Visitreno

[RenoLady]

This weekend was some mixed bag of experiences, starting off stressful, continuing with frustrating and scary and finally ending well. Let me tell you about it:

R and I are new to Harrah’s comp system. I made platinum in Tahoe this year, and have been receiving great offers, two of which ended up in upgrades to suites fully comped. A couple of months ago I booked Harrah’s for 4 nights comped in Tahoe over Thanksgiving

We left Davis around 12:30 PM on Wednesday, before Thanksgiving. Our first stop was Fresh Pond on 50 HWY. A nice pit stop with clean facilities, a deli and cute gift shop. Up to this point it had been raining, and by the snow park at the top, it was snowing. It was too warm to stick, so no worries. Thank God, as that corner rounding the cliff, staring at the lake ahead and the immediate drop below is a nail biter. The broken guardrails, temporarily” replaced with sand bags, horrifies me as it tells me someone went through the guardrail when it was metal and solid, and now I only have sand standing between me and death.

We made it past the sand, and were soon checking into Harrah’s. I was excited, hoping for another upgrade and was surprised when not only was there no upgrade, but the paperwork she pushed my way said my balance was $269 for our last night, Saturday. I told the reservationist that my 4 nights were fully comped. She told me only the first 3 were comped and that the last night was $269. I retrieved the email they sent me showing a 0 balance. She looked puzzled, I suggested a manager, and she was gone for 12 minutes.

The supervisor insisted I owed the $269. Now I’m holding the paperwork THEY sent me showing $0, he claims that is only for the first night. Wrong. It shows the 4 day period, with a total owed of $0. The mailer they sent me with coupons attached for cash, also have a calendar of room charges, it shows Saturday for $40, IF I would have booked it the week before, instead of the months before as I had. Where the $269 comes from would be some rack rate for late arrivals maybe.

The stupidity of the whole thing made me mad, so I pulled my lawyer card, I don’t do this very much, as I don’t practice law anymore and hated it when I did (I liked waitressing in the Reno casinos more than the daytime legal intern work I did out of law school). I told him I was right, my paperwork was clear on its face, and I was NOT paying for the last night! I wanted to see the casino manager. Instead I get “Stefan”, the hotel manager, who looked about 30 years old and came out telling me I was comped for the first 3 nights but WAS paying $269 for the last night. No, I was not. I had the confirmation THEY sent me showing $0. He tried to tell me that only represented the first night. No, I currently have about 10 Harrah’s confirmations in my inbox at Yahoo, and they ALL reflect the total cost of the trip. The Vegas ones have money owed, and reflect that, regardless of what the first night is. I stared him down, I am scary in this state, and made clear we were going for his boss next. He finally said he would comp the last night, but sneered almost in the act. I hated him.

We made our way to the room, heads drooping, shoulders slumped, the joy kicked out of us. It wasn’t so much the extra money, but the ugliness of it all. I asked him how we could possibly trust Harrah’s anymore with reservations/confirmations. What are they going to pull on me when I get to Vegas later this month for our 8 day stay? Oh, we’ve decided to charge you double each night, and more on the comped nights, regardless of what paperwork you have showing differently?

We tried to shake it off, we half way succeeded with the help of some alcohol, and headed out to play. It was dead. It didn’t help our play though, we lost at everything we did, bad mojo all around. We talked to locals, they told us of Embassy informing their staff if they wanted their jobs, they were now making $8 an hour; of Heavenly sending their workers home because there was no snow, so no skiers, therefore, no work; of bartender’s working the bar AND the floor, due to staff cuts (Bill’s). Rather than getting away from the bad economy and just enjoying the mini-vacation, we were more aware of it than ever. We felt terrible for the workers, we had both been employees of casinos, and raised our tips all around. We were back to the room by 10 PM.

The next day was more of the same, so we found ourselves back in the room by 3 PM, watching a movie. We had plans for the Forest buffet for Thanksgiving dinner, and just wanted to chill until then. Around 7 PM, we found ourselves walking past the 2 hour wait, heading straight to the cashier, as the Platinum sign directed us to. She barely glanced at our card, stamped our receipt with “Diamond” and signaled for help. Man, they were all over us, “Diamond!” they yelled, I asked for a window, they said that’s the only place they seat Diamond players, and led us to a table with “Reserved” on it, next to the window. Now I don’t know if they stamp on Platinum/Diamond/Seven Stars with the word Diamond, the girl miss-read our card, or she was giving us a gift, guess we’ll find out next time. Anyway, it was pretty special, and we were smiling once again. Well, for a little while, because as we returned to our seat with our dinner, I noticed the lady sitting at the next table was dead. Yes, dead.

I went for security, they had already been called. When I came back I watched to see if anyone was trying to revive her. She was still sitting up in her chair, slightly slouched, eyes fixed and dilated, not appearing to breathe. Her husband was yelling her name, slapping her face, and then gave her breaths. She stirred. The EMT’s had arrived, as well as more security and they hooked her up with oxygen and off she went. I returned to my food, but now had little appetite. We didn’t eat much and left pretty quick. We put the check on our room, to be comped later anyway. Good thing, it was over $60. We didn’t think it was very good, but who are we to judge after all that? We may try it again.

After dinner we continued to lose. Were we losing because we were making bad choices? The karma was bad? We were in Tahoe? We gave up early again, knowing we would be in Reno the next day. We had some coupons and slot play, we also wanted to shop at JC Penney Outlet on Black Friday, so off to Reno we went.

We had to drive to Carson to get to Reno, so planned on stopping at Fandango to use a $15 restaurant comp. This short 25 minute drive is at high altitude. It’s also icy even when it’s over 32 degrees. Not everyone realizes that I suppose, as we passed 3 accidents that left 3 cars totaled. No one was seriously hurt, but once again gave us pause on how 3 families Thanksgivings were now in the crapper. Okay, don’t stop reading, this is going to get better, we’re heading to Reno after all!

Breakfast at Fandango was awesome! Huge amounts of food that tasted good. I’m always amused when folks say the food sucked- but at least gave you a lot of it? We played a little, lost a little and headed to the outlet. Last year we did most of our Christmas shopping here, this year, not so much. They had a few good cheapy deals, but mostly junk. It wasn’t busy either. We watched the news later about how there were folks camping out over night to be the first in line all over Reno. This is in freezing temperatures too. Funny how peoples take is different on this. The newscasters were pimping for the retailers and said how good this was, to me it looked little different than the bread lines are grandparents told us of. After shopping, we went to Bonanza’s for $7 in free slot play each, yup, $7: $5 from a mailer, $2 on our card in points. Don’t laugh, this was the most fun we had so far this trip.

We bellied up to the cool bar, the place really looks nice. They had Sierra Pale ale ON TAP! Harrah’s/Harvey’s has gotten rid of Sierra and Sam’s, they now have no interesting beers. Now I got this delicious cool one from a friendly bartender + one more, while playing, get this, single line 5 cent video poker. Yes, it’s short pay, but I’m playing 25 cents a pull and sucking down delicious beer! After two hours, several 4 OAK’s we leave even, well, not counting the full tummies of beer which put us way ahead as losing was all we had done up till now.

We went downtown to pick up $15 in cash at Harrah’s, R had a coupon. We didn’t play, but walked over to Fitz’s for a last look. Shouldn’t have done it, made us sad. We have laughed at how there is no sign anywhere to say they are closing. The dude is still standing out there handing out the coupons to go sign up for the best player’s club! People are earnestly playing away, even their web site mentions it nowhere except on the press page. This was 2 days before closing! We shared some stories, looked for familiar faces (there were none-hopefully they all found jobs!) and split.

We had $10 in slot play at Atlantis, so that was our next stop. Our usual triple play quarter machines had been moved a little, things like that bug people. It was still close to the bar, so I was okay, but we heard from others, particularly, this high roller playing 10 play, max play, all quarters. Yup, that’s $12.50 a pull. Now I play 50 cents, one at a time-the first line only. R plays 25 cents, 4 of them, which amounts to two on the bottom, one on the next two. It works for us. We have taken out hundreds doing this, really. Well today, nothing going, we moved around, couldn’t get a drink, and ended up back at the same machines, hoping for a glass of wine to take up to the oyster bar, our dinner of choice that evening. (I got an $11 comp, high rollers, eh?) What is it about losing and not getting a drink that go together? Or is it that you just notice the losses more when you’re not drinking?

Our high roller lady is still at it, the host is all over her, the cocktail waitress is all over her, pretty impressive. Then it happens, I get four 3’s with a kicker, for $200. She notices, gives me a lecture on only playing loaded, and how much I would have won had I have done that. She is clueless to the reality that I would have had about 3 pulls if it were loaded, and NEVER have gotten to this pull. Then R hits four 2’s on bottom, another lecture, I hit another 4 OAK, R hits 4 aces, on aces poker for another $200. She sees all this in about a ½ hour. She threatens to pinch us, so we quit saying anything when we’re on, or if we hit, quickly stifling our joy and hitting the draw button. I got 4 aces and quickly covered it. We were really scared of her. I think we might have died had she seen them all. When we were $550 up, we went to dinner in the Oyster bar.

Damn that is some good seafood! We are now in our happy place, good food, good music, winning games, nice buzz going, we drive back to Tahoe (it really takes an hour), and go straight to our room, no messing with this day in Tahoe.

The next morning we eat breakfast in the café at Harvey’s, okay food, good service. We play 50 play penny video poker ($2.50 a pull), stay even amass points on R’s card so he can be platinum in his own right (Vegas sends him offers, so maybe they’ll get better?) and leave even. Hey! This is a win in Tahoe! We leave to hike around Taylor Creek, well actually we didn’t intend to hike. R found this place while surfing for salmon info. Apparently this area has salmon from the lake that come up to spawn, turning the creek red. R had to see that! It’s 60 and sunny and I’m game. Close to Camp Richardson on 89, we park along with everyone else, and walk where they’re walking. I ask one couple if they saw any fish, he says yes but they were sleeping. I said that’s okay, I’d throw a rock at them. They didn’t laugh, I forgot I was in Tahoe, home to yuppies and traveling yuppies.

We continue walking, realizing that we both need to go to the bathroom. R and I are perfectly matched in bladder size, we each have about an hour window away from facilities. Less when you add the bloody mary, coffee and water we each had before coming here. After about a mile, we spy the educational building and bathrooms. Ah-oh, closed. It’s not good to think you get to go the bathroom, only to realize it’s not happening. It’s kind of a letdown in more ways than one. We can see the lake and creek, and don’t want to head back, but the pain is becoming unbearable. The beautiful scenery and luscious smells, as we trampled through the forest, merely remind us that we are away from civilization and bathrooms. R looks toward the trees longingly, I hate his maleness and ease of obtaining release. He knows he should not leave me in my state and relieve his own. I feel sorry for him, than step up to the plate….

…if I had some tissue, I might be able to go in the trees….Cha-ching! Out comes some Kleenex from his pocket, he grabs my hand and we bound into the forest, really, we bounded. I said we have to go deep into the forest, sure that no one will come upon us. We did, no one came by, life is good again. Back on the trail, lighter in our step, we find the creek, see one live salmon, small, and feel good about it. We turn back, take some wrong trails, and eventually find the creek they spoke of, right off the highway, a few hundred yards from where we parked. Oh well, it was an adventure of about 4 miles and a story for you.

After the “hike” we had planned on seeing the new Bond film. On the way to movies, I had my face hanging out of the window, pointing up to the sun, enjoying the beautiful day. It was 1:30, sunny in the 60’s and there was no way I could go inside right then. Change of plans! Off to Zephr Cove for more sun and maybe a beer. Sadly, the outside pub was closed, but the sun was open and we enjoyed the moment. We found our beer at Lakeside, Sierra AND Sam’s on tap, and were appeased. No winning here, so down the street we went for more free play. Montbleu has a cool casino, and a bar with a fireplace. We played/lost and went back to Harrah’s for some dinner. We got a calzone at their Italian eatery, $6.99, and I designed it myself. Delicious, who would have thought?

This is our last night, we spent it back at Harvey’s playing the 50 play penny video poker, losing our allotted money and calling it a night at 8 PM. We left early the next morning, wanting to stop at Apple Hill for our Christmas tree before the crowds. This was the first time we stayed in Tahoe for so long. I don’t know if I could only stay in Tahoe again that long. I enjoyed my day in Reno, the winning sure didn’t hurt there. I’m still upset about the reservation thing, and may have to write a letter to some higher ups, they need to explain to me how I can ever have confidence in any reservation and follow up paperwork I receive from them.

Next trip is Vegas over NYE. R’s mom is coming to visit in January, and we always fly her back home out of Reno, so that will be the next Reno trip.

[JD]

Now THAT'S what I call a trip report !!

I've been present when someone passed out, but DEAD?

And I loved the image at the check in desk.

I've always come back with, "Gee, if you'll cheat me out of one nights stay, what will you do when I win a $ 20,000 jackpot, take me out and dump my body in the desert?"

[hawk]

Wow, RLady, great report. I loved it. Thanks for taking the time!!!

"I hate his maleness and ease of obtaining release. He knows he should not leave me in my state and relieve his own."
How often have I heard this!!!!!!

[hawk]

"Cha-ching! Out comes some Kleenex from his pocket, he grabs my hand and we bound into the forest"

Man, how much more poetic can one get?
Really R, I loved your entire report. I still detest Tahoe but enjoyed hearing about your experiences.

I once thought that JD was dead beside me at the bar. But I found out that he was simply meditating as to whether to order a double or a triple JD on the Rocks when his slimey pal next came down the bar.
(at the time, I was unaware that his bartender pal was always "packing".)

So, when do we hear the real story on that, JD???????

[CaSwede]

Nice report with a few good laughs. I missed you at Lake Tahoe by a couple of days.

Getting in a fight at check in is not a good way to start a trip-- just puts you in a bad mood.

Did you ever find out what the dead lady had just consumed from the buffet line? I think that would be it for me.

Next time forget the tissue..... drip dry works just fine.

[hawk]

"drip dry works just fine."


Whew!!!!!!!
Not if you are sitting or standing next to the drip-dry person later.

[john]

Great report, RL! It was almost like being there. Good job on standing up to Harrah's!

[mommy2boys]

I'm sorry about your trip starting out crappy, but at least it ended on a good note.

Erin

[hawk]

My last trip, I had a coupon for two free breakfast buffets at the Eldo. It clearly stated "free" and was good Sun thru Thur.

We waited in line on Sun morn, got to the cashier and she demanded $6 more. I refused, refused, refused. She wouldn't break. I asked for her supervisor while the line behind me grew.
The supervisor was equally demanding. She replied, "but sir I am HONORING the coupon. You just have to pay the difference".
On and on we went, with me insisting that she honor the mailer.
She said it doesn't fully cover Sunday breakfast. I said it did. Finally, I said, "ok, then where is the free Sunday breakfast buffet that I was offered. I'll just have that".

I heard the same old tired response. Hey, I know she wants to increase her profit line as much as possible but right is right. I am a person who stands on principles.
Finally she relented. I wore her down and we enjoyed a free breakfast.

Would I go through this again. No. Not worth it. But I refused to back down. I think I was right.

No more Mr. Nice Guy, I guess. I certainlly wasn't in HER EYES.

[RenoLady]

R asks me to send him my trip reports before posting, never sure why, but this time, he asked did I have to go on and on about the peeing in the woods part? I told him I thought that was the best part. I didn't notice the double meaning of my prose until you all pointed it out , oh well, it would have stayed anyway, makes it more interesting....

I DID give pause to my plate in front of me while the poor soul was being wheeled out; was it the altitude? booze? sushi? She didn't look over 48.

You know, I'm still pissed about the Harrah's front desk. I wrote 3 letters yesterday, attaching the confirmation showing $0. I'm sending them to the CEO of Harrah's, head marketing guy, and the head of the Tahoe Harrah's. Like you said Hawk, right is right. Why send this crap out and not honor it? Especially now when they are all fighting for the few gambling dollars out there. I really don't know if I'll go back to Harrah's Tahoe.

[garyandsharon]

I really enjoyed reading your report. We will be in Reno Saturday. I was kicking around the idea of heading to Tahoe to play. Nah! not now. We will stick with the Reno area. Maybe go to Sparks. What are your thoughts on going to Sparks and where would you recommend we play?
By the way I always have tissues with me. heehee
Thanks
Sharon

[RenoLady]

You're a trooper Sharon, I may keep the kleenex handy too from now on....

We enjoyed Reno more than Tahoe, on many levels, so may keep the Tahoe visits to one-nighters, and try the Reno Harrah's since our Fitz connection is gone.

It's been years since we've been to Sparks, so can't recommend any place there. We used to like Silver Club. They had good meal deals, full pay machines and a laid back atmosphere, but I've heard they are closing. My first nickle royal took place at the Nugget there, but they seemed to have higher limit machines then was our comfort zone at the time.

You got me curious now, I think it's time to check it out again.

[stan_allen]

Wow! What a report - it's got everything!

You and your Mr. are low-rollers after my own heart, and now that you've shown me how it's done, I'm sure I can come up with a more comprehensive report next time - the devil's in the details, as they say, and we all know that the Devil has the best marketing materials.

Thanks - that was riveting!

[alison]

Great trip reoprt. You have me worried now though about staying at Harveys. We have 3 nights comped booked for our next trip. I dont want to run into that situation. What a pain.

[hawk]

Yeah, don't sweat it. You can always stay with me and your husband can stay with John.