Great comp from Harrah's Total Rewards

[ginxxxx]

We got the letter with a 2000 offer, called the same day we got it, and were told they had "sold out".  Platinum level.1.  We didn't contact any managers2.  Didn't call the slot host3.  Believe it is a legitimate offer, and lots of folks jumped on it4.  Would be happy to get another one.

[marie meijer]

RE $3000 offer Jan 2-5, Vegas, Harrah's Bally's, Paris or Rio: "...and $3000 in your choice of CASH or LIVE CHIPS. You will also have a chance to earn $200 to $10,000 in additional Cash or Live Chips by meeting the required play listed below." I just talked to Claire at Paris reservations, Vegas. There was an incredibly long wait with a recording announcing everything that is currently playing at every Harrah's property in Vegas. "This offer has been sold out for weeks." said Claire. "BUT I JUST RECEIVED MINE IN THE MAIL TODAY" "I know" she said. "You have to play for points, they aren't going to just hand out the money to everyone that calls" she volunteered. "BUT THAT'S NOT THE WAY IT'S WORDED." "I know. You can keep calling back in case there's a cancellation."etc. Our conversation reminded me of WHO"S ON FIRST? Very fine print: $200 cash or live chip offer for 3, 500 reward credits, five more levels and the top is $10, 000 cash or live chip offer for 110,000 reward credits.  Apparently I was not the first nor will be the last to phone re this offer. We have enjoyed using some of the offers that Diamond card has sent our way. However, there are other properties where I wish to play and others that I wish to return to that have been prosperous/enjoyable for me. I cannot see myself playing more at Harrah's properties other than to maintain my diamond status at this time. 

[vidopoker]

This offer is sounding like a major PR stunt to create buzz about the casinos, don't you think?Honestly, most people are at work during the day so if everyone called the day they got them and it's already sold out, there probably weren't too many sound out. They probably figured at the very least, there might be some angry guests but at least they will be talking about this offer and maybe a few will book anyway.
 
and, the buzz seems to be working since we are all discussing it!

[Tedlark]

Well I opened my mailbox today and much to my dismay I got one of those $3,000.00 comp offers. I called Harrahs and asked why I was just getting it now when I KNEW other people had theirs well before today. I was told that they were sent out 3rd class mail and delivery is different when it goes 3rd class. I was then told that the offer is no longer valid and it was basically filled on october 14th, the day people first started receiving them in the mail. I was also told it was a typo but those getting in were being honored by Harrahs. I mentioned that they may have a problem and I am looking to the NGC to see if anything can be done. Maybe class action?  

[damule]

Ted,
     As I stated in my post from Oct 21 I felt this offer must have been a typo. I'm sure their customer service center booked a few of these offers that day but it got shut down real quick. I don't think the NGC would do anything because no where on the letter does it say how many bookings the offer will allow for and keep in mind the letter DOES state Harrah's can cancel or amend the offer at anytime. But if you do pursue it with the Nevada Gaming Commission let us know how it goes, I'm sure many of us are curious how they'd respond.

[Lizzy15]

This offer is sounding like a major PR stunt to create buzz about the casinos, (snip) They probably figured at the very least, there might be some angry guests but at least they will be talking about this offer and maybe a few will book anyway.
 
and, the buzz seems to be working since we are all discussing it! Well, they must have **** for brains because all the talk is negative from what I have seen. Most wouldn't be inclined to book with a casino that is obviously trying to pull a fast one. The few that may have booked will never make up for the cost of postage and color paper used by the marketing department.

[vidopoker]

yes, damule, as you stated and i agreed with you on that this offer was a typo. however, i am shocked that the operator would admit that it was a mistake. ridiculous.....  i wonder what would have happened if Ted had asked to speak to a manager and told him he was going to report them to the ngc. wonder if they would have tried to offer him at least some sort of decent offer?

[shadowman]

From other reports it appears the offer was support to read "up to $3000" which is a come-on and allows any value to be given.

[royal flush]

harrahs in the credit crunch can not sell properties making it possible to file ch 11 it is best to use comps and points quickly las vegas sands and mgm and boyd have severe problems also

[Tedlark]

  There was an interesting article in Monday's Wall Street Journal about Harrah's and their private ownership. The article centered around the amount of debt being used to finance the deal and their wanting to sell a property or two but could be unable to move them at any desired selling price. The article also went on to say how Harrah's has begun to cut corners and loyalty programs seem to be the hardest hit. Food being served in the Diamond lounges has been downgraded in some places to not much more than salsa and hummis and they have cut their hours of operation too. As I mentioned in an earlier post about a previous offer Harrah's distributed, they tried to claim it was a typo but the Illinois Gaming Commission said "too bad" and they were forced to honor the promotion.
 
  I haven't decided what avenue to take with this but because the offer says it can be booked up to two days prior to the date of January 2, 2009 I have a bit of time to work with. Either way I'll let this board know what I'm doing with this. Good luck to all, Ted.