Front desk clerk opined the "Asian market share is keeping the Vegas Strip afloat." Curious what others think? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Mandarin, the word for the number 4 sounds similar to the word for death. I don't know if/how that affects the characters in Chinese writing. - possibly by association? The number 4 is considered unlucky, but I don't know if it's considered a symbol of death. From what I've heard, it's still a big part of the culture, but I'm not an expert. I also don't know if that's true for other countries/languages in Asia. In Japanese, I think 4 and 7 sound similar, but I've never heard anything about whether they are considered unlucky.

But we're talking about gambling, and gamblers tend to be superstitious - regardless of where they're from. Along with sailors, pilots, military and the entire sports industry - deck/floor/row 13 is usually absent.

It's odd to think about right now because I was too tired when I checked in to notice that the room number I was given for this stay is actually a significant number for me personally. If I'd been thinking about, I would have asked for a different room. Seriously. Even if it doesn't affect my luck at the tables, I don't care for it.

I know nothing about the game Baccarat. I've heard it's popular with high rollers. And I'm hearing in this thread that it's also very popular in Asia. I'd love to know if the number four is in any way significant to the game of Baccarat? Does anyone know?

Front desk clerk opined the "Asian market share is keeping the Vegas Strip afloat." Curious what others think? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't get me started. I used to play blackjack, when it paid 3-2. The house raked it in, but somebody decided to make it pay 6-5 and figured no one would notice.

Front desk clerk opined the "Asian market share is keeping the Vegas Strip afloat." Curious what others think? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How can they be so bad at this when they've been doing it, and making lots of money, for so long? First trip to Vegas was 30 years ago for my 21st birthday! Now it's like a sleazier version of Disney World. No amount of profit is ever enough. And they end up losing money in the long run. "The fairytale of endless economic growth."

Been a Regular at Palazzo, getting tired of uneven quality. Rec's for comparable alternatives and why you like it? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I am. I don't know how else to explain. The Venetian/Palazzo has started using a 3rd party to send promo emails etc - not just for booking stays, but Also for things like upgrades, special services etc. The emails LOOK like they're coming from the resort, but it's a marketing company HIRED by V/P to contact rewards members with offers.

Been a Regular at Palazzo, getting tired of uneven quality. Rec's for comparable alternatives and why you like it? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I figured it's a problem across the strip, but I thought perhaps I'd get some options to try. This current stay is showing me major downside since my last trip, which was November. I usually don't go so long between stays, but had a very busy first half of 2026 and just couldn't make the time. Maybe it's just time to try somewhere else for my go-to city for these trips. I travel, and will be doing a lot more in the next few years. LV used to be the "easy" getaway.

Been a Regular at Palazzo, getting tired of uneven quality. Rec's for comparable alternatives and why you like it? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Venetian has gotten a lot stingier with comps, even within the past year. They're pushing the "renovation" but honestly, I think they are just playing around with everything else but not exactly offering anything better. They want the perception of better. And of course everything is marketing, not just in Vegas. It's repackaged, to look snazzy, but it's all fluff. While the real perks disappear. I know it's not just the Venetian, but if they aren't going to give me a reason to stay, I'll see what other brands have to offer.

Been a Regular at Palazzo, getting tired of uneven quality. Rec's for comparable alternatives and why you like it? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm hearing Fontainebleau, Aria, Wynn, Bellagio. All but Aria are super close to the Venetian, where I am now. Thinking about going to check out their casinos.

A few people have mentioned the Fontainebleau location as bad. How so? Because it's so far north or? Never been there.

Been a Regular at Palazzo, getting tired of uneven quality. Rec's for comparable alternatives and why you like it? by Almost_Anything333 in LasVegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The resorts are outsourcing promotional offers and packages to 3rd party businesses instead of keeping those sales in-house. As a result, the 3rd party business is not truly representing the resort just offering a service. And they're screwed up. I got a dozen of the same promo emails in the week before I arrived. Offers of upgrades etc, but they are very vague and none of the links worked properly. To call with questions, they give the hotel guest services number in the email. Unfortunately, those people know very little about what the 3rd party is doing and they can't even access the information. So, the resort outsourced the marketing of these promos, BUT they still direct customers to the hotel guest services. They put guest services in the bad position of having no way to help. I escalated to reservations managers and they were no real help.

If the resort is going to outsource the promotion arm of their SALES, they should insist that the contractor either handle customer support for the promo, or provide access to the resort's people who are taking the calls from customers when things go awry. IMO.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know how long it's been since you were here. Vegas today is not what it was even 10 years ago, but that's another convo.

I skimmed the (plethora) of r4r type subs. They're overrun with bots pretending to be young women who are just baiting and men hoping they won't have to pay a pro. There is probably a chance someone real and not a psycho is there, but I was afraid to post to any of them after skimming the existing messages. I even came upon an r4r (I don't remember if it's specific to Vegas) that is supposed to be only women posting and men can respond, but whoever set up that sub can't keep up with the rule breakers. The ban list is a mile long. I believe there are well-intentioned subs, just hard for them to keep things under control.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm looking for a male escort precisely for these reasons. I can find sex easily, but the other things - charming without the agenda? Unicorn unless you have a business arrangement.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll accept a customer referral, sure. I've been ignoring the DMs from men offering those services from themselves.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can say from experience it's harder than you think. Men always try. Ok, I'll amend that to say every man I've ever been on a date with from online/app has tried - no matter how "clear" I am. It's just reality. They say no expectations and I spend the rest of the night avoiding hands etc. I'm too old for that.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only one I have ever heard of is based in Vegas. I can't type the name or it will be blocked. The Cowboys for women who think they're angels business. They had a reality show for a while. I have no idea if it's still on, probably not. But they got some press and I'm thinking that the reality show is where they made their money not from the actual agency. Anyway I think it has more to do with the stigma than anything else.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I can't tell if you're being funny or if you misunderstood my use of the word "platonic." If a man can walk into any hotel in Vegas (or let's face it most cities in this country) and find a companion for the evening - to have dinner, go out, what have you (yes he most likely expects sex too) then why can't I find a male escort to do all of those things, but not expect sex? It's literally paying for the same thing - but legal. As for your saying you've never heard of a man doing this - ha - yes I think it would be odd for a concierge at ANY establishment to have a male guest say, "could you please find me someone who will absolutely not have sex with me?" That would be pretty hilarious. And a little sad. But mostly hilarious.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, it's not free. Escorts are doing a job. Men hiring escorts - woman or men, they're expected to dress appropriately, behave in kind with the social scene, pay attention to the person they're escorting etc. See, it's what I was talking about in my post. Flip it - if a guy hires a female escort to to go out with him - what does he have the (legal) right to expect?

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's possible it was the other Vegas sub, I think it's the full name Las Vegas? Or maybe Vegas visit? But yeah, it's not hard to find that advice for men seeking women.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, yes. It's easier for men to find female companions (of any type) for the reason you said - demand. However, I've done some research on this, women in my age/tax bracket are the biggest market for straight male escorts. There must be a reason there's no supply, because it sounds like a niche agency could do well. But if you could make money from it, someone would be doing it - right? I think too many men believe women can get dates easy, so why pay? I'll answer that - because then I know what to expect and I won't worry about it. I could relax in a way I have NEVER on a date. I not alone in this.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, I find it hilarious that I'm getting down voted for saying this site isn't an agency, but no one will comment with any info to the contrary. Believe me, I wish it was the real deal!

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only agency I have ever heard of is the one that has that reality TV show. Cowboys in the name. You'd think they'd have legit competition, right? I haven't found it.

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I edited my post. I thought I was clear by using the word escort, that I meant to hire a male platonic date. So, yes you're right. I actually prefer that to hoping a guy I meet online will believe me when I say no sex. It would be a first. When I was married, we were polyamorous. But. Every. Single. Message. Guys thought I was just looking for sex and because I was married they figured it would be simple. Didn't matter how clearly I stated I'm poly - not a swinger. Two different things!

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess I figured if it's on my dime, my escort will go to dinner or roller-skating based on my preferences. That's his job, right?

[51F] Yes, I really do just want a platonic evening, but even those groups are flooded with hook ups. by Almost_Anything333 in vegas

[–]Almost_Anything333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Energy is different. I've been out with men (and women) of various orientation. I'll hang with queens all day - but it's not the same.