Las Vegas Challenge: 7 Buffets in 24 Hours
May 9th, 2010 at 12:37:26 PM
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Harrah's Offers Las Vegas Guests Unlimited Visits to Seven Casino Buffets for $29.99
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
April 15, 2010
Forget three square meals a day. In Las Vegas, where everything is bigger and some might say better, you can now get seven. Imagine starting your day with unlimited omelets, baked ham, sausage and waffles and then moving on to pizza and rotisserie chicken for lunch, maybe some sushi or prime rib for an afternoon snack and then Alaskan crab legs, Kung Pao chicken, turkey and lamb for dinner. Finish the day off with a midnight ice cream sundae, slice of cheesecake and some apple pie... or just more pizza. Thanks to a new Vegas special you can eat all those dishes and so much more in just one day, on one tab. Meet the "Buffet of Buffets." Casino giant Harrah's just introduced the deal where for $29.99 anybody can have unlimited access seven of its Las Vegas buffets in a 24-hour period. Guests can have breakfast at Caesars Palace, brunch at the Flamingo, an early lunch at the Imperial Palace, a late lunch at Paris Las Vegas and then dinner at Planet Hollywood or the Rio or both. You get the point. Strap on a wristband and gorge yourself silly for 24 hours.
The promotion started Monday morning and so far the response has exceeded casino executives' expectations, according Michael Weaver, vice president of marketing for Harrah's Entertainment. Harrah's estimated that 200 people a day would take the company up on the offer. By noon of the first day, 715 people had already purchased the 24-hour pass. "The response is significantly higher than we through it would be, blindingly higher than we thought it would be," Weaver said. "It was a little like drinking water out of a fire hose."
Las Vegas Buffets Offer Too Much Food?
That such a deal has materialized in Vegas, known for its offers of excess in virtually every human vice, is not surprising. But in a country already overflowing with overweight people, some health experts suggest the invitation to gorge might not be a wise idea.
"The only thing missing is, like they had in ancient Rome, a vomitorium," said Keith Ayoob, director of the nutrition clinic at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "This is basically a challenge to eat until you are nauseous."
Ayoob said the overeating could limit participation in other vacation pastimes.
"You can go to buffets seven times in a day, but it clearly doesn't leave time for a romantic vacation," Ayoob added. "Basically you are choosing food over sex."
He said that for anybody trying to manage weight or health, this is just a bad idea.
"What happens in Vegas is going to stay with you a lot longer," Ayoob said.
The only way to manage buffets, he said, is to either avoid them or go in with an idea of what you're going to eat ahead of time. Also consider focusing on the expensive items you might not normally try, such as fresh berries for dessert. And remember: you have eaten before and you will eat again, so it's OK to pass on some things.
"Basically all hell breaks loose in the buffet line. People are not accustomed to having so many choices of everything they like to eat," Ayoob said.
Weaver acknowledged the Buffet of Buffets this is not exactly the healthiest promotion, but said the offer is in keeping with the city's allure.
"I don't think in Las Vegas we have ever considered ourselves the sort of city that helps Americans to be better human beings," Weaver said. "We are, however, a city that's committed to helping people have fun. For the 72 hours that they're here, they can enjoy things that they do get to enjoy the other 362 days a year."
Is Harrah's Casino Buffet Deal a Bargain?
The all-day-buffet pass is not a new idea. The Excalibur already has a $29 deal offering guests the opportunity to eat all they want, all day long at the buffet. But the Harrah's deal is the first to combine so many buffet options.
The deal could be a good value for some tourists, even if they're not planning to eat at all seven casinos. For instance, dinner alone at Le Village Buffet at the Paris costs $24.99. An extra $5 adds breakfast, lunch or just a snack. (The only Harrah's-owned buffet not included is the Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio, which costs $38.)
Weaver said the company expects guests to visit about three buffets. He said it's really something to brag about when you get home, a good vacation story. Most Las Vegas visitors visit five to seven casinos. This promotion helps Harrah's make those casinos its own instead of the those owned by its competition. The company is even offering the 24-hour pass as part of a hotel package.
For Ayoob, this is just too much. "Sin city doesn't always refer to illegal behavior," he said. "It can also refer to sinful eating habits."
Copyright © 2010 ABC News Internet Ventures
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
April 15, 2010
Forget three square meals a day. In Las Vegas, where everything is bigger and some might say better, you can now get seven. Imagine starting your day with unlimited omelets, baked ham, sausage and waffles and then moving on to pizza and rotisserie chicken for lunch, maybe some sushi or prime rib for an afternoon snack and then Alaskan crab legs, Kung Pao chicken, turkey and lamb for dinner. Finish the day off with a midnight ice cream sundae, slice of cheesecake and some apple pie... or just more pizza. Thanks to a new Vegas special you can eat all those dishes and so much more in just one day, on one tab. Meet the "Buffet of Buffets." Casino giant Harrah's just introduced the deal where for $29.99 anybody can have unlimited access seven of its Las Vegas buffets in a 24-hour period. Guests can have breakfast at Caesars Palace, brunch at the Flamingo, an early lunch at the Imperial Palace, a late lunch at Paris Las Vegas and then dinner at Planet Hollywood or the Rio or both. You get the point. Strap on a wristband and gorge yourself silly for 24 hours.
The promotion started Monday morning and so far the response has exceeded casino executives' expectations, according Michael Weaver, vice president of marketing for Harrah's Entertainment. Harrah's estimated that 200 people a day would take the company up on the offer. By noon of the first day, 715 people had already purchased the 24-hour pass. "The response is significantly higher than we through it would be, blindingly higher than we thought it would be," Weaver said. "It was a little like drinking water out of a fire hose."
Las Vegas Buffets Offer Too Much Food?
That such a deal has materialized in Vegas, known for its offers of excess in virtually every human vice, is not surprising. But in a country already overflowing with overweight people, some health experts suggest the invitation to gorge might not be a wise idea.
"The only thing missing is, like they had in ancient Rome, a vomitorium," said Keith Ayoob, director of the nutrition clinic at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "This is basically a challenge to eat until you are nauseous."
Ayoob said the overeating could limit participation in other vacation pastimes.
"You can go to buffets seven times in a day, but it clearly doesn't leave time for a romantic vacation," Ayoob added. "Basically you are choosing food over sex."
He said that for anybody trying to manage weight or health, this is just a bad idea.
"What happens in Vegas is going to stay with you a lot longer," Ayoob said.
The only way to manage buffets, he said, is to either avoid them or go in with an idea of what you're going to eat ahead of time. Also consider focusing on the expensive items you might not normally try, such as fresh berries for dessert. And remember: you have eaten before and you will eat again, so it's OK to pass on some things.
"Basically all hell breaks loose in the buffet line. People are not accustomed to having so many choices of everything they like to eat," Ayoob said.
Weaver acknowledged the Buffet of Buffets this is not exactly the healthiest promotion, but said the offer is in keeping with the city's allure.
"I don't think in Las Vegas we have ever considered ourselves the sort of city that helps Americans to be better human beings," Weaver said. "We are, however, a city that's committed to helping people have fun. For the 72 hours that they're here, they can enjoy things that they do get to enjoy the other 362 days a year."
Is Harrah's Casino Buffet Deal a Bargain?
The all-day-buffet pass is not a new idea. The Excalibur already has a $29 deal offering guests the opportunity to eat all they want, all day long at the buffet. But the Harrah's deal is the first to combine so many buffet options.
The deal could be a good value for some tourists, even if they're not planning to eat at all seven casinos. For instance, dinner alone at Le Village Buffet at the Paris costs $24.99. An extra $5 adds breakfast, lunch or just a snack. (The only Harrah's-owned buffet not included is the Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio, which costs $38.)
Weaver said the company expects guests to visit about three buffets. He said it's really something to brag about when you get home, a good vacation story. Most Las Vegas visitors visit five to seven casinos. This promotion helps Harrah's make those casinos its own instead of the those owned by its competition. The company is even offering the 24-hour pass as part of a hotel package.
For Ayoob, this is just too much. "Sin city doesn't always refer to illegal behavior," he said. "It can also refer to sinful eating habits."
Copyright © 2010 ABC News Internet Ventures
May 9th, 2010 at 2:27:14 PM
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Talk about underestimating the appeal of an offer!Quote: pacomartinHarrah's estimated that 200 people a day would take the company up on the offer. By noon of the first day, 715 people had already purchased the 24-hour pass. "The response is significantly higher than we through it would be..."
A statistic that would be more interesting would be how many people purchase it and the number of times they used it.Quote: pacomartinWeaver said the company expects guests to visit about three buffets.
And do they gorge at every buffet they visit, or do they eat far more sensibly, but simply at buffets rather than restaurants?
Personally, I can see myself going for this, and utilizing it four times: Late lunch, late dinner, breakfast, then late lunch about 23:45 after purchasing it in first place. But I can also see myself only making one or two trips thru the line at each visit, so when it's all said and done, I'm not eating much more than I would have it was simple a single buffet trip.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
May 9th, 2010 at 2:49:47 PM
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I love how they always have these Ayoob types standing by to tell people that you shouldn't do anything or eat too much or this or that. Yes, I should just eat moss and hide in my house all day and I'll live to be 150 and have no unhealthy habits. Please. First, because you can come and go, You are less likely to "gorge" yourself and more likely to eat sensibly because you know you can come back if you are full, rather than having to pay again. It's much healthier to have a few smaller meals than go to a buffet knowing you can only eat until you leave. He is disingenuous as a nutrition expert for not pointing that out in the article. And let's not pretend that all you can eat 24/7 without paying extra is some kind of new idea. The cruise industry has been using this model for decades. I also love how he only mentions romance as a potential loss in this arrangement. As if eating is the only bad thing you can do in Vegas. By that logic, cruises wouldn't be romantic at all...you can eat anything 24/7!!
May 9th, 2010 at 3:13:31 PM
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I agree that you will try and come back, rather than make one meal last all day.
The only problem I see with the 7 buffet idea, is that the buffets do not have an exotic item that would make you want to sample several of them. I would think that you would just want to go to Ceasars and eat all your meals there. They would have a problem with overcrowding.
It would make more sense if the buffet concept was combined with either a bonus or qualification for some jackpot for using your Reward Card at all 7 casinos in one day. It would keep the customer wandering over Harrah Land instead of crossing the street to gamble at the Bellagio.
The only problem I see with the 7 buffet idea, is that the buffets do not have an exotic item that would make you want to sample several of them. I would think that you would just want to go to Ceasars and eat all your meals there. They would have a problem with overcrowding.
It would make more sense if the buffet concept was combined with either a bonus or qualification for some jackpot for using your Reward Card at all 7 casinos in one day. It would keep the customer wandering over Harrah Land instead of crossing the street to gamble at the Bellagio.
May 9th, 2010 at 3:41:27 PM
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I think it is great idea. Contrary to what the quoted nutrition expert says, I don't think most people will take it as a challenge to eat seven different buffets in one day. Rather, it is just a convenient way to eat a few wherever you want to. If you have access to the good ones like Planet Hollywood and Rio, there is no reason to go to the ordinary ones as well. There are still plenty of people who overindulge at the buffets, but that will happen with or without this idea.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 9th, 2010 at 4:05:50 PM
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Keith Ayoob should look up "vomitorium" in the dictionaty.
May 9th, 2010 at 4:29:18 PM
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Price Change
1. Where can I purchase an all-inclusive citywide buffet pass?
Passes can only be purchased at the cashier stands at any of the participating buffets. Participating buffets are:
* Harrah's Las Vegas: Flavors
* Flamingo: Paradise Garden Buffet
* Imperial Palace: Emperor's Buffet
* Paris: Le Village Buffet
* Rio: Carnival World Buffet
* Caesars Palace: Lago Buffet
* Planet Hollywood: Spice Market Buffet
2. How much does an all-inclusive citywide buffet pass cost and how long is it good for?
An all-inclusive citywide buffet pass is $34.99 + tax for Total Rewards members and their companions under 21 years of age, $39.99 + tax for guests who are not Total Rewards members. The pass is good for 24 hours from the time of initial purchase.
3. Why was the Buffet of Buffets pass price changed?
During our initial test period, the response from our guests was overwhelming. The Buffet of Buffets proved so popular that it made it challenging to maintain reasonable wait times. In order to ensure that our guests receive the level of service they expect and deserve, we adjusted the price to better manage the demand for the Buffet of Buffets pass.
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I'm still a little surprised that the Ceasars buffet is still included. I would think there would be a problem with seating.
1. Where can I purchase an all-inclusive citywide buffet pass?
Passes can only be purchased at the cashier stands at any of the participating buffets. Participating buffets are:
* Harrah's Las Vegas: Flavors
* Flamingo: Paradise Garden Buffet
* Imperial Palace: Emperor's Buffet
* Paris: Le Village Buffet
* Rio: Carnival World Buffet
* Caesars Palace: Lago Buffet
* Planet Hollywood: Spice Market Buffet
2. How much does an all-inclusive citywide buffet pass cost and how long is it good for?
An all-inclusive citywide buffet pass is $34.99 + tax for Total Rewards members and their companions under 21 years of age, $39.99 + tax for guests who are not Total Rewards members. The pass is good for 24 hours from the time of initial purchase.
3. Why was the Buffet of Buffets pass price changed?
During our initial test period, the response from our guests was overwhelming. The Buffet of Buffets proved so popular that it made it challenging to maintain reasonable wait times. In order to ensure that our guests receive the level of service they expect and deserve, we adjusted the price to better manage the demand for the Buffet of Buffets pass.
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I'm still a little surprised that the Ceasars buffet is still included. I would think there would be a problem with seating.
May 9th, 2010 at 4:48:06 PM
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Quote: WizardI think it is great idea. Contrary to what the quoted nutrition expert says, I don't think most people will take it as a challenge to eat seven different buffets in one day. Rather, it is just a convenient way to eat a few wherever you want to. If you have access to the good ones like Planet Hollywood and Rio, there is no reason to go to the ordinary ones as well. There are still plenty of people who overindulge at the buffets, but that will happen with or without this idea.
Rio has an amazing seafood buffet. not sure if its everyday or just on the weekends. a bit of a steep pricetag but you do get some quality seafood and a lot of it so its pretty easy to get your moneys worth.
May 9th, 2010 at 7:00:32 PM
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Rio has TWO Buffets. The one with the seafood is not part of this program:Quote: rudeboyoiRio has an amazing seafood buffet. not sure if its everyday or just on the weekends. a bit of a steep pricetag but you do get some quality seafood and a lot of it so its pretty easy to get your moneys worth.
Quote: pacomartin(The only Harrah's-owned buffet not included is the Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio, which costs $38.)
Quote: pacomartinParticipating buffets are:
* Harrah's Las Vegas: Flavors
* Flamingo: Paradise Garden Buffet
* Imperial Palace: Emperor's Buffet
* Paris: Le Village Buffet
* Rio: Carnival World Buffet
* Caesars Palace: Lago Buffet
* Planet Hollywood: Spice Market Buffet
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
May 9th, 2010 at 11:47:42 PM
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I would love to see the MGM resorts match this.
May 10th, 2010 at 12:40:08 AM
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Quote: gamblerI would love to see the MGM resorts match this.
While Harrah's has two hotels that are a cut above
Caesars Palace,
Paris Las Vegas,
they must feel as if they can deal with people coming from the other hotels to eat there. I doubt anyone staying in these two hotels goes to the cheaper hotels to eat.
Harrah's Entertainment within Las Vegas is 55% gaming and 45% non-gaming. Outside of Vegas it is 91% gaming and 9% non-gaming. So they have a considerable group of Total Reward's customers who are loyal to the brand name that simply go to the casinos for games (probably mostly slots). This idea of a city wide buffet must be extremely appealing to draw their huge base to visit Vegas. Once there they have both the food, and the bonus points to keep them inside of Harrah's hotels most of the time. They may go to Bellagio and Venetian to take pictures, but then they return to the Harrah's casinos to spend money.
MGM-MIRAGE is a totally different animal since most of the corporation is within the Vegas strip.
The Excalibur and Luxor both have an all day buffet for $29.99 and I suppose it would be a simple matter to combine the two casino passes. People staying at the Excalibur could have the thrill of eating at Luxor buffet and visa versa. The NY/NY does not have a buffet. Circus Circus is only $24.99 for their all day buffet pass.
I doubt that the MGM-MIRAGE corporation will let people staying in these lower end hotels eat in the more expensive ones.
In general average food sales per day per room are $76.50 and $31.35 for beverages (including comps). If you end up getting food for $35 all day per person that represents a considerable drop from average (most rooms in Vegas are single occupancy). However, it may not be that big of a drop for Harrah's but it would be huge for MGM. Harrah's may make it up in higher room rates, and in increased visitation.
May 10th, 2010 at 5:04:16 AM
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You'd think so, except, unless I somehow missed it, the only reason I know about this buffet deal, is because of this forum.Quote: pacomartin...So they have a considerable group of Total Reward's customers who are loyal to the brand name that simply go to the casinos for games (probably mostly slots). This idea of a city wide buffet must be extremely appealing to draw their huge base to visit Vegas.
I play at a Harrahs property every time I'm in A.C. You'd think they'd let me know about these kinds of Vegas deals.
And it's not like they don't think I'd visit Vegas. I've been to Vegas three times. Stayed at Rio and Flamingo. The third time, last September, I had a reservation at Flamingo, but ended up staying at Sahara. I DID play briefly at Harrahs, so they knew I was in town. I have a reservation at Imperial Palace for this coming September, so they gotta know....
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
May 10th, 2010 at 6:08:38 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBear
I play at a Harrahs property every time I'm in A.C. You'd think they'd let me know about these kinds of Vegas deals.
And it's not like they don't think I'd visit Vegas. I've been to Vegas three times. Stayed at Rio and Flamingo. The third time, last September, I had a reservation at Flamingo, but ended up staying at Sahara. I DID play briefly at Harrahs, so they knew I was in town. I have a reservation at Imperial Palace for this coming September, so they gotta know....
MGM had done the all day buffet deal at three of their properties (Excalibur, Luxor, and Circus Circus) for a couple of months. Most people didn't like it because you are tied to a property.
The Harrah's buffet deal was just out for a test run, but it got huge attention. I'm actually shocked that they were shocked. The initial price of $30 was only $5-$8 more than dinner in the nicer places. They quickly raised it to $35 for the members and $40 for non-members. Easy way to get a few extra million members.
They didn't really get a chance to send out e-mails.
Personally, I think that they will pull Ceasars out of the promotion before long. People always want to see Ceasars and they don't need a buffet to bring them there. Eventually that buffet will become too crowded.
If they tie the food in with a promotion where you get a bonus if you play to a certain level in all 7 casinos in one day, they will have a real lock on their customers. They will hardly have any time to budge out of a Harrah's hotel. They may want to leave Rio out of that requirement.
May 10th, 2010 at 7:01:11 AM
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Harrahs probably already knew a great many people liked the various buffets and that a great many of their guests often go "casino hopping". This is probably an attempt to make certain that those who wander off in search of a different casino will be likely to wind up in a Harrahs casino.
I saw a mention of this buffet offer and a few days later happened to notice the page listing buffet information at the Monte Carlo had been changed to reflect this offer.
Will some come to Vegas solely for the buffet deal? Perhaps. Will some alter their behavior greatly because of this deal? Perhaps. The main thing is that anyone who roams from casino to casino trying to find some good luck will be likely to wind up in a Harrahs casino.
I saw a mention of this buffet offer and a few days later happened to notice the page listing buffet information at the Monte Carlo had been changed to reflect this offer.
Will some come to Vegas solely for the buffet deal? Perhaps. Will some alter their behavior greatly because of this deal? Perhaps. The main thing is that anyone who roams from casino to casino trying to find some good luck will be likely to wind up in a Harrahs casino.
May 10th, 2010 at 7:22:45 AM
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Harrah's corporate vision
May 10th, 2010 at 11:42:12 AM
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Quote: WizardI think it is great idea. Contrary to what the quoted nutrition expert says, I don't think most people will take it as a challenge to eat seven different buffets in one day. Rather, it is just a convenient way to eat a few wherever you want to. If you have access to the good ones like Planet Hollywood and Rio, there is no reason to go to the ordinary ones as well. There are still plenty of people who overindulge at the buffets, but that will happen with or without this idea.
The way I look at this is that a $29.95 budget for food for a day in Las Vegas is very good. If you eat in comparable restaurants on the strip separately you would easily pay $50-$60 with the same quality of food. I would probably go overboard with this as long as I did it once. We're in Vegas, after all, and it's all about the indulgences.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
May 10th, 2010 at 11:59:22 AM
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Well it jumped up $5 already (or $10 without a Total Rewards Card).
It isn't any different than an all inclusive resort or a cruise ship. It may be healthier in the long run, as you will not try to eat enough to carry you through the day.
The average expenditure is $76.50 per room for the strip (statistic collected by Gaming Commission). The average food sales is $50 per room for downtown. That is probably stretched by people who come downtown for a few hours and buy something to eat.
The ultimate penalty may be paid by Downtown Las Vegas. Room rates are not that much higher at the low budget places on the strip like Imperial Palace and Harrah's. Without the attraction of cheap food there is very little cost advantage to staying downtown. It also might kill places like Circus Circus and Riviera. The lowest budget visitor will stay at Circus Circus, purchase an all day buffet card from Harrah's, and only use Circus Circus as a place to sleep. You can always steal a few bananas to get you through the morning and on a 5 minute bus to the nearest Harrah's hotel.
Without even food revenue (or gambling revenue since the guest will be gone all day) places like Circus Circus will lose even more money. People will use the rooms to sleep, drink a few beers, and walk over to the strip clubs. Circus Circus is starting from a money losing situation today, so it can't get much worse.
It isn't any different than an all inclusive resort or a cruise ship. It may be healthier in the long run, as you will not try to eat enough to carry you through the day.
The average expenditure is $76.50 per room for the strip (statistic collected by Gaming Commission). The average food sales is $50 per room for downtown. That is probably stretched by people who come downtown for a few hours and buy something to eat.
The ultimate penalty may be paid by Downtown Las Vegas. Room rates are not that much higher at the low budget places on the strip like Imperial Palace and Harrah's. Without the attraction of cheap food there is very little cost advantage to staying downtown. It also might kill places like Circus Circus and Riviera. The lowest budget visitor will stay at Circus Circus, purchase an all day buffet card from Harrah's, and only use Circus Circus as a place to sleep. You can always steal a few bananas to get you through the morning and on a 5 minute bus to the nearest Harrah's hotel.
Without even food revenue (or gambling revenue since the guest will be gone all day) places like Circus Circus will lose even more money. People will use the rooms to sleep, drink a few beers, and walk over to the strip clubs. Circus Circus is starting from a money losing situation today, so it can't get much worse.
May 12th, 2010 at 11:42:29 AM
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Paco, you're right, they shouldn't have been suprised. It doesn't take a math whiz to see that the pass will almost pay for itself after one buffet. People who come to Las Vegas are already bargain-conscious.
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I saw this deal advertised extensively on billboards in Vegas. I myself did not buy the pass, but I ate at the Rio buffet one night. It was excellent, and the line was huge. I skipped it because I have an upper-tier Harrah's card (benefits finally came due!) They had excellent meats, including Chinese-style duck breast and BBQ pork, and make-your-own stir fry where the chef put in a ton of shrimps. They also had pre-peeled cocktail shrimp, snow crab legs, a taco bar, and gelato. I would recommend hitting the Rio buffet if you buy the buffet pass. The other consensus good buffet is Paris Le Village, and to a lesser extent, Planet Hollywood Spice Market. Caesars Lago Buffet is generally regarded as not living up to the Caesars name. Harrah's Festival Buffet has a solid reputation. Flamingo is hit-or-miss, and Imperial Palace is overwhelmingly bad.
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Nareed said he was going to try to hit all seven buffets. I told him to take pictures :)
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I saw this deal advertised extensively on billboards in Vegas. I myself did not buy the pass, but I ate at the Rio buffet one night. It was excellent, and the line was huge. I skipped it because I have an upper-tier Harrah's card (benefits finally came due!) They had excellent meats, including Chinese-style duck breast and BBQ pork, and make-your-own stir fry where the chef put in a ton of shrimps. They also had pre-peeled cocktail shrimp, snow crab legs, a taco bar, and gelato. I would recommend hitting the Rio buffet if you buy the buffet pass. The other consensus good buffet is Paris Le Village, and to a lesser extent, Planet Hollywood Spice Market. Caesars Lago Buffet is generally regarded as not living up to the Caesars name. Harrah's Festival Buffet has a solid reputation. Flamingo is hit-or-miss, and Imperial Palace is overwhelmingly bad.
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Nareed said he was going to try to hit all seven buffets. I told him to take pictures :)
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
May 12th, 2010 at 3:42:57 PM
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Quote: teddysI would recommend hitting the Rio buffet if you buy the buffet pass. Caesars Lago Buffet is generally regarded as not living up to the Caesars name. Harrah's Festival Buffet has a solid reputation.
I think the promotion will ultimately work in keeping people inside Harrah Land and stop them from running to MGM or Wynn or Sands except for a brief picture taking diversion. They ought to open a quick stop Ice cream stand in MIracle Mile for buffet pass holders that don't want to wait in line. It will get people to venture in there even where they can get lost for even longer.
Well if the Lago Buffet is not up to snuff, then it won't piss off the people staying there as much. The ones with money will simply go to the restaurants. But if they maintain this pass, then I assume you will see the buffets evening out in quality, possibly with a unique specialty food item that will distinguish them.You want to keep the 3 day visitors in Harrah Land as long as possible.
Circus Circus, Riviera, and Sahara are so marginal right now that if 1 in 20 guests buys a room at Circus Circus and a food pass at Harrah's where they spend their time, that I think that will be enough to sink them.
May 12th, 2010 at 6:21:13 PM
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Here's a question, do you think any of the Harrah's casinos would offer this buffet deal as a comp?
May 12th, 2010 at 6:39:05 PM
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Quote: konceptumHere's a question, do you think any of the Harrah's casinos would offer this buffet deal as a comp?
Sure, just earn 3000 Reward Credits.
May 12th, 2010 at 6:51:45 PM
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WHICH buffet did you eat at?Quote: teddysI myself did not buy the pass, but I ate at the Rio buffet one night. It was excellent, and the line was huge. I skipped it because I have an upper-tier Harrah's card (benefits finally came due!) They had excellent meats, including Chinese-style duck breast and BBQ pork, and make-your-own stir fry where the chef put in a ton of shrimps. They also had pre-peeled cocktail shrimp, snow crab legs, a taco bar, and gelato. I would recommend hitting the Rio buffet if you buy the buffet pass...
Carnival World or Village Seafood. Sounds like the latter - which is NOT included in this program.
You betcha!Quote: konceptumHere's a question, do you think any of the Harrah's casinos would offer this buffet deal as a comp?
Maybe not immediately. Maybe they have to increase the capacity and/or price at the buffets to make it work, but sooner or later, if the 24 hour buffet is still being offered, it will be part of the comp program. OK, maybe only for upper tier members, but it will be there somewhere.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
May 13th, 2010 at 3:15:01 PM
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Carnival World (not seafood). I actually did use a comp (2400 reward credits), and the 2-for-1 coupon from American Casino Guide. So the total cost for two was $12.00.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
May 13th, 2010 at 4:36:31 PM
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Business Analysis of the effect of the buffet card on the north end of the strip.
Current financial situation
In 2009 Circus Circus needed for people to spend $171 a day per occupied room to break even on operational costs. On average the room rate was $44 . For 2009 they just barely cleared this minimum by a $3.50 but by the 4th quarter they lost $3.7 million. In the first quarter of 2010 Circus Circus lost another $3.6 million.
Circus Circus has a $25 all you can eat buffet, but the casino has to get the minimum from some other revenue source. Maybe there are two people in the room who both purchase buffet tickets, or Adventuredome tickets, gambling, etc. I think most families probably meet the minimum because they spend more time at the resort.
Clearly the worst customer is guys who rent the rooms and walk to the strip clubs or even strippers who come in from out of town and rent the rooms to work the clubs. They may spend little or nothing at the casino.
Potential business
But with Harrah's city wide buffet, you will have a certain percentage of people who can't get a Harrah's room at one of their low priced hotels. They will stay at Circus Circus, and take the bus two miles (about 10 minutes) where they will eat and gamble, just using their hotel rooms to sleep. If people in 300 rooms per day do that (out of 3774 rooms) that is another loss of $3.5 million per quarter (assuming they spend $127 per day at Harrah's instead of Circus Circus).
I think all the north strip casinos are vulnerable to this kind of poaching (Strat, Sahara, Riviera). There is very little they can do about it. Circus Circus can argue that there $25 all day buffet is cheaper by $10, but it doesn't come with the city wide access. Stratosphere I believe has an all day buffet for $20 or $25, but no access. Sahara doesn't even offer a buffet anymore, just the two coffee shops and the steakhouse.
Personally, if I was Harrah's I would hire some lunch trucks to park in one of the empty lots up near Sahara Avenue and give away coffee, soft drinks muffins in the morning and hot dogs later in the day to people who have the buffet card. I would also have the ability to sign people up right there. If that helps poach a 1000 people a day from the 4 casinos that will spend at least $35 on the buffet and possibly another $100 in gaming business, it would be well worth the cost.
Even the Motel 6's and Super 8's may lose people at their coffee shops, but they are probably not as critically dependent on that revenue stream. They probably lose a lot of their business to the buffets anyway.
Current financial situation
In 2009 Circus Circus needed for people to spend $171 a day per occupied room to break even on operational costs. On average the room rate was $44 . For 2009 they just barely cleared this minimum by a $3.50 but by the 4th quarter they lost $3.7 million. In the first quarter of 2010 Circus Circus lost another $3.6 million.
Circus Circus has a $25 all you can eat buffet, but the casino has to get the minimum from some other revenue source. Maybe there are two people in the room who both purchase buffet tickets, or Adventuredome tickets, gambling, etc. I think most families probably meet the minimum because they spend more time at the resort.
Clearly the worst customer is guys who rent the rooms and walk to the strip clubs or even strippers who come in from out of town and rent the rooms to work the clubs. They may spend little or nothing at the casino.
Potential business
But with Harrah's city wide buffet, you will have a certain percentage of people who can't get a Harrah's room at one of their low priced hotels. They will stay at Circus Circus, and take the bus two miles (about 10 minutes) where they will eat and gamble, just using their hotel rooms to sleep. If people in 300 rooms per day do that (out of 3774 rooms) that is another loss of $3.5 million per quarter (assuming they spend $127 per day at Harrah's instead of Circus Circus).
I think all the north strip casinos are vulnerable to this kind of poaching (Strat, Sahara, Riviera). There is very little they can do about it. Circus Circus can argue that there $25 all day buffet is cheaper by $10, but it doesn't come with the city wide access. Stratosphere I believe has an all day buffet for $20 or $25, but no access. Sahara doesn't even offer a buffet anymore, just the two coffee shops and the steakhouse.
Personally, if I was Harrah's I would hire some lunch trucks to park in one of the empty lots up near Sahara Avenue and give away coffee, soft drinks muffins in the morning and hot dogs later in the day to people who have the buffet card. I would also have the ability to sign people up right there. If that helps poach a 1000 people a day from the 4 casinos that will spend at least $35 on the buffet and possibly another $100 in gaming business, it would be well worth the cost.
Even the Motel 6's and Super 8's may lose people at their coffee shops, but they are probably not as critically dependent on that revenue stream. They probably lose a lot of their business to the buffets anyway.
May 16th, 2010 at 9:28:03 PM
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Quote: teddysNareed said he was going to try to hit all seven buffets. I told him to take pictures :)
The terms were to have seven full meals within 24 hours, each at a different buffet.
I thought about it, in the end I didn't.
In the third place, as you noted, it gets very crowded at peak times. I decided I had better things to do than to stand in line trying to accomplish a minor stunt.
In the second place, Casesars Palace is huge, so merely finding the buffet involves way too much walking.
But in the first place, doing the 7 buffets in 24 hours stunt involves actually eating in IP. Why would anyone do that? breakfast is tolerable if you stick to oatmeal and the omelet station, everything else is at least as bad as people say it is.
I did buy the pass more than once. I didn't keep a record of every meal, but I had at least the following: breakfast at Flamingo's Paradise Buffet and dinner at the Rio's Carnival World, dinner at Paris, the Spice Market at PH and The Flavors at Harrah's.
I should explain something about lunch. In Mexico the mid-day meal is the big meal of the day, most people eat it around 2-4 pm. I'm used to eating around 2 pm, but while on vacation I tend to eat later, if at all (often I just eat breakfast and dinner). This time I'd eat at around 3 pm and dine after 9 pm (most buffets close at 10 pm). As all buffets serve lunch only until 3, I didn't get to sample lunch.
I did see a lot of people buying the pass. If you have a Harrah's Total Rewards card, any level, your card along with an ID is your pass, which is very convenient. If you don't have one they give you a blue paper bracelet you have to keep on for a full 24 hours, as it's void if removed (I wonder how it holds up in the shower).
The first time I bought the pass at breakfast. The other two at dinner. I squeezed four meals out of every pass, though.
Overall the food was fine. I'll post more extensively on the Rio elsewhere, but here's the rest:
Paris. I've read the buffet has gone down in quality, since I'd never eaten there before I can't comment on that. I found it great for a buffet, but of lesser quality than a restaurant. Take the onion soup, for example. It was very good, but it lacked the chunk of garlic bread and the melted cheese cover you'll usually find in a french restaurant (at least the ones I know, including some in Florida and NYC). They had croutons, but that's not the same. There was a section for pasta, too, which was outstanding. I can also recommend the roast duck.
The deserts were a little disappointing. Not bad, just nothing special. I think you can find the same deserts at any other buffet. I had a creme brulee (however that's spelled) which was nice, but the sugar wasn't completely caramelized. The eclair was good, but not as good as the one at PH.
Next, the Spice Market Buffet. As the Wizard noted in his review of PH, it is a bit hard to locate, and I knew to look for a down escalator. Anyway, I was mildly disappointed. Nothing wrong with it, but it sure isn't one of the top buffets in Vegas. But they did have a top-notch chocolate eclair.
The Harrah's buffet, on the other hand, was a nice surprise. I dined there at 5 just before the dinner rush (I don't keep to a tight schedule on vacation, and I hadn't eaten lunch that day because I'd been playing Downtown). What stood out was the Chinese food. They had something called General Tso's Chicken, which is small bite sized chicken pieces with a glaze on them, mixed with some vegetables. I had an extra helping of that instead of desert.
Breakfast at Flamingo was a challenge. The Rio shuttle doesn't leave til 10, which means I arrived at the buffet a little after 11, when breakfast was being replaced by lunch. I managed to snag some bacon and French toast before it was all gone, however. The french toast was some of the best I ever had, with a clear cinnamon taste to it rather than just a hint. The maple syrup is heated, which is a nice change of pace. it's dispensed out of an urn, much like a small coffee urn.
One last thing. I've a lousy sense of direction and get lost easily. At buffets I'm always concerned about not finding my table. Once at the Paris buffet the waitress left an item on my table (I'll tell you what it was later). I saw no use for it for the meal, therefore I thought it was meant to mark my table. I thought that was very clever and I decided to leave a larger tip.
When i sat down with desert and asked for coffee, the waitress removed the item, but she also looked disappointed, which puzzled me. I had coffee and desert, left a tip and went on my way, still puzzled. About two blocks up-Strip it hit me. The item, you see, was a nutcracker. The buffet at the Paris has a respectable seafood section, which I had studiously avoided. I don't eat fish or seafood at all (the mere smell of it makes me nauseous; the one time I tried shrimp, against my better judgment, I threw up while trying to chew).
Oh, well. if she was fishing for a better tip she got it, even if for the wrong reasons.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 16th, 2010 at 10:57:29 PM
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Great review Nareed! It sounds like the pass was well worth it.
May 16th, 2010 at 11:06:43 PM
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Quote: gamblerGreat review Nareed! It sounds like the pass was well worth it.
Thank you.
Yes, I think it's worth it. If you time things right you can eat four nice meals for roughly $40, tax included. The trick is to avoid peak times, which means having breakfast early and dinner rather late.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 16th, 2010 at 11:54:12 PM
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Nareed
How did HArrah's do with their objective? How much did you gamble in a non Harrah's casino? How much money did you spend overall in your vacation that didn't go to a Harrah's property? Did you just go to Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo, and Bellagio/Aria for picture taking sidetrips? Did you make it as far away as Mandalay Bay?
How did HArrah's do with their objective? How much did you gamble in a non Harrah's casino? How much money did you spend overall in your vacation that didn't go to a Harrah's property? Did you just go to Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo, and Bellagio/Aria for picture taking sidetrips? Did you make it as far away as Mandalay Bay?
May 17th, 2010 at 5:10:00 AM
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Great review.
The part about the wrong table is funny. I once was at the Showboat AC buffet, and returned with my dessert only to see new people at my table. (And I KNEW it was my table.) fortunately, there was another empty table next to it. Then the waitress appeared and saw me at the new table, and got all apologetic, saying she thought I left. I replied that I'm not cheap enough to leave without leaving a tip!
They also do something that makes it easy to find your table. At the top of the wire condement rack is a loop designed to hold the table number. At the Showboat buffet, they insert a playing card in there. Just remember your card! I also take the card when I'm done. They only use the high value cards. I now have in my wallet an Ace high straight, and a full house. Sometimes I use them for laughs at a poker table.
The part about the wrong table is funny. I once was at the Showboat AC buffet, and returned with my dessert only to see new people at my table. (And I KNEW it was my table.) fortunately, there was another empty table next to it. Then the waitress appeared and saw me at the new table, and got all apologetic, saying she thought I left. I replied that I'm not cheap enough to leave without leaving a tip!
They also do something that makes it easy to find your table. At the top of the wire condement rack is a loop designed to hold the table number. At the Showboat buffet, they insert a playing card in there. Just remember your card! I also take the card when I'm done. They only use the high value cards. I now have in my wallet an Ace high straight, and a full house. Sometimes I use them for laughs at a poker table.
Those things are made out of Tyvek. They hold up fine. In fact, they are almost impossible to remove without scissors.Quote: NareedI did see a lot of people buying the pass. If you have a Harrah's Total Rewards card, any level, your card along with an ID is your pass, which is very convenient. If you don't have one they give you a blue paper bracelet you have to keep on for a full 24 hours, as it's void if removed (I wonder how it holds up in the shower).
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
May 17th, 2010 at 5:52:30 AM
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Quote: pacomartinNareed
How did HArrah's do with their objective? How much did you gamble in a non Harrah's casino? How much money did you spend overall in your vacation that didn't go to a Harrah's property? Did you just go to Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo, and Bellagio/Aria for picture taking sidetrips? Did you make it as far away as Mandalay Bay?
I mostly gambled at non Harrah's properties, except Bill's if that's part of Harrah's (it wasn't part of the 7 buffets program). I dind't visit Mandalay this trip, but I spent a lot of time Downtown.
I'll go deeper into this trip's gambling elsewhere. Meantime I'll say I avoided Harrah's for two reasons: 1) Lousy DW pay tables and 2) two bonus bets at three card poker. But the buffet pass did keep me closer to the Strip.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 17th, 2010 at 6:14:16 AM
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this buffet pass is definitely appealing to me more and more, especially after Nareed's great review.
And with the nosedivethe exchange rate has taken, might be a way for me to save a litlle money.
And with the nosedivethe exchange rate has taken, might be a way for me to save a litlle money.
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May 17th, 2010 at 6:19:01 AM
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Quote: Croupierthis buffet pass is definitely appealing to me more and more, especially after Nareed's great review.
And with the nosedivethe exchange rate has taken, might be a way for me to save a litlle money.
Make sure you get a total rewards card if you don't have one already. It saves you $5 off the buffet pass price and it's a more convenient way for getting in. Also get a brochure, it explains the important rules.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 17th, 2010 at 8:11:18 AM
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Quote: NareedI mostly gambled at non Harrah's properties, except Bill's if that's part of Harrah's (it wasn't part of the 7 buffets program). I dind't visit Mandalay this trip, but I spent a lot of time Downtown.
I'll go deeper into this trip's gambling elsewhere. Meantime I'll say I avoided Harrah's for two reasons: 1) Lousy DW pay tables and 2) two bonus bets at three card poker. But the buffet pass did keep me closer to the Strip.
So you stayed at Rio, ate at all the other properties, and gambled downtown. That's very mobile of you. Most people are not that ambitious. Did you use a car, or did you take the ACE bus rapid transit.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:21:56 AM
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Quote: pacomartinSo you stayed at Rio, ate at all the other properties, and gambled downtown. That's very mobile of you. Most people are not that ambitious. Did you use a car, or did you take the ACE bus rapid transit.
The ACE and the Deuce. I got south to Town Square and the outlet mall, too.
I'd take the Rio shuttle every morning, then move about the Strip either on foot or on either bus. I also went to the Atomic Testing museum on Flamingo Rd. The ACE gets downtown fairly quickly, though one evening I was stuck on it for 25 minutes going from Fashion Show to Bellagio.
For the record I ate at five properties: Rio, Flamingo, Harrah's, Paris and PH. I skipped both IP and Caesars.
I'd better write my trip report :)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 17th, 2010 at 10:50:26 AM
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I just did it 2 days ago. 7am at Ceasers. I was disappointed. I had never been there before and was expecting something great. That kept me until 4 pm at RIO. The best regular buffet ever, not their Seafood buffut just the regular one. The only problem was a 20 minute wait to get in. Then breakfast at Paris. Well worth the $30. Next time do lunch at noon then you will get dinner late dinner, breakfast, and then another lunch.
Last Man at the Table
May 17th, 2010 at 11:31:50 AM
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The wait time is going to make this unattractive. I really think Harrah's should supplement with small food stands at extreme points in the properties where they want to attract people. Coffee and donuts in the morning at Bally's (which has no buffet) and hot dogs in the afternoon. Ice cream at Miracle Mile Shops. Muffins and coffee or soda at Ceasars. Something at Bill's.
Eventually people will be too full to eat, but they would rather graze and avoid the lines. Even if you eat two buffets it will be about the same cost as buying them individually. It will keep people moving through the properties. I also think they should give some consideration to people who gamble in all the casinos as well.
I think they will drop the 24 hour day and go to midnight to midnight before long.
Eventually people will be too full to eat, but they would rather graze and avoid the lines. Even if you eat two buffets it will be about the same cost as buying them individually. It will keep people moving through the properties. I also think they should give some consideration to people who gamble in all the casinos as well.
I think they will drop the 24 hour day and go to midnight to midnight before long.
May 17th, 2010 at 2:51:07 PM
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Media Alert
The Las Vegas review journal liked my idea about Harrah's poaching people from the other casinos. They are going to put it into the newspaper tomorrow.
The Las Vegas review journal liked my idea about Harrah's poaching people from the other casinos. They are going to put it into the newspaper tomorrow.
May 20th, 2010 at 3:07:55 PM
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LVRJ article
Independent gaming analyst Frank Martin said the four older properties on the more isolated north end of the Strip -- Riviera, Stratosphere, Circus Circus and the Sahara -- are probably losing many of their customers to south Strip properties that are offering more special promotions.
Harrah's Entertainment, for example, recently introduced a $34.99 all-day buffet pass that can be used at seven of the company's Las Vegas properties.
"All the north Strip casinos are vulnerable to this kind of poaching. There is very little they can do about it," Martin said. "Circus Circus can argue that its $25 all-day buffet is cheaper by $10, but it doesn't come with the citywide access.
"If (north-end properties) lose $20 million a quarter to a citywide buffet, not just in food revenue, but in gaming and ancillary activities that guests are now spending at Harrah's casinos, the impact will be severe."
Martin said the north Strip casinos are particularly vulnerable to this type of competition now because the area is not very pedestrian-friendly because of empty lots and half-finished buildings, such as the Fontainebleau, which stands on the corner of Las Vegas and Riviera boulevards.
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The Harrah's buffet of buffets is not limited to people staying in a Harrah's hotel.
By my calculation there are 10 properties that are within 500 yards of a Harrah's property that either are non-gaming or have very limited gaming (slots only, or a small pit). These contain 4500 rooms. They would be the first area that Harrah's would poach from.
The second level would be the larger casinos that are run down, or don't offer buffets anymore. Also the motels that are more than a mile away, but can reach a Harrah's property in less than 20 minutes via inexpensive public transport. This is another 15,000 rooms. Some percentage of the guests in these rooms will opt to purchase the Harrah's buffet even if they offer an all day buffet at their own casino. The attraction is the ability to walk from hotel to hotel and never be far from their next meal.
Independent gaming analyst Frank Martin said the four older properties on the more isolated north end of the Strip -- Riviera, Stratosphere, Circus Circus and the Sahara -- are probably losing many of their customers to south Strip properties that are offering more special promotions.
Harrah's Entertainment, for example, recently introduced a $34.99 all-day buffet pass that can be used at seven of the company's Las Vegas properties.
"All the north Strip casinos are vulnerable to this kind of poaching. There is very little they can do about it," Martin said. "Circus Circus can argue that its $25 all-day buffet is cheaper by $10, but it doesn't come with the citywide access.
"If (north-end properties) lose $20 million a quarter to a citywide buffet, not just in food revenue, but in gaming and ancillary activities that guests are now spending at Harrah's casinos, the impact will be severe."
Martin said the north Strip casinos are particularly vulnerable to this type of competition now because the area is not very pedestrian-friendly because of empty lots and half-finished buildings, such as the Fontainebleau, which stands on the corner of Las Vegas and Riviera boulevards.
========================================
The Harrah's buffet of buffets is not limited to people staying in a Harrah's hotel.
By my calculation there are 10 properties that are within 500 yards of a Harrah's property that either are non-gaming or have very limited gaming (slots only, or a small pit). These contain 4500 rooms. They would be the first area that Harrah's would poach from.
The second level would be the larger casinos that are run down, or don't offer buffets anymore. Also the motels that are more than a mile away, but can reach a Harrah's property in less than 20 minutes via inexpensive public transport. This is another 15,000 rooms. Some percentage of the guests in these rooms will opt to purchase the Harrah's buffet even if they offer an all day buffet at their own casino. The attraction is the ability to walk from hotel to hotel and never be far from their next meal.
