Vegas is open — June 2020 — Initial Thoughts
Original “Vegas Is Open” Article
[UPDATED] Vegas is open again, but is it worth the visit? – (Includes THE LATEST!)
Vegas Is Open – Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Original “Vegas Is Open” Article
[UPDATED] Vegas is open again, but is it worth the visit? – (Includes THE LATEST!)
This is a continuation of that article,
with many details specific to the opening of Las Vegas in June 2020
Caesars – Poisoned by Cost-Cutting
(Continued from Vegas is open again, but is it worth the visit?) We will never be certain if Livia really poisoned Augustus, but for sure it became clearly evident quite quickly that Caesars Entertainment has “poisoned” The Augustus Tower and the entire casino resort complex by cost-cutting.
While checking in we found out about the new procedures during the reopening. This included:
- No Housekeeping Services
- No Room Service
- No Valet Parking (Update 23 June – It has been reported there is now valet for certain guests.)
Were these changes for our health and safety? Or were these changes really the #CovidExcuse disguised as cost-cutting? If these items were truly health and safety items, why are other “luxury” properties able to figure out safe solutions. Why does delivering room service and leaving outside a door pose a risk to hotel guests?
While the only people who believe Caesars Palace is a 5-star luxury property is Caesars Entertainment, how are other properties dealing with their reopening?
In comparison, Wynn Las Vegas is offering all of the services in a “COVID-Friendly” way. For example, Wynn Las Vegas offers all of the services which Caesars Palace Las Vegas has discontinued for “our safety.” Further, Wynn Las Vegas even offers Turn Down Service on request.
Caesars Health and Safety Protocols outlines these procedures. You’ll quickly notice some of the most important points that impact a visitors guest experience.
- Team members, including guest room attendants, will not enter occupied rooms.
- Guest deliveries will be dropped off outside the guest room door.
We are being told these procedures are for our safety. But, it’s questionable whether that is really the case. Is looking to reduce housekeeping and labor expenses the ultimate goal, not guest safety?
“Gambling” with your safety
Safety protocols are developed to keep guest safe. In this case, dealing with significant guest safety challenges due to COVID-19. I noted many times when these policies were directly violated. These violations of Caesars Policy included:
- Enter my room to deliver ash-trays, even though I was told that they would have to be left outside the room.
- Delivery of towels and other guest items (note: there is no housekeeping service) which required the physical entry of an employee.
- Delivery of a package, which also required that I be in the room and directly receive the package from the staff member.
- Housekeeping entering the room at approximately 10:30 AM on the day of check-out even though it was prior to normal check-out and the room had already been assigned a late check-out of 2:00 PM.
In a number of tweets I brought up many of these issues, in addition, the cornerstone of the policy is supposed to be cleaning. The property had been closed since March. Did Caesars “really” clean these rooms to an improved standard? Considering the amount of noticeable dust and dirt, it would be hard to come to that conclusion.
Then you had numerous other items such as a phone system that was not operating at the property. The was even acknowledged by the executive assistant of the VP of Hotel Operations for Caesars Entertainment.
If Cost Savings NOT Health and Safety
Maybe That Explains Things?
The door lock issue was the worst. Since the door would “trick” you into thinking it closed when it was really left open. Further, my biggest concern where the claims made by Caesars with regard to COVID-19 safety and employees not maintaining a contactless environment. It seems Caesars is not particularly concerned. But, why would Caesars NOT be concerned with being compliant with their out health and safety protocols? Could it be, some of these protocols were for cost-saving and not guest safety?
In any event, if you say something is for a guest’s safety, the guest should have an expectation that you will follow these protocols. I reached out to Caesars via twitter and also had a follow-up call from the office of the Vice President of Hotel Operations for Caesars Entertainment. I can only assume this person is Stephanie Richter, but surprisingly the executive assistant would not give the name of his boss.
This assistant agreed there were significant issues and they would be addressed. I tried to follow up again, and they have refused to discuss any of these issues. Instead, I was given an offer for a “future” three-night luxury hotel stay by the Senior Director of Hotel Operations – Caesars Palace.
I Wanted Clarity – NOT a “freebie”
Since my intention was to understand the policies and a “free” Caesars stay was the last thing I wanted, I quickly declined the offer and asked and made clear I wanted to understand these health and safety issues, issues that were part of Caesars Protocols.
Wynn Las Vegas – An Oasis of Safety
I also compared the differences when after checking into Wynn Las Vegas and was shocked. I went from a “luxury” hotel with no services under the guise of COVID-19 to a luxury property that was truly operating with safety protocols.
Not only were all the services provided, but Wynn Las Vegas also provided safety items such as sanitizer and masks in the room. A far cry from Caesars which does not even provide bottles of water at check-in due to “safety.
Thermal Scanning | Plastic Dividers on Gaming and Dining
The conclusion was very clear after checking into Wynn Las Vegas. Caesars was not really interested in safety protocols. They were interested in #CovidExcuse being used to save money and further cost cut.
Oh, and I also happened to notice a butler/server pushing a room service cart toward the Octavius Tower. Perhaps, COVID-19 is a virus that is smart enough to not bother with big VIP casino players with $250k credit lines?
Wynn even had their spa and salon open, something that was not the case at Caesars Las Vegas.
Wynn Las Vegas continues to impress on all levels. But, more so, you feel safe at Wynn Resorts because they are following their protocols. Following protocols and providing service, imagine that.
Wynn Spa/Salon Wynn Spa/Salon
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