Las Vegas was a different world when Nevada was a red state, with Barbara Vucanovich in the House and Paul Laxalt and Chick Hecht in the Senate. Lodging was inexpensive, coupons for free poker chips were available everywhere, steak dinners and buffets could be had for a few dollars, and parking fees at casinos were unheard of.
We had a 99 cent breakfast afterwards. It was complete, 2 eggs, hash browns bacon toast and coffee. I don't think they even knew what a croissant was there, at the time.
We've gone back many times but quit two years ago, even though it is a short drive. The place just screams fake and plastic now, overpriced and over rated.
I can remember 99cent steak breakfast, all you can eat buffets for $10, and dinners for $15.
This is only 10 years ago.
It got so expensive when entertainers demanded higher compensation and when Las Vegas became like Disneyland and people no longer had to be enticed with low cost shows, buffets and hotel rooms. When people are begging you to take their money you get get away with raping their wallets, oh they’ll bitch and moan but go right back again with a smile.
When the mafia ran Vegas they kept prices low knowing they could skim 2% of the profits and make an absolute killing. And they kept the place free of riff raff and crime. Now that casinos are corporate run, it’s all about gouging and nickle and diming the customers...and they don’t care about the riff raff on the dirty streets outside.
Greed will do that to people.
I read that investors that control a lot of casinos now just want quick money so the charge more and give less. They have no intention of keeping customers happy and coming back to Vegas on a regular basis. That being said I’ve never done much research into this topic.
I remember $29 flights to Vegas. At the card tables, as long as you kept playing, the scotch & soda was no cost. I never enjoyed hours at the slot machines, but there also, as long as you fed the machine, no cost drinks.
When I was at the black jack tables, and some idiot was getting really sloshed, I moved to a different table.
One time, I had three 21 blackjack winners in a row. They immediately changed dealers, and several supervisors appeared. I simply smiled and said “I don’t blame you, but today, I’m just lucky.” Nobody smiled back.
My opinion (and - full disclosure - I hate Las Vegas) - but, that having been said, there may be an oversupply problem.
I mean, the supply of potential tourists is limited. I don’t know how many people who go there once, never go back, but them, plus people who would never go there, is a big number.
Looks to me like LV has been through a building boom - but the market for losing your money and whores has a natural limit.
Maybe the limit has been reached.
We went about 20 years ago as a “bucket list” item - wanted to see the Vegas of the “Rat Pack” days but the only vestiges - even way back then - were Downtown, the Flamingo, Trop, and Circus Circus.
And Ellis Island still had the cheap steak-and-eggs breakfasts
Hated all the faux-fancy that’s taken over. Have no desire to return.
I used to attend the COMDEX computer show every fall. I stayed at the Vegas Hotel (about 100 yards from the 4-Queens downtown) for $18 a night. It was a dump, but virtually free. The Rio was new and had the best buffet. Then they built the Bellagio and they raised the heck out of buffet prices but upped the quality to excellent. When those prices went way up, I started staying out in Jean.
For the last few yrs hubby and I have been getting offers for a Bellagio suite for 4 nights with $400 in free play, a $250 dollar food credit, no resort fees, and free parking. We took them up on their generous offer the last 2 yrs but not sure if we can go this yr. Now if the casino could only be as generous, our stay would be perfect. 🤣
Vegas is in a RE buyers market now.....
Vegas increased Inventory:
.
The number of homes available for sale in Las Vegas has been increasing, signaling a potential shift away from the seller’s market conditions seen in previous years.
The months of available inventory in Las Vegas has risen, suggesting a shift towards a more balanced market where buyers have more negotiating power and potentially longer days on the market for sellers.
Anybody who used to go to Vegas back in the 50s and 60s would be a fool to go there today. IMHO, Vegas is a sewer compared to what it used to be.
Prices go up, everywhere Big Money shows up. 2005 in San Diego, $250 per night at waterfront - because the U.S. government was paying for the rooms. Universities also paying for their sports teams and “leaders.”
So it’s Trump’s fault. Got it.
Was just there for UFC 317. $45 for three 16oz beers. Lunch for three consisting of burgers and fries - $75. Buffet-$75 EACH!!!
Nothing to do with Trump. Yes, Vegas has become VERY expensive. We stopped at Eataly in the Park MGM - very expensive. You used to be able to park in Vegas at the casinos for fee - NOPE, not any more.