This is what happens when two main companies control the gaming commission. The gaming commission/Las Vegas approves the purchase of all the casinos by mainly two companies. So now we have essentially no competition and it’s a monopoly. It’s corporate greed to the max, fraudulent billing with hidden fees that they don’t have to disclosed until you check out practically. It’s not about the value or experience any more to the companies it’s about the bottom line and how many dollars can they squeeze out of every single person in every single way.
Spot-On! I started going in the mid-80's. My gambling budget per trip is about 6 times what it was back then, and now I get about 20% of the comps I used to. (In those days, I would get free rooms and food always, (I still get that of course) plus anywhere from $500 to $1000 in cash when I checked in, plus a couple of the casinos would give me 10% of my losses back in cash on my last day of the stay - That was the days of the original free play. The pit boss knew your name and tracked your action. I recall playing poker at Caesars for a couple of hours late night and asked the floor for a meal comp when I was done...He gave me $100 for breakfast. This was in 1989, and two of us tried like heck to eat it all up, but we had to stop around $60 worth and gave the rest to the waitress....(the good old days!) When the players cards started to come out in all the casinos in the late 80's was the beginning of the end for old-school gamblers.
@@44Mag It went from being a gambling town to a tourist destination that offers gambling as well. I mean it was sleazy as hell back in the day but that's kind of what you expected.
Vegas is a full-on tourist trap corporate shakedown, but if people only complain but still go and empty their wallets, don't expect them to change. TBH though, I don't miss many of the things you mentioned like old school hotel check-in and check-out - times do a change.
💯! What's particularly frustrating about the trend against themed hotels is that so many themed hotels didn't keep up the maintenance and became run down. And the lesson Vegas took from that is, "People don't like themed hotels anymore". 😡
This was an awesome video!!! It brought back so many memories of what Las Vegas used to be and the things I loved about it. The affordable buffets to the coffee shops with great quick meals and those free lounge singing acts were definitely amazing! Hopefully they can bring back some of them and bring back that Las Vegas magic! Keep up the great work!!!
Hi Chris. The Pirate show at TI was a great attraction and gone. Now the Mirage Volcano is gone.Gonna miss that Volcano. It really was a great attraction on the Strip. Thanks for sharing and take care.
You are so right Chris, i miss the old Vegas too. By the way, You are making great videos, always look forward to watch your videos every time i am on RUclips.
Hi Chris! I am so with you on all of these items you listed. I have been going to Vegas since the 1980's. What I feel has happened is that after the Pandemic, the corporations decided that they needed to make up for lost money/revenue! So you so a LOT of high prices without any perks or even just Basic Customer Service! And, since younger folks who didn't use to go to Vegas and know about the free shows, housekeeping, lower food prices and a host of other things; these CEO'S realized they could hike up the prices for Everything, and offer Less or simply nothing at all and still make massive profits! The young folks don't know what they are missing because they never had it, older travelers like myself know! Let's face it, the pandemic was only four years ago so not that long ago. But money is money and they are making it! CAB😜😜✈✈💰💰
I vote for Vegas' best days are behind. In videos of the crowds in Vegas in recent years, I don't see many people with a smile on their face. Not much genuine enjoyment but a lot of zombies walking around, though. I haven't been there in a very long time so maybe I'm not getting a fair picture.
Yes, I miss the MGM amusement park and live lions, Tropicana comedy club and Mirage volcano. With that said I am looking forward to the Hard Rock guitar, outdoor entertainment and all the concerts. There is nothing permanent in Vegas but change. Keep up the great content!
I wonder whether a resort that bucks the trends and goes old school, providing all the good old stuff you talk about here, would stand out enough to really draw people in and set a good example for all the others.
What about the treasure Island show the most amazing free show ever? What about heated swimming pools? All the pools now are freezing. And they all close early. Vegas is just for suckers now, but there seem to be plenty out there.
@@YellowProductionsThat's to make you spend more money on expensive shows and overpriced food. I grew up here, and I left but came back. It's not a good thing. Vegas is eating itself.
Chris, I miss old Vegas, too. Good points. It was fun to go places and go see sights not have to pay or pay a little bit. I hope they don't take away the M& M show.
All so true! It's part of the deliver less and charge more business model.😁 Maybe no themes will encourage people to travel overseas? My friends go to Vegas a lot. I tell them go to other places. Ceasars and the Venetian is not Italy. NYNY isn't NYC. Paris isn't... 😂
Vegas stopped being loss leaders a long time ago sadly. But like you said, a simple diner style breakfast bar where you can get bacon, eggs, toast and coffee for like $12 would be nice, and frankly would not be a loss leader. I noticed that post covid the resorts are really clamping down on the upgrades and such. The automated check ins are not only preventing that but also allowing them to not have to pay a living breathing person.
The old Inexpensive Las Vegas is long gone, it is quite profitable to price gouge visitors to Vegas. I did notice that these same companies MGM, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock are transferring their inexpensive deals to Atlantic City. Hotel comps in Atlantic City are easy to get Sept to June, Sunday to Thursday. You do not have to gamble big at all in Atlantic City to get room comps and other comps. There is 3 to 2 blackjack at all of the Atlantic City casinos. There is no free parking in Atlantic city as mandated by New Jersey Government but it is around $10 and you can get a transfer and use it in another casino for parking. I am going to go to Atlantic City while this price gouging in Vegas goes on. Things are super cheap to go to Atlantic City as the casinos cannot afford to alienate anyone as they need the business.
Corporate greed is absolutely taking LV over. Part of the problem is that record breaking profits (gaming/hotel/entertainment) are still ongoing and have been for 3 years now, so they are just taking advantage of ppl. I agree with everything you said. I especially don't like that apps are taking over the world, and buffets are leaving. Hopefully when the tourist numbers start to drop the corporate greed will as well.
You struck a nerve with the coffee shop/breakfast thing. People think Vegas is a 24/7 town. It is as far as gambling goes, but try finding a sit down place for breakfast between 3-7am in the strip properties. It's next to impossible. As an east coaster that's three hours ahead, it's an annoyance.
My family member just came from there and they could not believe how expensive it was; plus the pressure to tip was too much for them. I personally have had love/hate vacation experiences in Vegas. The thing that kept me going there was it's affordability but now that thing is of the past. I don't think I will be heading there any time soon. It used to also be my pit stop from CA to Grand Canyon, Zion but now I will just be staying outside Vegas.
Definitely best part in Vegas was the human check in, when you gave 50-100 USD at check in and you got upgraded to room which worth like 500 USD more than your booked room. This trick definitely not possible with this mobile checkin thing...
I've lived here for decades...have seen the changes slowly take place. Can't relate to a lot of what's mentioned, but yes, I would agree it's no longer cheap. Locals get discounts for most shows and attractions, but its still expensive. Oh, the Wynn still has a buffet ;-)
Oh man, been going to Vegas since my first trip in 1975. I totally miss the musical acts that would play in a lounge on the casino floor. Our favorite was a "fat Elvis" impersonator at the Riviera back around the late 90s-early 00s. Can't remember his name for the life of me but he was amazing. Almost every casino had something going on in a lounge that you could just walk in and see for free. Also, just miss a breakfast that didn't break the bank. Most casinos had a regularly priced coffee shop where you could get breakfast. We get "comped" at Wynn but good lord you can't get a breakfast for two people for under 80 when you put in a tip.
You're definitely right... I've been 6 times in the last 10 years from the UK and have noticed everything is getting more stingey...its like they're nickle and diming people in reverse by saving money here and there anyway they can, thus cheapening the experience for the guest.
In 1999, I used to cruise Sunset Blvd in Hollywood and it would take 1.5 hrs to go from the 405 to the 101. Then we’d stand in line for 1hr+ at Pinks for a smorgasbord of 3 hot dogs, fries and a drink for $25. Doing rough math at $3.95 a hot dog with an average bill of $25 serving 60 people per hour is roughly $1,500 per hour. Now, they’re asking $13.75 for the same hot dog. Lines aren’t around the corner, and instead of 3; people are buying one sad hot dog & a drink for the same $25. At an average of 40 people per hour at an average bill of $35; it’s $1,400 per hour nearly 25 years later. Corporate America should step back and see what people actually want and are willing to pay; supply & demand rather than Disney economics of “let’s see how much we can squeeze out of this tourist.”
Things have changed with the GUESTS - kids don’t belong on the strip. Bad parents plop their kids near the casino while they gamble. On a recent slot channel video, a poor little girl repeatedly wailed “I don’t wanna BE here!”
Good to see your videos popping up on my utube recently. Like literally last week you reappeared on my algorithm thingy lol. Glad your still making videos.
Spot on Chris, thanks! We have been going to Vegas once or twice a year since 1995, and love it. But since covid, we haven't stayed on the strip, and have no plans to do so. Too many off strip properties, offering way more for the money, without all the con games, to waste money on strip. We will continue to visit the strip of course, but hotel and restaurant dollars go elsewhere.
In the 70s, I went to two batchelor weekends in Las Vegas. Our groups had little money to spend (college students). We would get adjoining rooms at an inexpensive place like the Hacienda. We could gamble for $2 or $5 dollars a bet-- the buffets were inexpensive and great. There were steak and egg breakfasts for $4-6 . We could bet on horse racing at Race Books-- there was no such thing as legalized sports betting, We could walk from casino to casino without any problem. Parking was 100% free-- and the majority of people we would interact with were friendly.
Chris, I just wanted to comment on your channel and your impeccable, nonsensical travel advice. This has nothing to do with Las Vegas, but I’ve been watching your videos for quite a while now, very informative compared to the RUclips travel videos by Josh Cahill, Nonstop Dan, featuring grievances about fingerprints on video monitors, and lacking amenity kits in business class. Got a trip to Aitutaki on Air New Zealand in two weeks , have you ever been to the Cook Islands? Thank you, redundantly, from Eugene, Oregon.
My last trip to Vegas in the early 2000's was when they charged me $5.00 more for a buffet on Friday night. That was the last straw for me. I remember when the RIO buffet first opened it was THE best in town. It was only $1.99 for the breakfast buffet. I remember getting cards in the mail from the Flamingo inviting me to come during the Xmas season and offering rooms some nights for $15.00 per night, except new years eve. Greed has now taken over Vegas; I don't go any more.
Vegas 10-20 years ago was peak Vegas. Every year they take away things, or charge more, without adding anything. Florida has full casinos now with every table game, and are a better option (especially considering the 365 warm weather and beaches nearby). Plus for us east coasters to avoid the 5 hour flight.
I have been going to Las Vegas once or twice a year since the early 1980s. It used to be the best vacation/entertainment value. Now it is the worst. May 2023 was sadly the last time I will be visiting Las Vegas.
Its the overall atmosphere of the place that has changed, as well as all of the things you mentioned. I started going to Vegas in the mid 90's and despite not spending a ton of money felt like I was treated like royalty by the staff in the Hotels and Restaurants. Its much more of a people processing experience these days unless you are a really high roller. Its a much younger crowd now and therefore a lot of the focus is on what appeals to affluent mid 20's-30s types so there are more clubs and pool parties and celebrity culture restaurants. Everything is more expensive because people will pay those prices, without expecting amazing customer service in return. To be honest, if you gamble you can still get decent deals on comps for rooms and Resort Credit, but they don't give the farm away like they used to. Also some things ARE better - no more porn slappers on the sidewalks and the LinQ Promenade and the Downtown area are a big improvement over what was there years ago. The escalators were always breaking down 30 years ago too Chris, so that's one thing that hasn't changed.
You basically covered why I don't go there anymore, even though I have more money to spend than when I was younger. I wouldn't put it past the resorts to introduce pay toilets. The way to stop this looting of visitors is for visitors to say they've had enough and stop coming, but that isn't happening.
I just cancelled my October Vegas trip due to the extreme pricing. Uber now cost $27-$50 each way, restaurant prices are insane, and everything is 3X the cost. Vegas is for rich people, expense reports, and first-timers now.
Just got home from Vegas and was kinda disappointed. I had fun because of the company but felt it was dull. Watching this video and you named all the things I’ve missed. I’ve been going to Vegas since I was 23 and I’m 41 now
We are coming to the USA in November and we have decided not to go to Vegas. This will be the first time we haven’t gone to Vegas but I feel for all the reasons you mentioned in your video is the reasons we don’t want to go. Instead we are going to Utah to see the canyons
It's just greed and they know they can get away with not providing all these cool free shows and cheap buffets. I still appreciate Vegas, but I kind of refuse to go unless I have a comp offer of some sort, (which is getting harder and harder to get, ESPECIALLY for weekends). Vegas has also shifted into a legit sports and entertainment destination outside of Cirque de Soleil. I have gone a few times without the intention of going to a sports/concert event, and honestly those times just seem a lot sadder because of all those things you mentioned. Expensive buffets, no family friendly entertainment(I don't even have kids, but its nice doing wholesome stuff), no free shows, and on top that, you're getting shafted with parking, resort fees, and taxes. Vegas used to be a nice VALUE destination, now if Im paying full price, I might as well look at other cities to visit. Vegas isn't THAT great. Its nice, but it's ego has gotten too big lmao. We have to speak with our wallets and stop over-glorifying the place.
I missed some of the glory days, since I didn't go to LV even once 1986-2012. Since I started going again in 2012, I can see some bad trends--the non-daily housekeeping, the lack of themes in casinos (more than once I've had to work to figure out where I was), the repetitive piped-in music, the demise of decent buffets, the nickel-and-diming. I went at least once a year 2012-2022, but haven't been back in over a year, as it's just not as much fun.
From a high class luxery getaway in the desert (Sin City) to a vacation destination for the family (Theme Park Vegas) and now back to what Vegas was. I get it. A higher value customer who isn't going to puke in the Bellagio gardens, skinny dip in the Canals, and then start a brawl on the Luxor floor. A level of customer who is recession proof.
Point #15 I've heard this thing from Disney as well where tourist destinations have gotten away from low budget cheaper options of breakfast and foods like the coffee shops which would be associated with a more frequent traveler who would come to Vegas often either 4x a year or more and have made the switch to people who come like once a year because the person or people who go once a year tend to spend more and at a higher price points then someone who comes 4x a year but it essence it makes it more pricey and less bang for your buck overall
I miss the moving walkways from the sidewalk into Caesars. The original MGM before the fire, then in the MGM 2, I miss the Wizard Of Oz theme and the wicked witch’s scream early in the morning.
Coin slots are gone from almost every casino in the U.S. It's not just a Vegas thing. Same with the buffets. They were already going away across he country, but the pandemic accelerated that trend. I definitely miss the themed hotels and the free entertainment. The Pirate show at Treasure Island was one of the best.
I used to go to Vegas because it was the I only adult place to go without kids. It was great. Not anymore. Add on all the other corporate greed, poor service,increase in crime etc I don’t go anymore. 9:28
Free Parking are only for Guests staying at Treasure Island, now...the last time I was in Vegas, I pulled in and was told it is no longer free to non guests.
Slots of fun & El Cortez have coin in machines 👍🤠. No one took kids to Vegas in the 1970s. A few casinos doing it is great 👍. Circus circus is still there. I miss the old coupon books (free shirts, shot glass & deck of cards). Ellis island offers the 10$ steak & eggs and 5$ craps👍. I refuse to pay resort fees ever or for a room. My gambling should take care of that 👍😉
I saw a recent vid on the Sphere right now losing millions of $$ per month. In turn, gambling has been the life blood of Vegas casinos, old time & otherwise. So if more visitors are going to Vegas just to be in Vegas (& not for gambling---then for what? the desert heat?), then the revenue stream has been reduced.
You can't have the good cheap buffets anymore because the casinos are no longer in competition with each other; the industry works as an oligopoly. Why undercut each other with valued lead ins for the customer when they as an industry whole can all just jack up prices on a semi-captive customer base. There is only the rare exception to this.
Based on this review, I think I'll give Vegas a wide berth... I'm sure there are plenty of fun places to go in the US that won't cost me the GDP of a small nation to visit
✅ Check out more of my travel videos on Las Vegas in this playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLOVadUHX1B-JzE5fiVleugu6HTYLsr2sk
I shall! Thank you
This is what happens when two main companies control the gaming commission. The gaming commission/Las Vegas approves the purchase of all the casinos by mainly two companies. So now we have essentially no competition and it’s a monopoly. It’s corporate greed to the max, fraudulent billing with hidden fees that they don’t have to disclosed until you check out practically. It’s not about the value or experience any more to the companies it’s about the bottom line and how many dollars can they squeeze out of every single person in every single way.
Accurate. It’s definitely not what it used to be.
It’s kind of crazy cause that’s exactly what’s happening in our country.
Bargain City has become Scam City. Crying Shame. Deal me out.😢
🎯
FACTS
You touched on some great points. I started going to Vegas in the late 80's. I miss the old days. Corporate greed took over.
🎯
Spot-On!
I started going in the mid-80's. My gambling budget per trip is about 6 times what it was back then, and now I get about 20% of the comps I used to. (In those days, I would get free rooms and food always, (I still get that of course) plus anywhere from $500 to $1000 in cash when I checked in, plus a couple of the casinos would give me 10% of my losses back in cash on my last day of the stay - That was the days of the original free play.
The pit boss knew your name and tracked your action. I recall playing poker at Caesars for a couple of hours late night and asked the floor for a meal comp when I was done...He gave me $100 for breakfast. This was in 1989, and two of us tried like heck to eat it all up, but we had to stop around $60 worth and gave the rest to the waitress....(the good old days!)
When the players cards started to come out in all the casinos in the late 80's was the beginning of the end for old-school gamblers.
@@44Mag Great reply. I remember when they used to write your comps on a slip of paper now they scrutinize your play from your player's card. Sad
@@44Mag It went from being a gambling town to a tourist destination that offers gambling as well. I mean it was sleazy as hell back in the day but that's kind of what you expected.
Man 100% agree with you, definitely miss the Vegas of even 10-20 years ago
I agree about the theme hotels! One of my favorite parts about Vegas
Thanks Josh! Good traveling minds think alike!
Vegas is a full-on tourist trap corporate shakedown, but if people only complain but still go and empty their wallets, don't expect them to change. TBH though, I don't miss many of the things you mentioned like old school hotel check-in and check-out - times do a change.
The best days of Las Vegas are long gone.
So true 😢
We used to love going there but it’s gotten so expensive that our last trip was probably our last
That's too bad but kudos for drawing a line in the sand.
I agree wholeheartedly with everything said in this vid!
💯! What's particularly frustrating about the trend against themed hotels is that so many themed hotels didn't keep up the maintenance and became run down. And the lesson Vegas took from that is, "People don't like themed hotels anymore". 😡
Along the lines of no more cheap buffets, even average restaurants on the strip have gotten way too pricey
This was an awesome video!!! It brought back so many memories of what Las Vegas used to be and the things I loved about it. The affordable buffets to the coffee shops with great quick meals and those free lounge singing acts were definitely amazing! Hopefully they can bring back some of them and bring back that Las Vegas magic! Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks Phil!
Went to vegas for the last Dead shows at sphere. Favorite place was Circa, NO KIDS! Thank you CIRCA!!!!!
Hi Chris. The Pirate show at TI was a great attraction and gone. Now the Mirage Volcano is gone.Gonna miss that Volcano. It really was a great attraction on the Strip. Thanks for sharing and take care.
Definitely miss the pirate show too!
Chris, you are the best Vegas vloggger! ❤
Aww. Thanks Bonnie!
Definitely miss the old-school Vegas charm!
You are so right Chris, i miss the old Vegas too. By the way, You are making great videos, always look forward to watch your videos every time i am on RUclips.
Thanks Chloe!
Are the Best Days Gone - Yes!
Hi Chris! I am so with you on all of these items you listed. I have been going to Vegas since the 1980's. What I feel has happened is that after the Pandemic, the corporations decided that they needed to make up for lost money/revenue! So you so a LOT of high prices without any perks or even just Basic Customer Service! And, since younger folks who didn't use to go to Vegas and know about the free shows, housekeeping, lower food prices and a host of other things; these CEO'S realized they could hike up the prices for Everything, and offer Less or simply nothing at all and still make massive profits! The young folks don't know what they are missing because they never had it, older travelers like myself know! Let's face it, the pandemic was only four years ago so not that long ago. But money is money and they are making it! CAB😜😜✈✈💰💰
Thanks CAB. Yes it feels like they've turned up the profit knob
I vote for Vegas' best days are behind. In videos of the crowds in Vegas in recent years, I don't see many people with a smile on their face. Not much genuine enjoyment but a lot of zombies walking around, though. I haven't been there in a very long time so maybe I'm not getting a fair picture.
Zombies want to eat your brains! argg
You are correct nor do you see alot of people carrying shopping bags meaning purchases are at a minimum!
I miss the Paris buffet! I loved the crepes and the Parisian village ambiance so much. And at a fair price, too!
I HIGHLY agree with the no kids part! That is a huge selling point for me!!!
The best years have been gone a long time.
Yes, I miss the MGM amusement park and live lions, Tropicana comedy club and Mirage volcano. With that said I am looking forward to the Hard Rock guitar, outdoor entertainment and all the concerts. There is nothing permanent in Vegas but change. Keep up the great content!
Amen, brother!
I remember a time when $18 for a buffet was considered way expensive, now you’ll be lucky to find a buffet that cheap!
And if you do find an $18 buffet it'll sure be garbage 😀
4:36 I miss the Planet Hollywood/Aladdin buffett
Such a great buffet!
Volcano was amazing!
I wonder whether a resort that bucks the trends and goes old school, providing all the good old stuff you talk about here, would stand out enough to really draw people in and set a good example for all the others.
Hard to say TrangleC... but I hope someone tries!
Thats why I try to support South Point resort as much as possible, but I understand that's hard for tourist to go to.
What about the treasure Island show the most amazing free show ever? What about heated swimming pools? All the pools now are freezing. And they all close early. Vegas is just for suckers now, but there seem to be plenty out there.
I definitely miss free shows! And yeah. I don't get the pools that close at 6pm
@@YellowProductionsThat's to make you spend more money on expensive shows and overpriced food. I grew up here, and I left but came back. It's not a good thing. Vegas is eating itself.
We are getting older and I can prove it: Just before the end you say "Thank you Circus Circus..."
Who can imagine that!!🤣🤣🤣
Haha
Silverton is an optimistic antidote- free show, player club gifts - good eats/drinks w stuff to look at - definitely agree w your take & vid
Same with South Point, best value buffet in Vegas
Thanks charlton
You are absolutely right, about everything!!!
You are so right, Chris! It is just sad.
Great video and all true. Wife and I use to go every year twice. Now we hang gone for 3 years and no plans at all to go at all
Chris, I miss old Vegas, too. Good points. It was fun to go places and go see sights not have to pay or pay a little bit. I hope they don't take away the M& M show.
All so true! It's part of the deliver less and charge more business model.😁
Maybe no themes will encourage people to travel overseas? My friends go to Vegas a lot. I tell them go to other places. Ceasars and the Venetian is not Italy. NYNY isn't NYC. Paris isn't... 😂
Deliver less and charge more.. indeed 😀
Yes. They are long gone.
Vegas stopped being loss leaders a long time ago sadly. But like you said, a simple diner style breakfast bar where you can get bacon, eggs, toast and coffee for like $12 would be nice, and frankly would not be a loss leader.
I noticed that post covid the resorts are really clamping down on the upgrades and such. The automated check ins are not only preventing that but also allowing them to not have to pay a living breathing person.
The old Inexpensive Las Vegas is long gone, it is quite profitable to price gouge visitors to Vegas.
I did notice that these same companies MGM, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock are transferring their inexpensive deals to Atlantic City. Hotel comps in Atlantic City are easy to get Sept to June, Sunday to Thursday. You do not have to gamble big at all in Atlantic City to get room comps and other comps. There is 3 to 2 blackjack at all of the Atlantic City casinos. There is no free parking in Atlantic city as mandated by New Jersey Government but it is around $10 and you can get a transfer and use it in another casino for parking. I am going to go to Atlantic City while this price gouging in Vegas goes on. Things are super cheap to go to Atlantic City as the casinos cannot afford to alienate anyone as they need the business.
AC is def closer to what Vegas used to be.
Corporate greed is absolutely taking LV over. Part of the problem is that record breaking profits (gaming/hotel/entertainment) are still ongoing and have been for 3 years now, so they are just taking advantage of ppl. I agree with everything you said. I especially don't like that apps are taking over the world, and buffets are leaving. Hopefully when the tourist numbers start to drop the corporate greed will as well.
it already took over, mgm practically owns a majority of the stake of casinos on the strip along with caesars entertainment.
To steal a quote from my dad who stopped going to Vegas 15 years ago, "The Mob had better customer service than these corporations do"
You struck a nerve with the coffee shop/breakfast thing. People think Vegas is a 24/7 town. It is as far as gambling goes, but try finding a sit down place for breakfast between 3-7am in the strip properties. It's next to impossible. As an east coaster that's three hours ahead, it's an annoyance.
You're absolutely right. Breakfast opens pretty late
Nice video, Chris! Love your channel! 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸
Thanks Randy!
My family member just came from there and they could not believe how expensive it was; plus the pressure to tip was too much for them.
I personally have had love/hate vacation experiences in Vegas. The thing that kept me going there was it's affordability but now that thing is of the past. I don't think I will be heading there any time soon. It used to also be my pit stop from CA to Grand Canyon, Zion but now I will just be staying outside Vegas.
Definitely best part in Vegas was the human check in, when you gave 50-100 USD at check in and you got upgraded to room which worth like 500 USD more than your booked room. This trick definitely not possible with this mobile checkin thing...
The California Hotel has coin slots.
Thanks for that tip.. I'll have to check it out next time!
That place has bomb hawaiian food
Vegas keeps growing. Revenue from gaming is way up. There will never be a shortage of zombies!
I've lived here for decades...have seen the changes slowly take place. Can't relate to a lot of what's mentioned, but yes, I would agree it's no longer cheap. Locals get discounts for most shows and attractions, but its still expensive. Oh, the Wynn still has a buffet ;-)
Oh man, been going to Vegas since my first trip in 1975. I totally miss the musical acts that would play in a lounge on the casino floor. Our favorite was a "fat Elvis" impersonator at the Riviera back around the late 90s-early 00s. Can't remember his name for the life of me but he was amazing. Almost every casino had something going on in a lounge that you could just walk in and see for free. Also, just miss a breakfast that didn't break the bank. Most casinos had a regularly priced coffee shop where you could get breakfast. We get "comped" at Wynn but good lord you can't get a breakfast for two people for under 80 when you put in a tip.
Agreed! And breakfast was "quick" and now it takes forever too
Are you thinking of Big Elvis? He still performs at Harrah's Piano Bar.
You're definitely right... I've been 6 times in the last 10 years from the UK and have noticed everything is getting more stingey...its like they're nickle and diming people in reverse by saving money here and there anyway they can, thus cheapening the experience for the guest.
I see Las Vegas, especially the strip and Freemont street, as an adult playground so the less family friendly the better.
In 1999, I used to cruise Sunset Blvd in Hollywood and it would take 1.5 hrs to go from the 405 to the 101. Then we’d stand in line for 1hr+ at Pinks for a smorgasbord of 3 hot dogs, fries and a drink for $25.
Doing rough math at $3.95 a hot dog with an average bill of $25 serving 60 people per hour is roughly $1,500 per hour.
Now, they’re asking $13.75 for the same hot dog.
Lines aren’t around the corner, and instead of 3; people are buying one sad hot dog & a drink for the same $25. At an average of 40 people per hour at an average bill of $35; it’s $1,400 per hour nearly 25 years later.
Corporate America should step back and see what people actually want and are willing to pay; supply & demand rather than Disney economics of “let’s see how much we can squeeze out of this tourist.”
I definitely miss the coin slot machines, but not enough to go to Circus Circus.
Great video! Love your channel!
Thanks BlueVon!
Things have changed with the GUESTS - kids don’t belong on the strip. Bad parents plop their kids near the casino while they gamble. On a recent slot channel video, a poor little girl repeatedly wailed “I don’t wanna BE here!”
Good to see your videos popping up on my utube recently. Like literally last week you reappeared on my algorithm thingy lol. Glad your still making videos.
Glad to be back in your feed Jimmy! 😀
The rio & the palms have free parking.
True true. Thanks for that
Spot on Chris, thanks! We have been going to Vegas once or twice a year since 1995, and love it. But since covid, we haven't stayed on the strip, and have no plans to do so. Too many off strip properties, offering way more for the money, without all the con games, to waste money on strip. We will continue to visit the strip of course, but hotel and restaurant dollars go elsewhere.
Thanks Joe for the concurrence
In the 70s, I went to two batchelor weekends in Las Vegas. Our groups had little money to spend (college students). We would get adjoining rooms at an inexpensive place like the Hacienda. We could gamble for $2 or $5 dollars a bet-- the buffets were inexpensive and great. There were steak and egg breakfasts for $4-6 . We could bet on horse racing at Race Books-- there was no such thing as legalized sports betting, We could walk from casino to casino without any problem. Parking was 100% free-- and the majority of people we would interact with were friendly.
Sounds like the good times!
Great video. I miss the sirens of TI show
Thanks Jodan! I miss the TI show too!
Chris, I just wanted to comment on your channel and your impeccable, nonsensical travel advice. This has nothing to do with Las Vegas, but I’ve been watching your videos for quite a while now, very informative compared to the RUclips travel videos by Josh Cahill, Nonstop Dan, featuring grievances about fingerprints on video monitors, and lacking amenity kits in business class.
Got a trip to Aitutaki on Air New Zealand in two weeks , have you ever been to the Cook Islands?
Thank you, redundantly, from Eugene, Oregon.
Thanks trucker! Cook Islands sounds like fun! But no. We haven't been yet
My last trip to Vegas in the early 2000's was when they charged me $5.00 more for a buffet on Friday night. That was the last straw for me. I remember when the RIO buffet first opened it was THE best in town. It was only $1.99 for the breakfast buffet. I remember getting cards in the mail from the Flamingo inviting me to come during the Xmas season and offering rooms some nights for $15.00 per night, except new years eve. Greed has now taken over Vegas; I don't go any more.
Gotta squeeze that value so "line go up". Someday, hopefully in our lifetimes this trend will come to a head and things will start to improve again.
Like your work Chris. Big fan of Vegas and I’m going in January.
I miss someone serving you coffee juice etc at the buffets.
Plaza's lighted valet area is now an outdoor bar.
Vegas 10-20 years ago was peak Vegas. Every year they take away things, or charge more, without adding anything. Florida has full casinos now with every table game, and are a better option (especially considering the 365 warm weather and beaches nearby). Plus for us east coasters to avoid the 5 hour flight.
I have been going to Las Vegas once or twice a year since the early 1980s. It used to be the best vacation/entertainment value. Now it is the worst. May 2023 was sadly the last time I will be visiting Las Vegas.
Its the overall atmosphere of the place that has changed, as well as all of the things you mentioned. I started going to Vegas in the mid 90's and despite not spending a ton of money felt like I was treated like royalty by the staff in the Hotels and Restaurants. Its much more of a people processing experience these days unless you are a really high roller. Its a much younger crowd now and therefore a lot of the focus is on what appeals to affluent mid 20's-30s types so there are more clubs and pool parties and celebrity culture restaurants. Everything is more expensive because people will pay those prices, without expecting amazing customer service in return.
To be honest, if you gamble you can still get decent deals on comps for rooms and Resort Credit, but they don't give the farm away like they used to. Also some things ARE better - no more porn slappers on the sidewalks and the LinQ Promenade and the Downtown area are a big improvement over what was there years ago.
The escalators were always breaking down 30 years ago too Chris, so that's one thing that hasn't changed.
You basically covered why I don't go there anymore, even though I have more money to spend than when I was younger. I wouldn't put it past the resorts to introduce pay toilets. The way to stop this looting of visitors is for visitors to say they've had enough and stop coming, but that isn't happening.
Resorts World should have kept with the asian theme…. It would have set them apart from all the other glass towers on the strip.
Agreed
I just cancelled my October Vegas trip due to the extreme pricing. Uber now cost $27-$50 each way, restaurant prices are insane, and everything is 3X the cost. Vegas is for rich people, expense reports, and first-timers now.
Just got home from Vegas and was kinda disappointed. I had fun because of the company but felt it was dull. Watching this video and you named all the things I’ve missed. I’ve been going to Vegas since I was 23 and I’m 41 now
We are coming to the USA in November and we have decided not to go to Vegas. This will be the first time we haven’t gone to Vegas but I feel for all the reasons you mentioned in your video is the reasons we don’t want to go. Instead we are going to Utah to see the canyons
Enjoy Utah!
Agreed with you, Chris!
I agree completely
It's just greed and they know they can get away with not providing all these cool free shows and cheap buffets. I still appreciate Vegas, but I kind of refuse to go unless I have a comp offer of some sort, (which is getting harder and harder to get, ESPECIALLY for weekends). Vegas has also shifted into a legit sports and entertainment destination outside of Cirque de Soleil. I have gone a few times without the intention of going to a sports/concert event, and honestly those times just seem a lot sadder because of all those things you mentioned. Expensive buffets, no family friendly entertainment(I don't even have kids, but its nice doing wholesome stuff), no free shows, and on top that, you're getting shafted with parking, resort fees, and taxes. Vegas used to be a nice VALUE destination, now if Im paying full price, I might as well look at other cities to visit. Vegas isn't THAT great. Its nice, but it's ego has gotten too big lmao. We have to speak with our wallets and stop over-glorifying the place.
I missed some of the glory days, since I didn't go to LV even once 1986-2012. Since I started going again in 2012, I can see some bad trends--the non-daily housekeeping, the lack of themes in casinos (more than once I've had to work to figure out where I was), the repetitive piped-in music, the demise of decent buffets, the nickel-and-diming. I went at least once a year 2012-2022, but haven't been back in over a year, as it's just not as much fun.
From a high class luxery getaway in the desert (Sin City) to a vacation destination for the family (Theme Park Vegas) and now back to what Vegas was. I get it. A higher value customer who isn't going to puke in the Bellagio gardens, skinny dip in the Canals, and then start a brawl on the Luxor floor. A level of customer who is recession proof.
I miss 3:2 Blackjack and Single zero roulette!
Excalibur's moving walkway is operation for a little while now.
Point #15 I've heard this thing from Disney as well where tourist destinations have gotten away from low budget cheaper options of breakfast and foods like the coffee shops which would be associated with a more frequent traveler who would come to Vegas often either 4x a year or more and have made the switch to people who come like once a year because the person or people who go once a year tend to spend more and at a higher price points then someone who comes 4x a year but it essence it makes it more pricey and less bang for your buck overall
Makes sense... unfortunate for us frequent visitors though
Great video thanks
We keep buying stuff we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people who don’t care.
I miss the moving walkways from the sidewalk into Caesars. The original MGM before the fire, then in the MGM 2, I miss the Wizard Of Oz theme and the wicked witch’s scream early in the morning.
Coin slots are gone from almost every casino in the U.S. It's not just a Vegas thing. Same with the buffets. They were already going away across he country, but the pandemic accelerated that trend. I definitely miss the themed hotels and the free entertainment. The Pirate show at Treasure Island was one of the best.
I used to go to Vegas because it was the I only adult place to go without kids. It was great. Not anymore. Add on all the other corporate greed, poor service,increase in crime etc I don’t go anymore. 9:28
Free Parking are only for Guests staying at Treasure Island, now...the last time I was in Vegas, I pulled in and was told it is no longer free to non guests.
Bummer. Thanks for the update
Same thing happened to me.
Slots of fun & El Cortez have coin in machines 👍🤠. No one took kids to Vegas in the 1970s. A few casinos doing it is great 👍. Circus circus is still there. I miss the old coupon books (free shirts, shot glass & deck of cards). Ellis island offers the 10$ steak & eggs and 5$ craps👍. I refuse to pay resort fees ever or for a room. My gambling should take care of that 👍😉
I saw a recent vid on the Sphere right now losing millions of $$ per month. In turn, gambling has been the life blood of Vegas casinos, old time & otherwise. So if more visitors are going to Vegas just to be in Vegas (& not for gambling---then for what? the desert heat?), then the revenue stream has been reduced.
I agree with almost everything said!
Yes.
The 80's and 90's I think were way better than today's Vegas. The people from 60's and 70's would probably say the same about their time.
You can't have the good cheap buffets anymore because the casinos are no longer in competition with each other; the industry works as an oligopoly. Why undercut each other with valued lead ins for the customer when they as an industry whole can all just jack up prices on a semi-captive customer base. There is only the rare exception to this.
Great point
Give more get more. I only play were I get great comps if not I dont step a foot in.
I miss Vegas period 😢
Southpoint has a buffet and a coffee shop and a gift when you get a players card
Glad to see there's still some classic Vegas left
Based on this review, I think I'll give Vegas a wide berth... I'm sure there are plenty of fun places to go in the US that won't cost me the GDP of a small nation to visit
Can you do a video of things to do with kids in Vegas? Thanks so much! 😊
It's on my list Hannah. Thanks for the suggestion