Las Vegas has never been my favorite vacation spot, but my short trip in June just as things were opening up after the pandemic, cinched it for me. I was there for a few days with family, and here's what I surmised.
It's more trouble than it's worth! Everything you do requires preplanning, and even then, things are likely to go awry. Let's start with check in. I arrived in the early afternoon at Mandalay Bay. The line at the front desk was about 20 people long, with one person checking people in. I was told the wait time was about 1hour 15 minutes!!! Not acceptable. Instead, I could download the MGM app on my phone and check in that way. That only took me about 10 minutes. My room key was a QR code (like menus) on my phone. It was ok, except for the fact that every time you got in the elevator you had to scan your phone to get to the proper phone. Several times internet service was sketchy and it wouldn't work. Then you either wait for service to come back, or walk all the way to the front key and get a key card.
Service everywhere was slow. There were not enough workers. Many restaurants and stores in the hotel were not open. There was no entertainment. Usually as you walk through the casino you hear a singer or a band at a lounge. Not now. Many gaming tables were not open. I would ask where to get something, someone would tell me, and when I got there the place I went to was not open. Very frustrating.
At the pool, there was a QR code on every lounge chair to order pool service. The only problem was it didn't work, and you had to walk to the snack bar, far away, and carry back food. $34 for a tall pina colada? Are they kidding? If you want to use an inner tube to go down "lazy river" at the pool, you have to purchase a $28 tube. You cannot just rent the tube for the day.
Prices are sky high. Breakfast for three was $100. Starbucks prices in the hotel were about double, and that was cheap. $8.50 for a milk shake at Johnny Rockets. There is now a charge for all parking, which is new. $15 for self parking, $26 for valet. This is a big change, and really adds up.
I heard but cannot confirm that when entertainment returns, tickets will start at around $400 for concerts. For these prices I will stay close to home and visit one of the many wonderful Indian casinos we have. Great entertainment, friendly service, fair prices.
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