at the tables. and I liked Haze. I've just never stayed there because we prefer the vibe at the B or the better service in the Skylofts. but I don't have anything bad to say about it.