[sheriff]

Originally Posted by SoCal78

Vegas isn't a cost effective destination any more, thanks to the Indian Gaming Casino's that have sprawled all throughout the state. When that had took place, Vegas went down hill and they had to raise rates to make up for their loss of income. 40% of LV's tourism annually are Californians. And to this day because of the Indian Gaming industry, LV is still afftected by income loss. It's sad that Vegas no longer has low cost family bargain vacationing any more. Adios to $ 5.00 Buffet's and $ 15 - $ 20.00 a night Hotel rooms. Vegas lost a lot of traditional spirit and culture when it had jumped on the corporate ladder and went to shocking outrageous prices for everything.

I met a father-son pair on Thursday---had stopped in the Forum Shops and purchased one scoop strawberry sorbet in a cup at an ice cream parlor there---- are you sitting down--- $26.93. I didn't believe them, but they showed me the receipt.

[AA702]

Originally Posted by sheriff

I met a father-son pair on Thursday---had stopped in the Forum Shops and purchased one scoop strawberry sorbet in a cup at an ice cream parlor there---- are you sitting down--- $26.93. I didn't believe them, but they showed me the receipt.

for what? Ice Cream? Thats crazy! I remember the last time I went with a family to Disneyland (last year) I couldn't belive how much they were charging people for food and water!

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by sheriff

I met a father-son pair on Thursday---had stopped in the Forum Shops and purchased one scoop strawberry sorbet in a cup at an ice cream parlor there---- are you sitting down--- $26.93. I didn't believe them, but they showed me the receipt.

At a rock concert in the MGM Grand they charge $7.00 for a small 6oz bottle of water. And Im sure it is drinking water and not spring water. Oh MGM puts their own label on the bottles.

If they catch you bringing your own bottle of water they threaten to throw you out or drop your water in the trash.

[SoCal78]

Any sporting, concert or entertainment event and including all movie theatres are an arm and a leg. Every single baseball and football game at a stadium or any amusement park in Southern California is no different from the prices in LV. And it's like that in every city and state when it comes to events. The price doesn't change. It costed my wife and I $ 25.00 for 2 popcorns and 2 large sodas and 2 candy bars at a Regal movie theatre. Ans dont forget $ 10.00 an adult to get in for admission. $ 45.00 for 2 people to watch 1 movie and have a bucket of popcorn with a snickers and a soda.

[sheri257]

Well ... I have to agree there may be a problem. I was watching a show where a guy from the LV tourism bureau was saying he was worried that Vegas was becoming too much of a hassle ... that the city couldn't reasonably accomodate all of the tourist traffic.

Last time I was there, I have to agree. You do have to fight crowds pretty much everywhere you go. And I get tired of feeling like I'm being ripped off all the time ... even if you don't gamble. I paid for a premium room at the Bellagio and they wanted to charge me additional fees just for using the gym. It was like ... huh?

After awhile ... it does kinda take the fun out of your vacation. Everybody's trying to rip you off everywhere you turn. Not unusual for a tourist trap, of course, but it does get old after awhile.

[sheri257]

Originally Posted by SoCal78

Any sporting, concert or entertainment event and including all movie theatres are an arm and a leg. Every single baseball and football game at a stadium or any amusement park in Southern California is no different from the prices in LV.

True but, at least I would save some gas money by being ripped off in SoCal instead ... LOL.

[LIS123]

Originally Posted by AAPoolServiceLV

I think someone mentioned a lot of rich people from Europe and Asia that have been spending a lot of money here in Vegas. I'll have to research that more.

I can absolutely believe that this is true. That said, the middle income (usually American) tourist is VERY important to Vegas and its hospitality-based economy. Of course, LV will get rick folk from all over who come in and spend like crazy (esp in light of the weak $$), but the run-of-the-mill American tourist still plays a major role. It seems as if these people are already starting to be alienated. As other posts have mentioned, prices are so high. Many times, the actual dollar amount of a certain product or service is as high or higher in Vegas than NYC. If the price is the same, I feel as though I'm being ripped off more in Vegas than NYC as the cost of doing business in NYC is super high. Vegas (esp The Strip) is high as well, but there's just a bad feeling when one pays $7 for a water bottle as mentioned.

[olecapt]

Note that the hotel occupancy rates and prices are pretty indicative that they know what they are doing. Basically the town is sold out.

CES or similar may have enough leverage to swing a deal...we will see. But it does appear the strip has it down to a science.

It needs the new properties to maintain growth. The biggest problem appears to be getting the bodies in and out.

[sheri257]

On the other hand ... the recession might correct the situation. In 2001-2002 when the economy tanked and things were really slow ... there were great hotel deals, etc. to be had in Vegas.

It probably brought a lot of people back. The same thing could happen this time.

[SoCal78]

Originally Posted by sheri257

True but, at least I would save some gas money by being ripped off in SoCal instead ... LOL.

Not really much of a difference and hasn't been for the last 5 yrs with So.Cal and Vegas gas prices. Pretty much the same and usually equal out.