Lost Vegas

Sin City

The decision that Vegas is not worth the time or money

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The city of Las Vegas has gone through many transformations over the years. Sin City graduated from a mafia playground where celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin provided legendary entertainment and status to Sin City.

Later the city morphed into a more family-friendly environment with casinos including recreational areas for kids to enjoy. But we are now entering Las Vegas' latest phase.

The newest version is a playground for the rich and famous.

Today, hotels and casinos provide luxury dining and entertainment for those who can afford it.

Sports franchises such as the Las Vegas Knights/Raiders have given the city an even bigger profile as a sporting mecca. Modernized venues like the Allegiance/T-Mobile Arenas now offer gourmet food instead of standard stadium fare, marking a new era for Vegas diehards.

Entertainers such as Adele, the Eagles, and others who have sought a residency are raking it in, while the average Joe can't even afford tickets for such amazing artists.

What does this mean for the working stiff?

It means we are out of luck. Luck is for those with the bucks [Moula]!

Staying in hotels along the Strip has changed significantly. Even if you manage to secure a reasonable room rate, guests are confronted with resort fees, parking fees, and exorbitant prices for often subpar and inedible food.

It is no wonder that the average person is in the food court eating Popeyes and McDonalds (still overpriced) rather than enjoying the restaurants within the hotels.

There was a time when I could eat for a weekend for 20-40 bucks, but now a mediocre breakfast is $80.00 for a party of two. Adding insult to injury, this 24-hour town now asks that I notify them to have my room cleaned.

I have been in expensive rooms without clean towels, unmade beds, and overflowing trash bins.

If you request maid service, you face resistance and questions. Everyone expects a tip, and the service is poor and worse if you don't tip. So, it would seem that Las Vegas has the winning hand.

I no longer see the benefits of booking a hotel. I would prefer to stay at an Airbnb and shop at a local grocery store rather than be overcharged. My last few trips have been quite disappointing, and I've decided that visiting Vegas is no longer worth my time or money.

Notice that I did not mention winning money because if you think that is going to happen, you are delusional.

My goodness, even robbers wear a mask, and Vegas is not hiding its greed. A trip to Las Vegas is now a donation to those who are already well-off.

If you venture into the wrong areas, you are met with aggressive homelessness, and who needs that?

I live near California Indian casinos but have always preferred Las Vegas. Now, I am reconsidering that decision.

Indian casinos offer good food and entertainment for a reasonable price and if you are a gambler, you can actually leave with something in your pocket other than lint. Indian casinos provide a budget-friendly alternative to the high costs of visiting Las Vegas.

I feel saddened as I write this article. I have enjoyed visiting Las Vegas since I was a young child, as it was part of our annual family vacation. However, I am no longer a child, and I am frustrated by how the city has changed — and not for the better.

I look for to my next holiday at the nearest Indian casino, I suggest you join me!

Regina Bynum for YAME