mini-Review of RIO 2018
March 30th, 2018 at 2:41:47 PM
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Overview
It seems like CET doesn't know how they want to market the RIO. It is situated right next to two locals casinos, PALMS and GOLD COAST. But RIO doesn't have the paytables that the other two casinos have. And it is obviously NOT a STRIP casino.
I think CET should either invest in it (for starters, how expensive could it be for a coat of paint on the worst parts of the the worn and tired façade ? Also, when the renovations are done at PALMS, RIO is going to look even worse in comparison), OR attract more players with better paytables recognizing that it is a locals casino.
The Good
+ Free room usually available weekdays at my level of play.
+ I got a 75K Slot tourney Invite - a lot of people won some Freeplay, a few won a really nice amount. I didn't win anything, but it didn't cost me anything either.
+ The tourney was set-up so you had a scheduled time to play 5 minutes on each of 2 days, and then didn't have to stick around all day. It was run very efficiently.
+ Hallway Carpeting is a less ratty than some older Caesars properties on the Strip.
+ PALMS is a super short walk.
+ Diamond check-in.
+ Nice big room.
+ Enterprise rental car neighborhood location is with-in walking distance, although they "will pick you up".
+ Easy parking.
+ Got a ROYAL FLUSH playing 25 cent Video Poker.
+ I'm not a STARBUCKS person, but it has a couple of locations for everyone who is.
The Bad
- Marginal video poker except for the random and just completely lucky RF above.
- Dinner Buffet is so-so.
- No breakfast or lunch buffet. I guess PALMS and GOLD COAST have that covered.
- No more shuttle bus service to the Strip.
- No in-room coffee maker.
- Very limited Diamond show ticket availability. This was discussed on another thread. But to reiterate, it would be nice to loosen that up a bit.
- Regarding that, Hey CET, let's consider the "Do What you Say" part of the old adage.
- Most of the elevators worked most of the time.
- Prices in the gift shop were crazy high. 6 bucks for an ice cream sandwich is about 2 bucks too high, imho, even for an on-site store.
It seems like CET doesn't know how they want to market the RIO. It is situated right next to two locals casinos, PALMS and GOLD COAST. But RIO doesn't have the paytables that the other two casinos have. And it is obviously NOT a STRIP casino.
I think CET should either invest in it (for starters, how expensive could it be for a coat of paint on the worst parts of the the worn and tired façade ? Also, when the renovations are done at PALMS, RIO is going to look even worse in comparison), OR attract more players with better paytables recognizing that it is a locals casino.
The Good
+ Free room usually available weekdays at my level of play.
+ I got a 75K Slot tourney Invite - a lot of people won some Freeplay, a few won a really nice amount. I didn't win anything, but it didn't cost me anything either.
+ The tourney was set-up so you had a scheduled time to play 5 minutes on each of 2 days, and then didn't have to stick around all day. It was run very efficiently.
+ Hallway Carpeting is a less ratty than some older Caesars properties on the Strip.
+ PALMS is a super short walk.
+ Diamond check-in.
+ Nice big room.
+ Enterprise rental car neighborhood location is with-in walking distance, although they "will pick you up".
+ Easy parking.
+ Got a ROYAL FLUSH playing 25 cent Video Poker.
+ I'm not a STARBUCKS person, but it has a couple of locations for everyone who is.
The Bad
- Marginal video poker except for the random and just completely lucky RF above.
- Dinner Buffet is so-so.
- No breakfast or lunch buffet. I guess PALMS and GOLD COAST have that covered.
- No more shuttle bus service to the Strip.
- No in-room coffee maker.
- Very limited Diamond show ticket availability. This was discussed on another thread. But to reiterate, it would be nice to loosen that up a bit.
- Regarding that, Hey CET, let's consider the "Do What you Say" part of the old adage.
- Most of the elevators worked most of the time.
- Prices in the gift shop were crazy high. 6 bucks for an ice cream sandwich is about 2 bucks too high, imho, even for an on-site store.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 30th, 2018 at 2:52:04 PM
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Thanks for the mini-review. The Rio is usually my go-to hotel when coming to Vegas, and I definitely agree it could use some freshening up!
This is very disappointing to hear.
Quote: JohnnyQThe Bad
- No more shuttle bus service to the Strip.
This is very disappointing to hear.
You serious, Clark?
March 30th, 2018 at 2:56:16 PM
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Well, technically speaking there is still a regularly scheduled bus that goes up and down Flamingo all day right across from the RIO, it is the RTC 202 route !Quote: blount2000Thanks for the mini-review. The Rio is usually my go-to hotel when coming to Vegas, and I definitely agree it could use some freshening up!
Quote: JohnnyQThe Bad
- No more shuttle bus service to the Strip.
This is very disappointing to hear.
$ 2 per ride, or live a little and spring for a 24 Hour pass for $ 5.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 30th, 2018 at 3:02:19 PM
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What about the Gold Coast shuttle?
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
March 30th, 2018 at 3:29:53 PM
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I have one for your "Pro" column... Rio is one of the few casinos in town that has a 24/7, $25 minimum Pai Gow Tile game.
March 30th, 2018 at 3:35:09 PM
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I assume GOLD COAST still has a shuttle, but I'm not sure.Quote: IbeatyouracesWhat about the Gold Coast shuttle?
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 30th, 2018 at 3:53:05 PM
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Quote: JohnnyQI assume GOLD COAST still has a shuttle, but I'm not sure.
All I know is that it went from Orleans to GC to the Forum Shops at Caesars.
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
March 30th, 2018 at 3:59:00 PM
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Oh hey, somebody else who also didn't win anything in that tournament (I was at like 505, paid until 500).
I'd say that another upshot is that they participate in the decline-houseleeping-for-food-credit program. (Unfortunately, as mothers everywhere have claimed, Starbucks cookies do NOT qualify as food. Nor anything else prepackaged.)
I'm pretty sure my room had a coffee maker and fridge.
I'd say that another upshot is that they participate in the decline-houseleeping-for-food-credit program. (Unfortunately, as mothers everywhere have claimed, Starbucks cookies do NOT qualify as food. Nor anything else prepackaged.)
I'm pretty sure my room had a coffee maker and fridge.
March 30th, 2018 at 6:51:10 PM
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I also like that the Rio has the Hash House a Go Go as one of its restaurants. I hit that place pretty hard when I stayed at the Rio last summer.
You serious, Clark?
March 30th, 2018 at 7:08:11 PM
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Amazing how cool Rio was 20 years ago compared to today. Even 10 years ago they still had the sky show, a bowling alley, a top rated buffet and more quality restaurants along with decent for CZR video poker and comps.
I’m sure Caesars would love to sell the property and just move on. Other than the WSOP I see no reason to visit compared to their other lower end properties on the strip.
I’m sure Caesars would love to sell the property and just move on. Other than the WSOP I see no reason to visit compared to their other lower end properties on the strip.
March 30th, 2018 at 7:12:19 PM
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Gold Coast shuttle goes to Orelans and then to the big wheel behind the Ling.
50-50-90 Rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there is a 90% probability you'll get it wrong
March 31st, 2018 at 4:54:30 AM
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Oooooh, so close !Quote: VenthusOh hey, somebody else who also didn't win anything in that tournament (I was at like 505, paid until 500).
I forgot that, to me it was a no-brainer to waive the daily housekeeping. I will see if I can edit my original post to add this in the + list. ( Nope, time expired on that ).Quote: VenthusI'd say that another upshot is that they participate in the decline-houseleeping-for-food-credit program. (Unfortunately, as mothers everywhere have claimed, Starbucks cookies do NOT qualify as food. Nor anything else prepackaged.)
ALSO, I thought their cocktail drink service was very fast and friendly.
FRIDGE = YES, COFFEE MAKER = NO for us. So, officially adding some items to the plus column:Quote: VenthusI'm pretty sure my room had a coffee maker and fridge.
+ Fast, efficient cocktail service on the Casino floor.
+ Optional daily housekeeping service. We opted out for ~ $ 10 per day food credit. It was easy to get extra towels, shampoo, etc just by asking a maid in the hallway.
+ Mini-Fridge in the room.
+ There were 2 separate sinks in the bathroom area of the room, we thought that was a great feature.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 31st, 2018 at 5:10:35 AM
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It is perfect for us low roller CET players. Free parking all the time, Easiest in and out as well. Biggest rooms for a low roller. Close to Makino sushi buffet. $25 tiles as mentioned. Near the strip but not on the strip has advantages. Nice pool. I also like Burro Burracho restaurant, and the Chinese Dim Sum restaurant is good too.
I've been staying at Wynn/Caesars my last few trips but yearn for my cheaper days at the Rio!
I've been staying at Wynn/Caesars my last few trips but yearn for my cheaper days at the Rio!
March 31st, 2018 at 7:17:11 AM
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"Fairly" close to Money Plays.
Video Poker, good music, great beerS, and a pass thru window to the Mexican food place next door.
Declining house keeping is great, IF your companion allows it. When I was getting free rooms at "the IP" in Biloxi, I didn't much care about housekeeping (except for the free coffee) but my benefactor always would order 'linen change' the night before so I'd have fresh sheets.
Video Poker, good music, great beerS, and a pass thru window to the Mexican food place next door.
Declining house keeping is great, IF your companion allows it. When I was getting free rooms at "the IP" in Biloxi, I didn't much care about housekeeping (except for the free coffee) but my benefactor always would order 'linen change' the night before so I'd have fresh sheets.
March 31st, 2018 at 8:08:45 AM
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Quote: BozAmazing how cool Rio was 20 years ago compared to today. Even 10 years ago they still had the sky show, a bowling alley, a top rated buffet and more quality restaurants along with decent for CZR video poker and comps.
Sad to hear the Rio has gone downhill so much. When I brought my mom and brother to Vegas around 2008, the first place I took them was to see the sky show. In the late '90s, that was the go-to place for the buffet.
March 31st, 2018 at 8:39:47 AM
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One of the wings only has slots and video poker, no tables. There are closed store fronts there too, so it is kind of dead since there isn't much reason to walk through.
There's a Smashburger on the second level of the dead side, but you pay a resort premium for the convenience compared to the stand alone locations.
There's a Smashburger on the second level of the dead side, but you pay a resort premium for the convenience compared to the stand alone locations.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
March 31st, 2018 at 9:01:12 AM
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I agree with some that CET should sell the Rio if if they're just going to let it rot. It's far from their strip hotels, and I don't know how this satellite location helps with the overall business model. I sure do think they'll keep losing to the Palms. The two buffets at the Rios were the draws for me when they were good over a decade ago. Now that the Rios buffets have gone to the crappers and other strip buffets have up'd their game, I have no reason to step inside the Rio.
I had this very conversation with a friend of mine a few weeks ago, and we both agreed that even if they offer good mins of $5 BJs with 3/2 payouts and 9/6 JoB, they're not going to bring back customers.
I have an idea.
Things management should consider: Make Rio the first hotel to cater to the millennials. Millennials sure are not rich, don't gamble as much, but they will pay a mortgage for pictures of food, pool parties, and bottle service at clubs. I know some of these rascals and they are the perfect customers as long as you present the perfect bait. They may have credit card balances in the $20K-$30K and student loans in the $100K+, but their YOLO mentality enables them to spend to show off what they are doing on social media.
Some changes to make:
-They need a draw like a "wicked spoon" or "M Resort"-like buffet at the RIO. Make the decor pretty and food picturesque and they will flock.
-Keep the free parking: Millennials don't want to pay for parking to visit, stay and eat there.
-No resort fee: Self explanatory
-Put in slots and table games that Millennials like.
-Better celebrity restaurants
-Have free shuttles from the strip, but not to the strip.
-Make Voodoo lounge more relevant. They have a million dollar view, but the millennials don't even know what it is because of lack of a big name DJ, poor club management, and lack of exposure. They need to blow it up and renovate/rename.
-Renovate and spend some money on voodoo beach pool as a happening pool party.
Because of millennials Vegas businesses are no longer about gaming. In order to make Rio viable again, they need to change with the time.
I had this very conversation with a friend of mine a few weeks ago, and we both agreed that even if they offer good mins of $5 BJs with 3/2 payouts and 9/6 JoB, they're not going to bring back customers.
I have an idea.
Things management should consider: Make Rio the first hotel to cater to the millennials. Millennials sure are not rich, don't gamble as much, but they will pay a mortgage for pictures of food, pool parties, and bottle service at clubs. I know some of these rascals and they are the perfect customers as long as you present the perfect bait. They may have credit card balances in the $20K-$30K and student loans in the $100K+, but their YOLO mentality enables them to spend to show off what they are doing on social media.
Some changes to make:
-They need a draw like a "wicked spoon" or "M Resort"-like buffet at the RIO. Make the decor pretty and food picturesque and they will flock.
-Keep the free parking: Millennials don't want to pay for parking to visit, stay and eat there.
-No resort fee: Self explanatory
-Put in slots and table games that Millennials like.
-Better celebrity restaurants
-Have free shuttles from the strip, but not to the strip.
-Make Voodoo lounge more relevant. They have a million dollar view, but the millennials don't even know what it is because of lack of a big name DJ, poor club management, and lack of exposure. They need to blow it up and renovate/rename.
-Renovate and spend some money on voodoo beach pool as a happening pool party.
Because of millennials Vegas businesses are no longer about gaming. In order to make Rio viable again, they need to change with the time.
Last edited by: SiegfriedRoy on Mar 31, 2018
March 31st, 2018 at 9:30:02 AM
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They don't want to.Quote: SiegfriedRoy, they need change with the time.
March 31st, 2018 at 9:48:22 AM
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I admittedly stay there a good bit when I’m in town. Usually free rooms, including some weekends. It’s much quicker to get in and out of with a rental car away from all the strip mayhem, plus they have free parking (self/valet). Table mins on carni games are almost always $5, and they are one of the few CET props that still have the million dollar six card bonus payout (I don’t play the bet, but a bunch of folks seem to go there for that alone, based on things of heard from other players while at the tables).
.
March 31st, 2018 at 11:17:36 AM
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Quote: vegasGold Coast shuttle goes to Orelans and then to the big wheel behind the Ling.
"Approximately every 1/2 hour • 9:00AM - 12:30AM"
Good luck with it though; last time I had to take that shuttle, I was standing at the stop which smelled like a sceptic tank for almost an hour and a half.
March 31st, 2018 at 4:00:30 PM
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I think my review was FAIR and BALANCED. So, you know, take the good with the bad. I would stay there again, I just think there are some easy to implement improvements they should consider.Quote: smoothgrhSad to hear the Rio has gone downhill so much.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Mar 31, 2018
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 31st, 2018 at 4:08:46 PM
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Quote: JohnnyQI think my review was FAIR and BALANCED. So, you know, take the good with the bad. I would stay there again, I just think they are some easy to implement improvements they should consider.
I would have thought, with the WSOP and Penn and Teller, there would be enough revenue to spend on capital improvements. But what do I know about CET corporate?
Sorry to hear the buffet's gone downhill. They really did deserve a rave for a while there.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
March 31st, 2018 at 4:25:47 PM
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The chinese restaurant serves average dim sum, Gold Coast has better though.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
March 31st, 2018 at 4:54:39 PM
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Your plus list has to include Penn and Teller.
Beware, I work for the dark side.... We have cookies
March 31st, 2018 at 8:35:02 PM
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Fair enough. I've seen them a couple of times, but haven't rushed back to see them a 3rd time. There are other CET shows I have seen MORE than 3 times.Quote: FCBLComishYour plus list has to include Penn and Teller.
I was hoping to put in a BIG PLUS for the new WOW show, but it became a big MINUS when the tickets were so unreasonably restricted that I couldn't see them during a 4 night window.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
March 31st, 2018 at 8:47:00 PM
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Stay at the Rio
Play at the Palms/Gold Coast
Eat at Gold Coast
Play at the Palms/Gold Coast
Eat at Gold Coast
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
March 31st, 2018 at 9:14:35 PM
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Quote:Stay at the Rio
Lose at Gold Coast, Hooters, Paris, Cromwell, Tropicana, Hard Rock, The Orleans, Red Rock...
Eat at Gold Coast
It's been a long week.
April 1st, 2018 at 5:53:59 AM
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The breakfast buffet at PALMS was nice, on Thursday (?) it was free b-fast buffet day by earning 200 base points. We did. The "steak calamari" there was excellent (technically that was probably one of the lunch items). We ended up having the PALMS breakfast buffet twice on this trip.Quote: djatcStay at the Rio
Play at the Palms/Gold Coast
Eat at Gold Coast
We also did the CET 24 hours of buffet thing once.
OK = RIO Buffet Dinner
GOOD = FLAMINGO Buffet Breakfast
OK = PLANET HOLLYWOOD Buffet
...............Wow, PH has really gone downhill in terms of selection.
Other meals:
GOOD = ELLIS ISLAND Steak Breakfast
GOOD = MIRAGE Lunch Buffet. We did a late lunch on purpose before an afternoon show and accidently stayed long enough to get very good dinner crab legs.
OK = Food Court at RED ROCK ( I got Panda Express )
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
April 1st, 2018 at 6:02:54 AM
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Hey Soopoo, you know because I am such a nice guy and everything, let's trade room comps next time we are both there, you take my room at the RIO and I'll stay at WYNN ! ! !Quote: SOOPOOI've been staying at Wynn/Caesars my last few trips but yearn for my cheaper days at the Rio!
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
April 1st, 2018 at 6:05:27 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQThe "steak calamari" there was excellent
What is that like? deep fried breaded strips of steaks? And is the 200 points for free breakfast a daily promo or a week day promo?
April 1st, 2018 at 7:26:59 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQHey Soopoo, you know because I am such a nice guy and everything, let's trade room comps next time we are both there, you take my room at the RIO and I'll stay at WYNN ! ! !
If my rooms were comped I would stay at the Wynn over all other Vegas casinos. I get some sort of discount which has averaged out to around $200 a night per room. Recently I think I'd be paying around $70 a night at Rio including the lovely resort fee. The difference is more than just the $130 a night, as everything I buy/eat at Wynn is more expensive, too.
Summmary, if exact same price, I'd stay at the Wynn, but for a small amount less I'd stay at the Rio.
April 1st, 2018 at 1:27:17 PM
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That promo was on THURSDAY, I don't know if it also on other days or not. The Calamari Steak looked like this and it was super tender:Quote: SiegfriedRoyQuote: JohnnyQThe "steak calamari" there was excellent
What is that like? deep fried breaded strips of steaks? And is the 200 points for free breakfast a daily promo or a week day promo?
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
April 1st, 2018 at 1:30:54 PM
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Have you considered getting Diamond so the resort fees at CET would be waived ? In February, CET had a promo to double your tier credits. So [ (2500 in a day) +5000 bonus ] x2 = Diamond.Quote: SOOPOOSummmary, if exact same price, I'd stay at the Wynn, but for a small amount less I'd stay at the Rio.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
April 1st, 2018 at 3:57:04 PM
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Quote: JohnnyQHave you considered getting Diamond so the resort fees at CET would be waived ? In February, CET had a promo to double your tier credits. So [ (2500 in a day) +5000 bonus ] x2 = Diamond.
I barely gamble. I made Platinum because they gave me a bunch of Tier Credits for staying at Caesars and paying around $1000 for the room. My gambling added very little. I'm up to around 6000 TCs I think that is my high for any year.
April 1st, 2018 at 5:27:22 PM
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Yep, you beat my score !Quote: VenthusOh hey, somebody else who also didn't win anything in that tournament (I was at like 505, paid until 500).
;-(
The fact that CET increased the pay-outs from 1-400th to 1-500th place was pretty cool of them. So that's another entry for the ol' plus column
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
April 2nd, 2018 at 8:41:15 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQ
- No more shuttle bus service to the Strip.
That is a bummer. I really appreciated that shuttle when I was doing the Buffet of Buffets. But other than that, no reason for me really to head out to Rio/Palms/GC.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:20:26 PM
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Isn't there still that social club that costs like 300/yr that CET will give you Diamond for?
If you got to Platinum by staying there, that's probably a savings for you.
Edit: How on Earth did my phone autocorrect to "Playnum"!?
If you got to Platinum by staying there, that's probably a savings for you.
Edit: How on Earth did my phone autocorrect to "Playnum"!?
Last edited by: Venthus on Apr 2, 2018
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:28:48 PM
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Quote: VenthusIsn't there still that social club that costs like 300/yr that CET will give you Diamond for?
If you got to Playnum by staying there, that's probably a savings for you.
I think it's called Founders Club, and I don't think it's $300. I believe it's around $800/year or $500/year when on sale. However, keep in mind that some CET locations like AC want to see 25K tier points for you to get free Diamond club access. I don't know if that's the case for Vegas and other places. I just wanted to inform you of that if for some reason you wanted to sign up.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:17:04 PM
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I believe it is being phased in this year in Vegas.Quote: SiegfriedRoyHowever, keep in mind that some CET locations like AC want to see 25K tier points for you to get free Diamond club access. I don't know if that's the case for Vegas and other places.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
April 2nd, 2018 at 10:41:47 PM
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Aha, yeah, Founder's Card. Looks like it can be had for ~500/yr now. As was noted, you don't get DL access anymore, but it seems you do get the Diamond Celebration 100$ food credit though.
Following site appears to have pretty solid info on it (no affiliation, just easier than the official site): https://thepointsguy.com/2018/01/maximize-founderscard-2018/
Following site appears to have pretty solid info on it (no affiliation, just easier than the official site): https://thepointsguy.com/2018/01/maximize-founderscard-2018/
April 3rd, 2018 at 6:42:33 AM
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Quote: VenthusAs was noted, you don't get DL access anymore, but it seems you do get the Diamond Celebration 100$ food credit though.
I did further research and that if you don't have 25K, you can still go to the diamond lounge but you need to use 1000 TR credits ($10) per person. For a casual player, you may be able to get 1000 credit through slots, dining, and promotions. Still one needs to calculate and realize if it's worth it.
April 6th, 2018 at 7:33:54 PM
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On our last trip we had 5 nights where we could have gone to the Diamond Lounge. We went once at Caesars while we were waiting for an afternoon show.Quote: SiegfriedRoyI did further research and that if you don't have 25K, you can still go to the diamond lounge but you need to use 1000 TR credits ($10) per person. For a casual player, you may be able to get 1000 credit through slots, dining, and promotions. Still one needs to calculate and realize if it's worth it.
Usually, we go almost every day. It just didn't fit into our schedule this time. It WAS a nice perk. I think one of the things I liked the most was "showing off" by taking a guest to the private bar. Oh well. I do think this new policy by CET will continue to erode the loyalty of their customer base. Penny wise, pound foolish.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
