The new AC Revel resort which happens to have a casino is supposed to be modeled like a cruise ship and is sinking like the Titanic. They opened with alot of flaws in their design and service, reflecting a lack of experience in both the hotel and casino business. People who wanted Revel to succeed and stimulate the economy in AC were very nasty towards people who saw its flaws realistically. Even the positive reviews mention these flaws over and over.
Now the gamblers who were offered free play and comped rooms during the summer have seen their offers dwindle since the summer season is over. Most are returning to their previous local and/or AC casinos.
Basically, this 2.4 billion dollar monstrosity was built to keep 20-somethings drunk. However, some 20-somethings may prefer places with easier access to smoking areas and cheaper drinks.
Showing posts with label AC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AC. Show all posts
Friday, October 5, 2012
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Third Hand Smoke
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/third-hand-smoke/AN01985
I just saw this today and copied it below.
Never even knew about it before!
Really hope AC bans all smoking indoors soon.
Many Smokers are really rude and do not follow the existing bans.
Revel which is the only non-smoking casino in AC has too many other flaws to attract my play.
"What is thirdhand smoke, and why is it a concern?
Answer
from Lowell Dale, M.D.
Thirdhand smoke is generally considered to be residual nicotine and other chemicals left on a variety of indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke. This residue is thought to react with common indoor pollutants to create a toxic mix. This toxic mix of thirdhand smoke contains cancer-causing substances, posing a potential health hazard to nonsmokers who are exposed to it, especially children.
Studies show that thirdhand smoke clings to hair, skin, clothes, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles and other surfaces, even long after smoking has stopped. Infants, children and nonsmoking adults may be at risk of tobacco-related health problems when they inhale, ingest or touch substances containing thirdhand smoke. Thirdhand smoke is a relatively new concept, and researchers are still studying its possible dangers.
Thirdhand smoke residue builds up on surfaces over time and resists normal cleaning. Thirdhand smoke can't be eliminated by airing out rooms, opening windows, using fans or air conditioners, or confining smoking to only certain areas of a home. Thirdhand smoke remains long after smoking has stopped. In contrast, secondhand smoke is the smoke and other airborne products that come from being close to burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes.
The only way to protect nonsmokers from thirdhand smoke is to create a smoke-free environment, whether that's your private home or vehicle, or in public places, such as hotels and restaurants."
I just saw this today and copied it below.
Never even knew about it before!
Really hope AC bans all smoking indoors soon.
Many Smokers are really rude and do not follow the existing bans.
Revel which is the only non-smoking casino in AC has too many other flaws to attract my play.
"What is thirdhand smoke, and why is it a concern?
Answer
from Lowell Dale, M.D.
Thirdhand smoke is generally considered to be residual nicotine and other chemicals left on a variety of indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke. This residue is thought to react with common indoor pollutants to create a toxic mix. This toxic mix of thirdhand smoke contains cancer-causing substances, posing a potential health hazard to nonsmokers who are exposed to it, especially children.
Studies show that thirdhand smoke clings to hair, skin, clothes, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles and other surfaces, even long after smoking has stopped. Infants, children and nonsmoking adults may be at risk of tobacco-related health problems when they inhale, ingest or touch substances containing thirdhand smoke. Thirdhand smoke is a relatively new concept, and researchers are still studying its possible dangers.
Thirdhand smoke residue builds up on surfaces over time and resists normal cleaning. Thirdhand smoke can't be eliminated by airing out rooms, opening windows, using fans or air conditioners, or confining smoking to only certain areas of a home. Thirdhand smoke remains long after smoking has stopped. In contrast, secondhand smoke is the smoke and other airborne products that come from being close to burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes.
The only way to protect nonsmokers from thirdhand smoke is to create a smoke-free environment, whether that's your private home or vehicle, or in public places, such as hotels and restaurants."
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Toxic People and Revel
On a travel site, there is a mob mentality in support of AC's Revel resort. Unfortunately for everyone, Revel has alot of flaws in its design and management.
People are taking the slightest negative comment about Revel as a personal attack and reacting quite nastily.
They are blaming Revel's flaws on people who express them instead of on Revel and blaming people who express these flaws for Revel's lack of success.
They go as far as claiming there is a conspiracy for Revel to fail by cigarette manufacturers and smokers because it is *No Smoking*, etc.
Meanwhile, there is a real conspiracy to attack anyone who doesn't love Revel.
Heck even the good reviews mention the same flaws!
All this does is make Revel look even worse.
Who wants to eat and play near toxic people???
Not me!
ETA:
a bit of irony...
2 new positive Revel Reviews complained about other patrons who had complaints.
People are taking the slightest negative comment about Revel as a personal attack and reacting quite nastily.
They are blaming Revel's flaws on people who express them instead of on Revel and blaming people who express these flaws for Revel's lack of success.
They go as far as claiming there is a conspiracy for Revel to fail by cigarette manufacturers and smokers because it is *No Smoking*, etc.
Meanwhile, there is a real conspiracy to attack anyone who doesn't love Revel.
Heck even the good reviews mention the same flaws!
All this does is make Revel look even worse.
Who wants to eat and play near toxic people???
Not me!
ETA:
a bit of irony...
2 new positive Revel Reviews complained about other patrons who had complaints.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Revel vs Borgata
To describe Revel in a nutshell:
Pretentious
The numbers are in and Revel may be facing bankruptcy even sooner than expected. Morgan Stanley obviously made a wise decision not to sink another billion into Revel's completion. I saw so many flaws in the building's construction when visiting it, making it the perfect set for a disaster movie and most reviews, even favorable ones, continue to have complaints about its management and customer service. The management overall seems totally inexperienced in running a casino or a hotel.
Aesthetically to me if felt like an airport or mall.
Dark, cavernous, and uninviting.
Add to that that the people who love Revel mostly seem to have a condescending attitude online, personally attacking people who do not love the place while being totally blind to Revel's many flaws. These are not the type of people I want to be sitting next to when playing slots, especially after they had too much to drink.
Whoever designed the building was clueless to what a resort, a resort which happens to have a casino, or a gambling resort should offer.
It may have looked good on paper but clearly, it's an architectural nightmare.
Whoever designed their convention facilities was clueless. Attendees usually are late because of the navigation to those rooms while lugging their materials along with them.
Whoever decided not to have a convenient place for smokers to take a smoking break was clueless.
Whoever decided not to have direct access to the boardwalk and beach was clueless.
Whoever decided not to include a racetrack simulcast and therefore, no future sports betting facilities was clueless. Also whoever decided to hide the poker room was clueless.
Whoever made many business decisions such as no buffet was clueless.
(most fancier restaurants in AC hotels have been closed midweek).
Whoever decided not to have an in room coffee maker and refrigerator was clueless.
Whoever designed their online site was clueless.
Whoever designed their phone reservation system was clueless.
Whoever hired and trained the whole staff were clueless as well.
Whoever was in charge of the marketing and players rewards were clueless.
Bottomline, the CEO who happens to be a part owner of this venture was clueless.
They supposedly fixed the AT&T mobile signal which made the building very inconvenient for AT&T subscribers but it still didn't work for us on our last trip AFTER the reported fix.
There are still many reports of hallway noise from inconsiderate and/or drunk partiers when staying overnight, interfering with sleep, even now when the place is comparatively empty.
Their Player rewards system is totally unreliable even though they have hired a more qualified person, it is too little too late.
The design of the building is unsafe, confusing and demands alot of mobility, making it difficult for both older patrons and younger often drunk patrons. Cannot imagine what it would be like if an immediate evacuation situation were to occur, empty or crowded. The building does not have safe access for evacuation in case of an emergency if it is hard to navigate when there is no urgency.
Even walking through the empty casino is confusing without adequate signage.
Just finding the larger public bathrooms can be tricky.
Lots of open spaces but very little space for people and traffic flow within the casino and between the floors.
In no way will their business improve enough to avoid bankruptcy. Most people interested in the resort have already checked it out during its first summer and first impressions are lasting impressions.
Even if somebody qualified to run a casino resort took it over, the building design has too many flaws.
Governor Christie is expecting Revel to revitalize AC and is trying to delay slot machines at NJ racetracks for at least 5 years while all neighboring states are striking gold with their racinos. This in addition to his veto of gay marriage, has made his popularity in NJ decline. I am predicting his political future is about as limited as Palin's.
ETA: After Hurricane Sandy, I am now a Gov Christie fan!!! LOL
He may have burnt his bridges with the Republican Party but is a true Commander-in-Chief.
Sandy will be an excellent scapegoat for why Revel has failed.
I would blame its failure on not being able to compete with The Borgata from the beginning, being pretentious (smoke and mirrors) while The Borgata delivers all that Revel lacks.
Revel's only advantage is being on the boardwalk with some great views and no smoking.
Now it is rumored there will be smoking on the gambling floor and some guest rooms which hopefully is well contained. Don't know how this building passed any fire and safety inspections or received any liability insurance coverage.
ETA: NJ Bar convention got smart and switched back to The Borgata instead of trying Revel in May. Revel never could have handled over 2,000 bodies and bellies.
ETA: Revel ruined the one good thing it had going for it and now has smoking on the casino floor.
ETA on 7/5/2013: The casino floor at Revel still does not get an AT&T signal so even if I liked the place, I wouldn't stay there.
Pretentious
The numbers are in and Revel may be facing bankruptcy even sooner than expected. Morgan Stanley obviously made a wise decision not to sink another billion into Revel's completion. I saw so many flaws in the building's construction when visiting it, making it the perfect set for a disaster movie and most reviews, even favorable ones, continue to have complaints about its management and customer service. The management overall seems totally inexperienced in running a casino or a hotel.
Aesthetically to me if felt like an airport or mall.
Dark, cavernous, and uninviting.
Add to that that the people who love Revel mostly seem to have a condescending attitude online, personally attacking people who do not love the place while being totally blind to Revel's many flaws. These are not the type of people I want to be sitting next to when playing slots, especially after they had too much to drink.
Whoever designed the building was clueless to what a resort, a resort which happens to have a casino, or a gambling resort should offer.
It may have looked good on paper but clearly, it's an architectural nightmare.
Whoever designed their convention facilities was clueless. Attendees usually are late because of the navigation to those rooms while lugging their materials along with them.
Whoever decided not to have a convenient place for smokers to take a smoking break was clueless.
Whoever decided not to have direct access to the boardwalk and beach was clueless.
Whoever decided not to include a racetrack simulcast and therefore, no future sports betting facilities was clueless. Also whoever decided to hide the poker room was clueless.
Whoever made many business decisions such as no buffet was clueless.
(most fancier restaurants in AC hotels have been closed midweek).
Whoever decided not to have an in room coffee maker and refrigerator was clueless.
Whoever designed their online site was clueless.
Whoever designed their phone reservation system was clueless.
Whoever hired and trained the whole staff were clueless as well.
Whoever was in charge of the marketing and players rewards were clueless.
Bottomline, the CEO who happens to be a part owner of this venture was clueless.
They supposedly fixed the AT&T mobile signal which made the building very inconvenient for AT&T subscribers but it still didn't work for us on our last trip AFTER the reported fix.
There are still many reports of hallway noise from inconsiderate and/or drunk partiers when staying overnight, interfering with sleep, even now when the place is comparatively empty.
Their Player rewards system is totally unreliable even though they have hired a more qualified person, it is too little too late.
The design of the building is unsafe, confusing and demands alot of mobility, making it difficult for both older patrons and younger often drunk patrons. Cannot imagine what it would be like if an immediate evacuation situation were to occur, empty or crowded. The building does not have safe access for evacuation in case of an emergency if it is hard to navigate when there is no urgency.
Even walking through the empty casino is confusing without adequate signage.
Just finding the larger public bathrooms can be tricky.
Lots of open spaces but very little space for people and traffic flow within the casino and between the floors.
In no way will their business improve enough to avoid bankruptcy. Most people interested in the resort have already checked it out during its first summer and first impressions are lasting impressions.
Even if somebody qualified to run a casino resort took it over, the building design has too many flaws.
Governor Christie is expecting Revel to revitalize AC and is trying to delay slot machines at NJ racetracks for at least 5 years while all neighboring states are striking gold with their racinos. This in addition to his veto of gay marriage, has made his popularity in NJ decline. I am predicting his political future is about as limited as Palin's.
ETA: After Hurricane Sandy, I am now a Gov Christie fan!!! LOL
He may have burnt his bridges with the Republican Party but is a true Commander-in-Chief.
Sandy will be an excellent scapegoat for why Revel has failed.
I would blame its failure on not being able to compete with The Borgata from the beginning, being pretentious (smoke and mirrors) while The Borgata delivers all that Revel lacks.
Revel's only advantage is being on the boardwalk with some great views and no smoking.
Now it is rumored there will be smoking on the gambling floor and some guest rooms which hopefully is well contained. Don't know how this building passed any fire and safety inspections or received any liability insurance coverage.
ETA: NJ Bar convention got smart and switched back to The Borgata instead of trying Revel in May. Revel never could have handled over 2,000 bodies and bellies.
ETA: Revel ruined the one good thing it had going for it and now has smoking on the casino floor.
ETA on 7/5/2013: The casino floor at Revel still does not get an AT&T signal so even if I liked the place, I wouldn't stay there.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Cyberbullies
There is a travel site I go to because of my interest in Atlantic City which I am probably going to be visiting less often because of its cyberbullies. There was a core of cyberbullies there over a year ago and the same mob are still going strong. Best defense against cyberbullies is not to respond to them. However, if I should ever go missing, there is one guy whom the police may want to question because his cyberbullying behavior is borderline cyberstalking. His obsession with this 63 year old woman is disturbing.
Occasionally, this site mentioned above has useful information and sometimes I contribute what may be useful to others. By comparison, there is another site which is much classier for those interested in slot machines:
http://www.slotmachinesforum.com/
Occasionally, this site mentioned above has useful information and sometimes I contribute what may be useful to others. By comparison, there is another site which is much classier for those interested in slot machines:
http://www.slotmachinesforum.com/
Friday, June 1, 2012
Time for Another AC Rant LOL
About the only thing that could get me into Ballys lately to play has been their earn a free buffet promotion, especially since they removed the slot machines from the Claridge and most of their Wild West casinos. Not only has that promotion ended as of June but the buffet is closing completely in mid-June with the summer season just beginning! This buffet even on its worse days was better than most others that were higher priced.
The WW buffet always had a line because of its promotions, price and quality so it was obviously the most popular buffet in AC.
An ignorant reporter implied the WW buffet closing was a business decision similar to that of Revel's not to have a buffet because of less day trippers to AC. Well people aren't flocking to Revel to eat and play as expected and now, way less will be flocking to Ballys.
With just a 2 week warning, CET (Caesars, Harrahs, Ballys and Showboat) started charging for their Diamond Lounges a year ago, promising improved food. Diamond Lounge attendance greatly dropped immediately. Their quality is even worse now and the Diamond Lounges have become ghost towns. Wonder if they ever bothered to check how many Diamond players they have in 2012 compared to 2011. Since many players were close to Diamond when the lounges started charging in 2011, 2013 will have even less Diamond card holders than 2012. Once a regular AC CET Diamond player switches their play to The Borgata and sees how much quicker the comp dollars accrue while earning superior meals at both the buffet and Amphora Lounge, they will not bother to pursue CET Diamond status anymore.
The Borgata is brilliant in allowing player upgrades and is obviously going to remain the most profitable casino resort in AC. Cannot trust business decisions made by either CET or Revel but thankfully, The Borgata continues to reward its players, year after year.
The WW buffet always had a line because of its promotions, price and quality so it was obviously the most popular buffet in AC.
An ignorant reporter implied the WW buffet closing was a business decision similar to that of Revel's not to have a buffet because of less day trippers to AC. Well people aren't flocking to Revel to eat and play as expected and now, way less will be flocking to Ballys.
With just a 2 week warning, CET (Caesars, Harrahs, Ballys and Showboat) started charging for their Diamond Lounges a year ago, promising improved food. Diamond Lounge attendance greatly dropped immediately. Their quality is even worse now and the Diamond Lounges have become ghost towns. Wonder if they ever bothered to check how many Diamond players they have in 2012 compared to 2011. Since many players were close to Diamond when the lounges started charging in 2011, 2013 will have even less Diamond card holders than 2012. Once a regular AC CET Diamond player switches their play to The Borgata and sees how much quicker the comp dollars accrue while earning superior meals at both the buffet and Amphora Lounge, they will not bother to pursue CET Diamond status anymore.
The Borgata is brilliant in allowing player upgrades and is obviously going to remain the most profitable casino resort in AC. Cannot trust business decisions made by either CET or Revel but thankfully, The Borgata continues to reward its players, year after year.
Friday, May 18, 2012
BAK from an overnighter
Had too many AC slot dollar bonuses and offers not to squeeze in an overnighter last night. We stayed at Showboat because I had previously canceled our 2 nighter at The Borgata through an email, being too lazy to call to cancel just one of the nights.
Anywho made some new discoveries, some good, some not so good.
A couple of the Good:
Slots seemed looser at Showboat and The Borgata.
The Bortgata buffet had incredible chocolate covered pretzels on their desserts.
The Wild West Buffet has a new collection system for the earn a free buffet coupon that enabled people to go right in without waiting on the cashier line.
The Bad:
I ate way too many chocolate covered pretzels.
The Wild West earn a buffet offer is ending this month just after improving the line wait.(last year it continued in June)
Showboat wanted $20 more for a Boubon Tower upgrade, even though I had reserved a comped Premium room so they are playing games like Ballys. Also Showboat may start charging extra for early check-ins when their one great feature was not making folks wait for a room if one is available. Guess they are getting extra business with Revel next door but they best be careful not to piss off their regular customers too much. The Summer will end and so will their reservations.
OK so Revel is starting to try to lure the higher tiered players into their casino with free parking, free slot play, comped rooms, etc. They are offering Tier 3 and 4 a whooping $50 slot play. Heck my Red label and DH's Black label each got $40 free play today at The Borgata Mystery Slot Bonus and we do not have to earn $500 comp dollars to get a free room!!! Plus The Borgata charges $5 in room taxes/fees to Revel's $35! Thanks but No Thanks. The main incentive for us to keep DH Black Label is the $10 comp entry into The Borgata's buffet or Amphora Lounge. Still no incentive for us to play at Revel.
If the new casino in town wants to lure customers away from their home base, the offers have to be better than those the home base is already offering.
Anywho made some new discoveries, some good, some not so good.
A couple of the Good:
Slots seemed looser at Showboat and The Borgata.
The Bortgata buffet had incredible chocolate covered pretzels on their desserts.
The Wild West Buffet has a new collection system for the earn a free buffet coupon that enabled people to go right in without waiting on the cashier line.
The Bad:
I ate way too many chocolate covered pretzels.
The Wild West earn a buffet offer is ending this month just after improving the line wait.(last year it continued in June)
Showboat wanted $20 more for a Boubon Tower upgrade, even though I had reserved a comped Premium room so they are playing games like Ballys. Also Showboat may start charging extra for early check-ins when their one great feature was not making folks wait for a room if one is available. Guess they are getting extra business with Revel next door but they best be careful not to piss off their regular customers too much. The Summer will end and so will their reservations.
OK so Revel is starting to try to lure the higher tiered players into their casino with free parking, free slot play, comped rooms, etc. They are offering Tier 3 and 4 a whooping $50 slot play. Heck my Red label and DH's Black label each got $40 free play today at The Borgata Mystery Slot Bonus and we do not have to earn $500 comp dollars to get a free room!!! Plus The Borgata charges $5 in room taxes/fees to Revel's $35! Thanks but No Thanks. The main incentive for us to keep DH Black Label is the $10 comp entry into The Borgata's buffet or Amphora Lounge. Still no incentive for us to play at Revel.
If the new casino in town wants to lure customers away from their home base, the offers have to be better than those the home base is already offering.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
AC and UK Toughmudder 2012
We just spent a couple of days in AC with beautiful weather. Walked over 40,000 paces while our poor son in London did his first (and maybe last?) Tough Mudder. Really don't have any details other than a sunburnt bald head and a swollen ankle. LOL
He really looks happy in most of the photos instead of in pain.
More photos are at the bottom.
Revel's soft opening seems like a bust and as usual, the only consistently successful casino in AC has been The Borgata.
Anywho I was shocked at how empty Harrahs was on Thursday and Friday. Friday evening there is usually a line at the Diamond Lounge but it was so empty it almost looked closed. Guess alot of Diamonds didn't bother staying Diamond this year like us.
Almost have used all of the $25 coupons that came with the CET Platinum book, mostly for nice breakfasts. Food highlights were a delicious char-broiled pork and egg sandwich at Showboat's Mansion which is closing. Also the wonderful Veggie Benedict at Caesar's Cafe Roma. Definitely, get their Veggie Benedict instead of their horrible breakfast buffet!
Bally's Wild West dinner buffet only cost us $12 in losses to get the free buffet coupons for Friday night (10 points each) and the line wasn't bad. Maybe 15 minutes tops but we ate early just before 5PM (they open at 3PM on Fridays). Pretty decent steak and brisket. Lima Bean soup was really good too. They even had my favorite oreo pie! Dinner buffet is superior to the lunch buffet and the play 10 points for a free buffet is good for either buffet, seven days a week.
Harrahs Cafe Cappuccino has been replaced with an Italian cafe like the one in Caesar's lobby. Alittle overpriced but interesting choices. Seems to be an improvement except doesn't accept the coupons. Otherwise, Harrahs food options have been greatly compromised with the loss of Reflections and no more breakfast buffets. Only a brunch buffet now on both Saturday and Sunday. Sorry but not paying over $50 comp for breakfast when The Borgata is $10 comp each and accumulates twice as quickly. Haven't a clue how to use the last Harrahs $25 coupon. Maybe they will send us a free buffet coupon in May or June because we have stayed and played there once a month or so.
ETA: Son's ToughMudder other photos
Monday, March 5, 2012
Harrahs and its Whales
So Harrahs AC as part of CET, started charging for admission to their previously free Diamond Lounge to lower tiered Diamond players last June with just 2 weeks notice. Supposedly, it was to provide better food which is actually worse now than when it was free at Harrahs' and Ballys' Diamond Lounges. True, Caesars' and Showboat's DL food have improved but their DLs are still empty so few have tried them. Maybe they were trying to motivate lower tiered Diamond players to gamble twice as much to become higher tiered but this change greatly backfired. The reaction of the lower tiered Diamond players was to play and eat less at CET casino resorts and the Diamond Lounges became ghost towns. CET ignored the outrage of their lower tiered Diamonds and some of the higher tiered Diamonds and 7 Stars also realized the brand took away privileges already earned and that the brand couldn't be trusted. Some discovered other places to play like the PA casinos closer to home or The Borgata which is still upgrading all Diamonds to Black Label. Some are waiting for Revel which I strongly doubt will provide gamblers with the generous comps and fast comp dollar accrual that The Borgata has been offering.
Whenever anyone has a complaint about Harrahs on their Facebook page, it is met with personal attacks by the Harrahs *Whales* or those players that drop huge amounts of money in the casino. These Whales have their egos stroked by their hosts, not because the hosts like them but because of the amount of money the Whales drop in the casino. The Whales and Harrahs management have been totally disrespecting the lower tiered players and as a result Harrahs revenues and customers have dwindled while The Borgata's continues to thrive. OK so the Whales may bully lower tiered players into silence on the Harrahs Facebook page but the empty Diamond Lounge speaks volumes about the silent majority of players who went elsewhere.
Personally, if I had the kind of money these Whales drop, I would contribute most of it to charities instead of getting my ego stroked by casino hosts.
ETA: CET last sent out free coupons for their Diamond Lounges in February. It has already been noted that DL admissions have decreased even more in March since nobody received coupons for the month.
Whenever anyone has a complaint about Harrahs on their Facebook page, it is met with personal attacks by the Harrahs *Whales* or those players that drop huge amounts of money in the casino. These Whales have their egos stroked by their hosts, not because the hosts like them but because of the amount of money the Whales drop in the casino. The Whales and Harrahs management have been totally disrespecting the lower tiered players and as a result Harrahs revenues and customers have dwindled while The Borgata's continues to thrive. OK so the Whales may bully lower tiered players into silence on the Harrahs Facebook page but the empty Diamond Lounge speaks volumes about the silent majority of players who went elsewhere.
Personally, if I had the kind of money these Whales drop, I would contribute most of it to charities instead of getting my ego stroked by casino hosts.
ETA: CET last sent out free coupons for their Diamond Lounges in February. It has already been noted that DL admissions have decreased even more in March since nobody received coupons for the month.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Revel Resort AC, mostly expect Rants
A new casino resort is coming to AC this Spring called *Revel*, thanks to our BIGoted Governor's financial support which makes me feel less like supporting Revel's business.
At first, it sounded great because they were going to be smoke free.
However, their latest announcements, leave me wondering about their positive influence on AC.
Many older regular AC patrons like us lost a home with CET after their lack of enforcing a smoking ban, increased catering to a younger and rowdier crowd at night, decreased comped offers, and suddenly charging for Diamond Lounges admission while food quality continued to diminish. Some, like us, found a new home at The Borgata where upgrading to Black Label became the best of the CET Diamond benefits. Others have been waiting for the opening of the Revel, mostly because of its boardwalk location. A boardwalk location without access to and from the boardwalk? They think people will be satisfied with the view from the windows but on a nice day, how about fresh air and sunshine? Also it will be uncomfortable walking to and from wherever the entrance will be from the boardwalk because the neighborhood isn't exactly tourist friendly. Guess it will help the jitney profits. Otherwise, Revel will have the same disadvantage as The Borgata being just an AC brand instead of a national one like CET.
OK no smoking sounds good but no buffet sounds bad to AC regulars. Being Black Label, we love being able to eat at The Borgata buffet for just $10 of comp each for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Comp dollars accumulate much quicker at The Borgata than at CET casinos. For dinner, we can eat at The Amphora Lounge instead for a different ambiance. Diamond players cannot eat at a Diamond Lounge until 2PM most days and the food quality does not even come close to Borgata's.
The only entertainment announced initially by the Revel has been a Burlesque club. AC already had plenty of hookers in their casinos at night and a Burlesque Club may be offering even more business for them. More recently, they are presenting a day time pool drinking and bikini club atmosphere. Bad enough, The Pool at Harrahs goes this route at night. Revel may be finding drunk young adults partying all day now. Hopefully, they will give them rooms away from other people trying to sleep at night. Oh and they are going to have barely clad girls hanging from the ceiling over gambling tables?? Way to keep middle aged women playing slots while their husbands watch these gals.
I am not seeing much for the older AC regulars in their lineup except the complete smoking ban which will hopefully be upheld. The Borgata cannot even enforce the partial ban and the smokers seem to know it and abuse it more and more. In a way, I am glad that what Revel seems to be promising will not tempt us away from The Borgata but I was hoping that they would cause enough of a threat to keep The Borgata as generous as it has been. After seeing CET throw away its AC Diamond players, I worry that one day The Borgata will do likewise without any competition. Revel's timing would have been perfect to provide a home base for the disgruntled Diamond players but they are refusing to have a tiered player's card. Maybe the people who changed the AC CET Diamond Lounge policies found employment with Revel.
Morgan Stanley let their first billion go, not to risk another billion to complete the project. Wish I could buy insurance for when The Revel bonds become worthless like some had bought mortgage insurance before the real estate and bank crash, even without having a specific mortgage to insure. There is probably core of investors waiting for The Revel to go bankrupt so they could buy it really cheap.
Somebody will get rich off this fiasco but not the NJ taxpayers.
At first, it sounded great because they were going to be smoke free.
However, their latest announcements, leave me wondering about their positive influence on AC.
Many older regular AC patrons like us lost a home with CET after their lack of enforcing a smoking ban, increased catering to a younger and rowdier crowd at night, decreased comped offers, and suddenly charging for Diamond Lounges admission while food quality continued to diminish. Some, like us, found a new home at The Borgata where upgrading to Black Label became the best of the CET Diamond benefits. Others have been waiting for the opening of the Revel, mostly because of its boardwalk location. A boardwalk location without access to and from the boardwalk? They think people will be satisfied with the view from the windows but on a nice day, how about fresh air and sunshine? Also it will be uncomfortable walking to and from wherever the entrance will be from the boardwalk because the neighborhood isn't exactly tourist friendly. Guess it will help the jitney profits. Otherwise, Revel will have the same disadvantage as The Borgata being just an AC brand instead of a national one like CET.
OK no smoking sounds good but no buffet sounds bad to AC regulars. Being Black Label, we love being able to eat at The Borgata buffet for just $10 of comp each for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Comp dollars accumulate much quicker at The Borgata than at CET casinos. For dinner, we can eat at The Amphora Lounge instead for a different ambiance. Diamond players cannot eat at a Diamond Lounge until 2PM most days and the food quality does not even come close to Borgata's.
The only entertainment announced initially by the Revel has been a Burlesque club. AC already had plenty of hookers in their casinos at night and a Burlesque Club may be offering even more business for them. More recently, they are presenting a day time pool drinking and bikini club atmosphere. Bad enough, The Pool at Harrahs goes this route at night. Revel may be finding drunk young adults partying all day now. Hopefully, they will give them rooms away from other people trying to sleep at night. Oh and they are going to have barely clad girls hanging from the ceiling over gambling tables?? Way to keep middle aged women playing slots while their husbands watch these gals.
I am not seeing much for the older AC regulars in their lineup except the complete smoking ban which will hopefully be upheld. The Borgata cannot even enforce the partial ban and the smokers seem to know it and abuse it more and more. In a way, I am glad that what Revel seems to be promising will not tempt us away from The Borgata but I was hoping that they would cause enough of a threat to keep The Borgata as generous as it has been. After seeing CET throw away its AC Diamond players, I worry that one day The Borgata will do likewise without any competition. Revel's timing would have been perfect to provide a home base for the disgruntled Diamond players but they are refusing to have a tiered player's card. Maybe the people who changed the AC CET Diamond Lounge policies found employment with Revel.
Morgan Stanley let their first billion go, not to risk another billion to complete the project. Wish I could buy insurance for when The Revel bonds become worthless like some had bought mortgage insurance before the real estate and bank crash, even without having a specific mortgage to insure. There is probably core of investors waiting for The Revel to go bankrupt so they could buy it really cheap.
Somebody will get rich off this fiasco but not the NJ taxpayers.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Casino Win/Loss Statements
Well the 2011 Win/Loss statements are available from The Borgata and the AC Total Rewards CET casinos (Harrahs, Showboat, Ballys, Caesars) and the differences from previous years is extraordinary. Our losses have been cut by 66%! Yup, we are losing only 1/3 of what we used to lose and still earning another year of Black Label status at The Borgata! Much of the difference comes from the generous bonus slot dollars at The Borgata plus much looser slots.
For almost the same amount of losses at both CET and The Borgata, DH achieved Black Label at The Borgata and Platinum at CET. Since switching most of our play from CET to The Borgata, we have saved thousands of dollars. CET's decision to charge for their Diamond Lounges just about paid for our new car. When considering what we are saving on food and nightly room taxes/fees, the switch covers our gas and tolls as well. Thank you CET for your worse business decision which turned into our best Total Rewards benefit.
OK I do play DH's card at The Borgata but I used to play his CET card too. I play the slot machines while DH prefers RaceTrack simultcast betting.
For my play on my cards which showed almost identical losses at CET and The Borgata, I get no offers at CET but am still offered weekly bonus downloads and comped rooms at The Borgata. Cannot compare how much better we have been eating at The Borgata. Plus we have always been offered comped summer rooms at The Borgata even when not Black Label while CET always greatly limited summer comped rooms, even when we were both Diamond??
So it doesn't matter whether one is
CET Platinum and Borgata Red Label like me
or CET Diamond and Borgata Black Label like DH,
when comparing food quality, expenses, losses, and comps
The Borgata does it much better.
Any regular recreational AC gambler really needs to stop drinking the CET kool aid and wake up and smell the coffee at The Borgata. It tastes much better and costs way less.
OK I do have to hear the crappy music being played in the casino at The Borgata but there is always hope that one day somebody with some authority will actually listen and hear what their patrons' ears have to tolerate.
ETA: Still cannot believe how our gambling dollars last 5 times longer at The Borgata! Anyone who plays penny slots regularly at Harrahs instead of The Borgata really needs a reality check.
For almost the same amount of losses at both CET and The Borgata, DH achieved Black Label at The Borgata and Platinum at CET. Since switching most of our play from CET to The Borgata, we have saved thousands of dollars. CET's decision to charge for their Diamond Lounges just about paid for our new car. When considering what we are saving on food and nightly room taxes/fees, the switch covers our gas and tolls as well. Thank you CET for your worse business decision which turned into our best Total Rewards benefit.
OK I do play DH's card at The Borgata but I used to play his CET card too. I play the slot machines while DH prefers RaceTrack simultcast betting.
For my play on my cards which showed almost identical losses at CET and The Borgata, I get no offers at CET but am still offered weekly bonus downloads and comped rooms at The Borgata. Cannot compare how much better we have been eating at The Borgata. Plus we have always been offered comped summer rooms at The Borgata even when not Black Label while CET always greatly limited summer comped rooms, even when we were both Diamond??
So it doesn't matter whether one is
CET Platinum and Borgata Red Label like me
or CET Diamond and Borgata Black Label like DH,
when comparing food quality, expenses, losses, and comps
The Borgata does it much better.
Any regular recreational AC gambler really needs to stop drinking the CET kool aid and wake up and smell the coffee at The Borgata. It tastes much better and costs way less.
OK I do have to hear the crappy music being played in the casino at The Borgata but there is always hope that one day somebody with some authority will actually listen and hear what their patrons' ears have to tolerate.
ETA: Still cannot believe how our gambling dollars last 5 times longer at The Borgata! Anyone who plays penny slots regularly at Harrahs instead of The Borgata really needs a reality check.
Friday, January 27, 2012
BAK
Yesterday, we had lunch at Harrahs Buffet because we had a free buffet coupon. We were charged $30 for the second buffet! Have to say this buffet has greatly deteoriated in its offerings and is now overpriced, especially for weekday lunch. Much rather have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at The Borgata for $10 comp each.
OK The Borgata isn't perfect. They are still playing the same very annoying music soundtrack for months now. I swear I almost left the casino this morning because of the music and would have if I wasn't playing a bonus download which I didn't want to abandon. Also last night, we made the mistake of having a room in the Water Club just under the spa. All night the walls were creaking. At first, I thought it was my husband snoring and he thought it was me snoring but the sound was coming from the walls, not us. The manager gave us a food comp to use anytime in the next 90 days because of our inconvenience. There have been similar complaints by guests on this floor under the spa. Looking forward to trying a renovated Classic room next time.
OK The Borgata isn't perfect. They are still playing the same very annoying music soundtrack for months now. I swear I almost left the casino this morning because of the music and would have if I wasn't playing a bonus download which I didn't want to abandon. Also last night, we made the mistake of having a room in the Water Club just under the spa. All night the walls were creaking. At first, I thought it was my husband snoring and he thought it was me snoring but the sound was coming from the walls, not us. The manager gave us a food comp to use anytime in the next 90 days because of our inconvenience. There have been similar complaints by guests on this floor under the spa. Looking forward to trying a renovated Classic room next time.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
THE GRAND SAM
This is hysterical. On Facebook, Harrahs is raving about a great breakfast special at Sammy D's which is opening tomorrow, replacing their Reflections coffee shop.
THE GRAND SAM: EVERYTHING ON A PLATE $17.95
Sadly, Reflections had great breakfasts for much less. Even Harrahs breakfast buffet which is quite good has been just $15 lately. Guess that price will now jump back up to $20 but there is still The Borgata buffet for $15 ($10comp for Black Label).
Plus Reflections had a wonderful charbroiled hamburger including 2 toppings and fries for $10. Bill's Burgers charges $10 for a hamburger without toppings or fries and not nearly as good. I am missing those double stuffed chili dogs at Reflections and their special eggs Benedict served over friend chicken fingers. OK Harrahs did my health a favor closing Reflections. No worries The Grand Sam is too rich for my blood in both fat and dollars.
ETA: not a typo up there! Harrahs as well as all of CET in AC need to have their policy makers replaced if they want to have any hotel guests off season.
Another guest couple had 2 eggs, homefries, bacon, toast & coffee x 2 plus 1 OJ.... $45.00 with tip. Imagine just a short week ago, they could have had the breakfast buffet option for $30 plus tip with that 2nd OJ, omelets/eggs made to order, smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, etc. Sad and disappointing but then again, all I expect anymore from any AC CET resort are more and more disappointments. One bad decision after another. Oh well, Harrahs guests, especially Diamonds upgraded to Black Label, can pop on over to The Borgata for a nice breakfast (or lunch) buffet at less than half the price of Sammy D's. Only place for us to eat lunch at Harrahs has become McCormicks so being low on comp there has its rewards. Great burger and fries for $10 cash. Better burger than Bill's which is $10 without the fries.
THE GRAND SAM: EVERYTHING ON A PLATE $17.95
Sadly, Reflections had great breakfasts for much less. Even Harrahs breakfast buffet which is quite good has been just $15 lately. Guess that price will now jump back up to $20 but there is still The Borgata buffet for $15 ($10comp for Black Label).
Plus Reflections had a wonderful charbroiled hamburger including 2 toppings and fries for $10. Bill's Burgers charges $10 for a hamburger without toppings or fries and not nearly as good. I am missing those double stuffed chili dogs at Reflections and their special eggs Benedict served over friend chicken fingers. OK Harrahs did my health a favor closing Reflections. No worries The Grand Sam is too rich for my blood in both fat and dollars.
ETA: not a typo up there! Harrahs as well as all of CET in AC need to have their policy makers replaced if they want to have any hotel guests off season.
Another guest couple had 2 eggs, homefries, bacon, toast & coffee x 2 plus 1 OJ.... $45.00 with tip. Imagine just a short week ago, they could have had the breakfast buffet option for $30 plus tip with that 2nd OJ, omelets/eggs made to order, smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, etc. Sad and disappointing but then again, all I expect anymore from any AC CET resort are more and more disappointments. One bad decision after another. Oh well, Harrahs guests, especially Diamonds upgraded to Black Label, can pop on over to The Borgata for a nice breakfast (or lunch) buffet at less than half the price of Sammy D's. Only place for us to eat lunch at Harrahs has become McCormicks so being low on comp there has its rewards. Great burger and fries for $10 cash. Better burger than Bill's which is $10 without the fries.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Borgata the only casino up in 2011
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gOm1apAg1g3_AR7gPqTTLKRcbinw?docId=92171576a23a4fe29accb4c533c7a790
I know we were not the only couple to abandon CET and switch our major gambling to The Borgata after CET literally screwed their Diamond members. So the results were The Borgata up 1% taking in $651.8 million to Harrahs down 3%, taking in $439.8 million. They are in the same Marina district and Harrahs has the sharing of patrons from 3 other CET AC casinos plus many other CET casinos across the country yet The Borgata kicked Harrah's ass for casino revenue. And the CET Diamond fiasco really only affected 1/2 of the year! Shoot I even blew some $$ at CET casinos in January and February, aiming for Diamond status till I realized I much preferred The Borgata and came to my senses. Yup The Borgata was brilliant offering an upgrade to Black Label for all CET and Trump higher tiered players, knowing their offers would lure these higher tiered players away from their original haunts.
I know we were not the only couple to abandon CET and switch our major gambling to The Borgata after CET literally screwed their Diamond members. So the results were The Borgata up 1% taking in $651.8 million to Harrahs down 3%, taking in $439.8 million. They are in the same Marina district and Harrahs has the sharing of patrons from 3 other CET AC casinos plus many other CET casinos across the country yet The Borgata kicked Harrah's ass for casino revenue. And the CET Diamond fiasco really only affected 1/2 of the year! Shoot I even blew some $$ at CET casinos in January and February, aiming for Diamond status till I realized I much preferred The Borgata and came to my senses. Yup The Borgata was brilliant offering an upgrade to Black Label for all CET and Trump higher tiered players, knowing their offers would lure these higher tiered players away from their original haunts.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Home Sweet Home
Had a nice trip. Even though Harrahs was a disappointment Saturday night, The Borgata as usual delivered the rest of the trip. Harrahs Diamond Lounge seems to get worse instead of better each trip. Expected it to be much better on a Saturday night than it was. Sunday's lunch at the Showboat Diamond Lounge was much better so will be using all future Diamond Lounge vouchers at Showboat till the end of March when our years of being Diamond finally comes to an end. It is unbelievable when I compare what we used to lose at CET properties to what we have been losing at The Borgata while retaining Black Label status. Never will ever go back to CET Diamond ever again and would have skipped this past year if we had known that they were going to start charging for the Diamond Lounges.
Also the tv remote in the Harrahs room wasn't working and the shower wasn't draining so why are we charged a bogus *room assessment* charge? After having a loud party next door from 2:30am till 3:330am, DH finally caved and called security. Got much quieter after security knocked on their door around 3:45am.
Next day at the Borgata Water Club was heavenly by comparison. OMG the food at the buffet Sunday night was amazing. Had the best cut of Prime Ribs and they had a scallop dish that beats any lobster. Their veggies taste better than most desserts. Even though I keep saying we may not try for Black Label next year, how can we not when each $10 of comp gets us a delicious buffet? Since their comp dollars accrue at least twice as fast as CET's their buffets and Amphora Lounge admissions are a bargain at the equivalent of $5 CET comp.
Anywho, it was another winning trip. We did have quite a scare when DH misplaced his wallet which I later found under my car seat. Thank you Borgata for doing what you do so well but I do have one complaint. The Borgata plays some awful music if you can even call it music and not just irritating noise. Of course, they switched to Queen after I went up to the room for the night. How about Queen during the day!?!
Also the tv remote in the Harrahs room wasn't working and the shower wasn't draining so why are we charged a bogus *room assessment* charge? After having a loud party next door from 2:30am till 3:330am, DH finally caved and called security. Got much quieter after security knocked on their door around 3:45am.
Next day at the Borgata Water Club was heavenly by comparison. OMG the food at the buffet Sunday night was amazing. Had the best cut of Prime Ribs and they had a scallop dish that beats any lobster. Their veggies taste better than most desserts. Even though I keep saying we may not try for Black Label next year, how can we not when each $10 of comp gets us a delicious buffet? Since their comp dollars accrue at least twice as fast as CET's their buffets and Amphora Lounge admissions are a bargain at the equivalent of $5 CET comp.
Anywho, it was another winning trip. We did have quite a scare when DH misplaced his wallet which I later found under my car seat. Thank you Borgata for doing what you do so well but I do have one complaint. The Borgata plays some awful music if you can even call it music and not just irritating noise. Of course, they switched to Queen after I went up to the room for the night. How about Queen during the day!?!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
How Harrahs (CET) has ruined its brand
In the past, we have always booked Christmas eve and Christmas at Harrahs. Even though we can get both Friday and Saturday night comped at almost all 4 CET casino resorts this year, I cancelled and have decided not to go. Harrahs' Diamond Lounge isn't even opened Friday night and Reflections is gone so the fun Christmas eve dinner we used to get is gone as well.
Our last Saturday night stay at Showboat was horrible. Drunks shouting in the hall and banging on the doors all night. This behavior has been happening at almost all AC hotels on partying nights since they stopped offering comped rooms to their regular moderate gamblers and rather sell a room to a gang of young adults instead. However, The Borgata rooms, both Classic and Water Club seem more sound proofed. Also since Showboat's casino was so empty, the potential criminal element stuck out. Both my husband and I felt like we were being stalked for possible voucher snatching or whatever. The only place I felt safe was the elevator area and elevator because just one was working so always a crowd waiting and a crowded elevator. Safety in numbers. Other disappointments were that the Diamond Lounge was closed on a Saturday night and we really wanted to try Showboat's DL on a Saturday night hearing good things about it online. Also the maid only left decafe coffee packets in our room, making me use an old packet I had brought from home instead. What is the $13 a night for? That extra room assessment charge should include making sure each room has real coffee packets.
DH is already Platinum this year and since the Diamond lounges now charge $10 comp each and it is much harder to earn comp for inferior food compared to The Borgata, I prefer for most of our gambling to be done at The Borgata, earning those delicious meals as we play. I have practically stopped playing my card at any CET casino, not even bothering to go for Platinum, myself, even though I was over halfway there in March. I had every intention of going Diamond this year until I discovered just how much better The Borgata does everything, even before the sudden charge for Diamond Lounges started. I will only play my card if there is a promotion worth playing for like a free buffet. CET's stupidity was really exposed when Diamond players couldn't earn a free buffet at Wild West this spring while Gold and Platinum could. Bad enough they started charging for the Diamond lounges but not allowing Diamonds to earn a free buffet just was a totally ridiculous decision.
The Borgata besides offering so many more bonus downloads even costs just $5 a night in fees compared to Harrahs' inflated $13 a night. However, as much as I love The Borgata, I find I feel like playing slots less than when we went to 4 other casinos for diversity so have been traveling to AC less often. Between not losing as much at CET and saving on traveling expenses and The Borgata's generous bonus downloads, our AC trips have actually become profitable!
Now that The Borgata is renovating its Classic rooms and is still upgrading all Diamond players to Black Label, I think most regular AC slot players will see how much better The Borgata does everything and will stop pursuing CET Diamond status and will earn Black Label instead like we have the past 2 years. I cannot imagine The Revel offering more than The Borgata either. Just hope that The Revel's opening will make the weekend and summer comped rooms more available at The Borgata (and the Amphora Lounge line shorter).
ETA: Found out we may be offered the Harrahs buffet for free since their DL is closed tomorrow night but still not going. Last Saturday night at Showboat left me not wanting to stay and play slots at any of their properties.
Our last Saturday night stay at Showboat was horrible. Drunks shouting in the hall and banging on the doors all night. This behavior has been happening at almost all AC hotels on partying nights since they stopped offering comped rooms to their regular moderate gamblers and rather sell a room to a gang of young adults instead. However, The Borgata rooms, both Classic and Water Club seem more sound proofed. Also since Showboat's casino was so empty, the potential criminal element stuck out. Both my husband and I felt like we were being stalked for possible voucher snatching or whatever. The only place I felt safe was the elevator area and elevator because just one was working so always a crowd waiting and a crowded elevator. Safety in numbers. Other disappointments were that the Diamond Lounge was closed on a Saturday night and we really wanted to try Showboat's DL on a Saturday night hearing good things about it online. Also the maid only left decafe coffee packets in our room, making me use an old packet I had brought from home instead. What is the $13 a night for? That extra room assessment charge should include making sure each room has real coffee packets.
DH is already Platinum this year and since the Diamond lounges now charge $10 comp each and it is much harder to earn comp for inferior food compared to The Borgata, I prefer for most of our gambling to be done at The Borgata, earning those delicious meals as we play. I have practically stopped playing my card at any CET casino, not even bothering to go for Platinum, myself, even though I was over halfway there in March. I had every intention of going Diamond this year until I discovered just how much better The Borgata does everything, even before the sudden charge for Diamond Lounges started. I will only play my card if there is a promotion worth playing for like a free buffet. CET's stupidity was really exposed when Diamond players couldn't earn a free buffet at Wild West this spring while Gold and Platinum could. Bad enough they started charging for the Diamond lounges but not allowing Diamonds to earn a free buffet just was a totally ridiculous decision.
The Borgata besides offering so many more bonus downloads even costs just $5 a night in fees compared to Harrahs' inflated $13 a night. However, as much as I love The Borgata, I find I feel like playing slots less than when we went to 4 other casinos for diversity so have been traveling to AC less often. Between not losing as much at CET and saving on traveling expenses and The Borgata's generous bonus downloads, our AC trips have actually become profitable!
Now that The Borgata is renovating its Classic rooms and is still upgrading all Diamond players to Black Label, I think most regular AC slot players will see how much better The Borgata does everything and will stop pursuing CET Diamond status and will earn Black Label instead like we have the past 2 years. I cannot imagine The Revel offering more than The Borgata either. Just hope that The Revel's opening will make the weekend and summer comped rooms more available at The Borgata (and the Amphora Lounge line shorter).
ETA: Found out we may be offered the Harrahs buffet for free since their DL is closed tomorrow night but still not going. Last Saturday night at Showboat left me not wanting to stay and play slots at any of their properties.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
AC and Working out
Over the years, my interests have changed. I used to spend alot of my leisure time playing video games but then got involved with the internet, specifically managing a group of parents of gay kids. Then my interest in the internet shifted towards workingout and fitness. I am still very into workingout and hope I never stop.
Offline, my main interest was horseracing. Before our first child, we even owned part of a racehorse and my first internet ID was horsemom2 so that interest lasted a good 30 years or more. Then as I started going to casinos more and more and enjoying penny slots, my gambling focus shifted away from horseracing. Going to Atlantic City so often made one or both of us going CET Diamond status obtainable as long as we focused on their 4 casinos (Harrahs, Showboat, Ballys and Caesars). The Borgata will upgrade any CET Diamond level player to their Black Label for a full year. As the years went by, I started resenting the AC CET Total Rewards casinos more and more because of various poor customer service issues. The final straw was having a sudden Diamond lounge charge. Obviously, most other Diamond members felt the same because the Diamond lounges became empty as well as slot machine seats. I love The Borgata for its food and loose machines but miss the variety of having more places to eat, stay and play so have been going more recently only twice a month for one or two nights instead of 3 times a month for 2 to 3 nights as well as a bus trips. Most of these current trips are funded by The Borgata's slot bonuses so I haven't lost money like I used to but I am finding myself not as excited about Atlantic city visits as I used to be so my interest is waning. Really think the future Revel and Hard Rock casinos will be huge financial losses like the Taj Mahal after the initial summer season. CET ruining their AC Diamond brand has opened the door for The Revel to take advantage of CET's business blunders but doubt they will hit the ground running with offers even as good as The Borgata's which is still losing business in spite of the CET Diamond exodus.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
AC and Crave Results
I walked over 30,000 paces Thursday through Saturday and ate pretty healthy. Showboat was empty Friday night which was probably why we got comped. Ballys was also offering us Friday night comped even though we have not played there since May 2011. Couldn't believe how there were no lines for the Diamond lounges Friday night or Saturday, proving CET has done a great job destroying their AC brand. Food was ok at the Diamond lounges but not close to the quality of The Borgata buffet and lounge. Anywho, now that we got husband Platinum for free parking through March 2013, we are pretty much done gambling at any CET casinos. The machines were pretty loose at both The Borgata and Showboat so I never used any of my own money this trip and actually brought home some of the downloaded bonus $$.
This morning, I warmed up on the bungee to MUVE then did the first few blocks from Angie Miller's Crave Results which were mostly single weight moves so I used my light kettlebell then finished with some Classical Stretch. My knee was getting pretty good in AC but when I kicked off the blankets the last night to get out of bed, I reinjured it. It's still better than all of the previous week and I am pretty sure, it will heal.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
AC and Thriller
Just got back from a nice trip to AC.
Last night we had tickets for Harrah's Legends in Concert and enjoyed it more than we have in the past. Their Michael Jackson was exceptional and seeing him do Thriller with the dancers on Halloween was priceless, even though the tickets were free LOL
Had a bumpy start with the snow and our tire pressure warning light staying on. Tire pressure was fine so we just ignored it. Getting it checked officially tomorrow when it is taken in for its 6 month servicing a week early (plus a free car wash from the dealership to get rid of all of that nasty salt).
Our car is so quiet that Steve left it on when we stopped at a diner to eat on the way home!
ETA:
The Borgata was hopping yesterday, all day and evening.
On the other hand, Harrahs, even with comped show tickets, was like a ghost town with an empty Diamond Lounge at 6:30PM which used to be their peak dining time. Whole place felt emptier than the early weeks in December used to feel. Their revenues must have plummeted after the summer season since alienating most of their AC Diamond regulars.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
MUVE Speedbody Chiball CS
Very nice combination this morning.
First I warmed up on the bungee to MUVE.
Then I did Contender's Club Speedbody's Blast while wearing the Shadowboxer belt.
Next a Caribbean Workout Chiball workout
Finished with mostly a Classical Stretch mat workout which was ok but will not repeat unless my hip seems to have liked it as much as her standing stuff. Cannot tell yet.
Unfortunately, I saw two more straps fraying badly on my YogFlex when doing Speedbody so finally put it out of its misery before injuring myself. It is outside waiting for today's garbage pickup. I did save its legs because interchangeable with the smaller Bodyburner's legs.
CET (Caesars Entertainment) really needs to clean house and find out who is messing up their Total Rewards marketing process. We seemed to be the last in NJ to receive the Diamond Lounge passes that were a part of DH's online offers. Meanwhile after posting about not getting them yet, a few long term Diamond players posted that they weren't even aware of DL passes/coupons! Higher tiered Diamonds and Seven Stars all get these passes when they aren't even needed since they (and a guest) already enter free. So CET is wasting money sending folks these passes who do not need them and not sending them to customers who are already unhappy with the admission charges to the DLS. Some of the customers who never received the passes may even have an error in their mail code so not receiving any offers at all, like what happened to me for over a year before it got resolved. This mailing error seems to happen often.
ETA: Just saw that Netflix has already dropped their Quikster plan and that Starz will be bringing their instant content to Dish/Blockbusters. I'm, personally, rooting for Blockbusters to survive cuz of our nearby store and their new promotions and Netflix's lack of concern about their customers. Suddenly splitting Netflix's instant watch and dvds by mail plans and raising their prices were bad business decisions just as CET's suddenly charging $10 comp for their Diamond lounges. Alienating customers is bad business and these customers need to take their business elsewhere.
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