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A few quick notes

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by Fe'Adolphus, Apr 22, 2014.

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  1. Former Plaza Host

    Former Plaza Host Well-Known Member

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    Good morning everyone,
    I hope everyone had a really nice Easter. I would like to say I am very glad to be a part of this forum and appreciate the support given to me as well. I am happy to help with any questions or comments concerning my position with my company. Please understand a few things. I can not and will not give any personal information on this forum even in private message because everything here is monitored and giving such information would be violating a persons privacy. Also, I will not give any quotes, prices, offers, or promises in this forum either. As per forum rules, I do not want to seem as if I am offering anything nor advertising. Also, I do not have enough information (in this forum alone) that I need as a casino host to be able to properly judge or justify what I may be able to offer if anything. I ask to please contact me using my professional email address or phone number to discuss any pricing, offers, etc. Every person or situation is different so please understand that in any cases dealing with how I can assist as a casino host must be handled outside of any public virtual forum for the protection of you, my company, and myself. Next, I really enjoy fielding many customer service questions and comments concerning my company. I want to thank everyone who supports me and understands how far my ability can assist. I do pass information to my upper management; for I read many virtual sites in regards to our properties. Please understand that I do pass comments up my chain of command however, I am not able to fix everything, and when some items are in the works to be fixed those items may take some time due to whatever reason. I respect everyone on this forum and I would ask for that same respect. :thumbsup:
     
  2. merlin

    merlin MIA

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    Could you explain why your property does not offer the same odds/playing conditions as your competition, and how you can possibly succeed if you dont?
    I'm a 2 or 3 time a year visitor and every time I walk into the Plaza hoping to play, wanting to give you a chance to win my money, and each time I walk out shaking my head without spending a dime. Why should I play a VP game there when the odds are way better across the st, why should I play BJ there when the rules/limits are better everywhere else?

    We want to play at your place, we really do, but give us a reason.
     
  3. Former Plaza Host

    Former Plaza Host Well-Known Member

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    Hi,
    I can not "explain" why our odds are not the same as others, however, I can inquire to see what we can do to improve what we do have and I will. It never hurts to ask how we can improve on all sides of the coin. :thumbsup:
     
  4. Mark1450

    Mark1450 Tourist

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    I would love ot see you do something with the Pool Area. I love pool side gaming. I think Pool Side gaming party atmosphere with craps and BJ pool side might attract more people across the street to your casino. I love the Plaza and would like to see more of a vibe in its casino. I will contact you when I plan my next trip. I get mailers with free rooms from numeros casinos includiong yours.
     
  5. Former Plaza Host

    Former Plaza Host Well-Known Member

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    Now this idea I like as well. Of course, you wont see me poolside in shorts because I have knobby knees. lol But I like the idea. :) And this idea is going up the ladder right now. :thumbsup: And yes please do contact me anytime.
     
  6. raisingoo

    raisingoo Medium-Roller

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    I second the VP motion on the floor...

    I also wish to point out that The Plaza has gone downhill for video poker players. I remember going there as little as one year ago and finding both

    - 9/6 Jacks or Better
    - 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe

    machines on the floor. Now they are nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a quick walk to Main Street Station yields the first, and a quick walk to The Fremont yields the latter.

    These properties do not charge a resort fee, either.

    I know these things aren't necessarily your fault, feadolphus, and are probably beyond your direct control. But if you could echo the comments here to your superiors....

    I know I'm not going to play video poker at a place with bad odds, or stay at a place with a resort fee if I can get away with it. Hence little reason for me to visit The Plaza on my upcoming trip next month...

    Heck, I'll probably visit anyway to check it out. But I doubt I'll be staying long...
     
  7. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    I don't want to beat up on the guy, but these are valid points regarding VP.

    I can play dollar 9/6 JOB at MSS and I can play dollar 9/6 DDB at both Cal and Four Queens. Now why would I go play at Plaza?
     
  8. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    Just an FYI - the Plaza has one of the three best blackjack tables downtown, despite suggestions up-thread to the contrary.
    (2-deck, H17, DAS).
    I've played this table at various minimums, from $10 up to $25, depending on the time of day.
    (the other two 'best tables' are at LVC (same rules, $10 min.) and at the El Co (same rules, $3 min.)

    All of the rest of downtown 2-deck blackjack at $25 and less is 'H17 & no DAS'.
    (The DTG may be an exception, but I have not confirmed that either way).
     
    Annual Spring Trip!
  9. Former Plaza Host

    Former Plaza Host Well-Known Member

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    I understand your concerns indeed. and yes, the voices are echoed. One thing to note though. Yes, we do have a resort fee as many hotel/casinos have implemented however, that resort fee can be made complimentary if your casino play warrants it and if your stay is complimentary to begin with your resort fee is complimentary as well. Also, third party reservations can be detrimental if you do partake in gaming because third party prices are locked in and can not be made complimentary. Third party includes such companies as Expedia, Hotwire, etc. I always recommend a phone call to us or using our hotel website. :beer:
     
  10. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    Your forum participation

    Is your participation in this forum at you own discretion or management's? In either case, is there anyone above you interested in what you are hearing?
     
  11. Former Plaza Host

    Former Plaza Host Well-Known Member

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    My forum participation was/is encouraged by my management. I actually did not know of this forum until my management asked me to participate. I enjoy social media as a whole so taking on this forum was an honor to me considering I was new to my company to begin with. My management monitors my participation as I would expect them to as well as put their trust in me to embody the companies expectations and respect for all involved. In which case, it has been proven that my management does hear and listen to what our customer base is looking for. Sometimes it just takes time to look at everything in making decisions that affect us as a company and the customer requests. :beer:
     
  12. merlin

    merlin MIA

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    I'm glad they encourage you, and it's good that they "hear" what is being said, but they dont listen, they really dont. These complaints have been going on for years, and not much has changed, the one guy mentioned swim up blackjack...and that would be fine, but has he seen your regular pit? You have maybe 3 or 4 tables open with a total of 5 or 6 players combined(and I'm being generous), you guys dont need gimmicks, you need players and a lot of them...and the only way you're going to get them is to offer them at least as good of conditions as the places that are packed a block away.

    I can picture your superiors talking and saying "we dont want advantage players that care about the odds, we want people who dont care about that and dont mind blowing their money.", well, la dee dah, that isn't gonna happen, you are what you are, downtown is what it is, and the sooner your leaders realize that the sooner you will become a successful casino.

    The one guy said you have one decent table, well whoop de doo, what if I dont like that table, or the dealer? Give us more than one table, more than one ticket cashing machine , more than 3 good machines on the second floor, etc, that's not too much to ask!
     
  13. PopMegaphone

    PopMegaphone VIP Whale

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    Cut him some slack. He just joined. Geez.

    Personally, I think it's wonderful the Plaza is soliciting this message board for feedback. Maybe this is the start of a new approach. Let's give them a chance.

    What would I like to see? A really fun bar inside the casino. That Anthony Cools joint had a terrible atmosphere. Do something that feels interesting or special. I love craft cocktails, but I'm not sure that would be appreciated.

    edit - I forgot you opened a beer garden. I haven't tried that yet.

    edit 2 - I really like pop-up pizza. Don't change a thing with that.
     
  14. paperposter

    paperposter MIA

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    :nworthy::nworthy:i think this is a great step lets not chase him or them off.

    maybe if other casino /hotels see this they might also join a open no hostil dialog is great, stuff wont happen over nite maybe 6 months or a year but just to know they hear us and now we have direct contact is great for people want to stay down town.

    hey mlife, cet and the other's come join the fun we wont bite.

    thanks for joining and hopefuly it will be a good dialog that maybe we can also learn about comps and what you guys expect and other things.

    who knows maybe even a vmb diiner and drink party.

    welcome aboard:beer:
     
  15. merlin

    merlin MIA

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    I guess you're right, I dont know why I even bother, they're not gonna change til they go out of business(the spike never did), I'll refrain from plaza comments from now on. I will be in vegas in a month, I'll do the usual walk through and report if they've improved.
     
  16. aaisack

    aaisack VIP Whale

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    A few positive expectation video poker machines wouldn't hurt the bottom line (most players don't play them perfect anyway) and would help give people the impression that The Plaza is a good place to gamble.

    I've had good experiences at the plaza, I attended a convention there that was managed well (right after the remodel) and I enjoy Hash House A Go Go. I would love to play video poker there (and the occasional run at the slots) if the VP pay tables were a little better.

    Best,
    Adam
     
  17. PopMegaphone

    PopMegaphone VIP Whale

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    These photos on your website look unprofessional and lame:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Change them. Seriously, they make you guys look unfun and ridiculous. The first one is particularly bad. That said, it could be worse.

    edit - This one is horrible.

    [​IMG]
     
  18. 2VegasNuts

    2VegasNuts High-Roller

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    (The picture speaks) Yes! I won.....NOTHING. But, I do have a hot looking MILF with her hand...ummmm, yesssssss.
     
  19. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    Feadolphus,

    Glad you are participating and soliciting input. You are hearing from the downtown loyalists - those who stay and play exclusively or primarily downtown. I, along with a friend and/or wife, typically visit four or five times a year, staying five days at a time. Almost all my gambling time is spent downtown (the Palms being the exception, because they have a nice atmosphere and great video poker).

    I really want the Plaza to succeed. It's an iconic place and has potential. But after staying three times since the remodel, it's off our list. Here are the reasons:

    - The guest experience is too inconsistent. Some employees seem well trained, others clueless and/or indifferent. Security is sometimes at the elevators but often missing. Given the location near the bus station and the number of transients wandering through (or sleeping in the sports book chairs), I don't feel good about my wife being there when I'm not. Housekeeping is erratic. For example, one day the housekeeper told us she didn't have any more clean towels so we wouldn't get any that day.

    - The perfume (or whatever) smell in the casino is too strong (or has been when we were there). It's almost nauseating.

    - The casino environment is depressing. As we all keep saying, you might try attracting players by offering attractive gaming options. How about a low-limit PaiGow table? El Cortez has gotten rid of theirs. The D still has one and it stays full when the limit is $5.

    As for video poker, take a look at the Four Queens and Main Street Station. We'll lose $500 to $1000 a trip at those places. We're not high rollers, but we play for hours a day at $1.25 a hand on 25 cent machines, but only machines with good pay tables. We know how to play a variety of games, but I can't recall ever having a "winning" trip. I get sloppy after a few drinks (that's the point of the "free" drinks, right?), and my wife just seems to be plain unlucky (five years and never had a royal flush). I know I will probably lose, but it's just entertainment. I won't knowingly increase my losses by playing at machines with bad pay tables, which is why I don't play at the Plaza anymore. You used to have some good machines, but no longer do. Tell the bosses that having people playing at machines with lower margins is better than having no one playing. As you can see from this board, word gets around about what's good and what's not.

    - Your pool area is hot and depressing. It should be the second (or now with the Downtown Grand, maybe third) best downtown. It wouldn't take much to dress it up, provide some shade, and as others have said, maybe liven it up with blackjack or something. There aren't many decent pools downtown, and you're not taking advantage of the potential of yours.

    I get the impression that the "bean counters" have too much control over what's happening (or should I say not happening) at the Plaza - that the strategy is minimize the losses instead of make a profit. They seem scared to spend money to make money. Downtown isn't forgiving in that way.
     
  20. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    I agree. It's rare for us to have a host here who is open about how he is, let alone be willing to hear our gripes and help out the members here who love The Plaza.

    We want to encourage that, not discourage it. :)
     
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