Low Room Rates in Las Vegas Responsible for Labor Day Violence: Analyst
Posted on: September 9, 2020, 03:05h.
Last updated on: September 10, 2020, 07:41h.
A spike in violence on the Las Vegas Strip over Labor Day weekend is a direct result of rock-bottom room rates. That’s according to Greg Mullen, vice president of CDC Consulting, who told the Las Vegas Review-Journal this week he believes the drop in prices during the coronavirus pandemic is attracting the wrong sort of person.
Occupancy rates have plummeted because of the pandemic, which means operators are offering low rates, or even free rooms, plus travel incentives to the mass market, rather than just high rollers.
Cheap retail rates for the hotel rooms (and) free rooms are going to the players that have never had free rooms in Las Vegas,” Mullen said. “They’re going deeper in their database to get players who aren’t as lucrative because it’s better just to get a body in there.”
The result? The destruction of rooms is at an all-time high at some high-end properties, according to Mullen, and meanwhile, videos with titles like “Fight in ENCORE HOTEL LAS VEGAS LABOR WEEKEND 2020” are getting 40,000-plus views on YouTube.
Wynn to Raise Rates
A Wynn Resorts spokesperson confirmed to LVRJ that a large brawl had taken place at Encore over the weekend, adding that the company planned to buck the trend by bumping up room rates and hiring more security.
Las Vegas Metro Police told a press conference on Tuesday that the downtown area command had arrested 28 people on Friday alone, and issued 27 citations.
People coming here to have fun and take part in the festivities … we welcome you,” said Capt. Patricia Spencer, head of the downtown area command. “For those of you coming here to prey on the tourists or residents of this community, it will not be tolerated.”
Mullen says that operators will need to find a skillful balance between prices that are high enough to keep out undesirables, and low enough to maintain a healthy rate of occupancy — at least until the virus is suppressed to a point where conventions and concerts can return to the Strip.
‘Scared to Go Outside’
But Mullen is concerned that the current climate could damage the reputation of Las Vegas for a long time to come.
“Several of our higher-end profile clients say their high-end guests are done coming until this is under control,” he said. “They’re scared to walk outside their rooms, and don’t feel safe on elevators or on the casino floors themselves. It’s a bad look. … You can really, severely, put a tarnish on Las Vegas.”
Las Vegas is in “uncharted waters,” he added.
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Last Comments ( 191 )
Why y'all afraid to say it's the Africans. Archie Bunker was worried when they moved into his Hood. Now you know why.
Low room rates have nothing to do with the violence. People in general who have destructive ways are the blame. Not Democrats like one person posted. It's not a certain party.
Its sad I am a Black Women and I Live her and Its alot Of Black people coming from all walks of Life making Vegas looks Bad You have to Call it How you see it They all are out acting Ghetto and Rachet as they Say in The Hood well This is what You Get when The major wants money over the well being of Her City you Get All The Low class Citizens to Fill The City with Violence I Was out this weekend And Was Dress to impress who a Bunch Of Bums Roaming The city I Did Know if I Was going To Get Rape shot or Stab on Fremont This is The First time in 15 Years I Felt afraid for my Life They Need to Shut This City Down Before Las Vegas be called Lost Vegas We will Lose in They in Attraction the wrong Crowd of People. BLM But what do Our Beautiful city Have to do with all This Corruption and Kaios
BS. Rates are not responsible for violence. The people committing the violence are responsible. This article is garbage, and attempts to absolve violent people of their disgusting Behavior.
Such BS!!! Cheaper rooms means people want to fight!! Who wrote this article. Let me guess the hotel union so they jack up rates.. So tired of GREEDY HOTELS.....Resort fees are another way to steal your money. Fights are from booze, overcrowding and not enough Police. Room Rates give me a break. Ok..Circus Circus hotel cheap room rates. I don't see fights there every weekend.
Just stayed in Vegas and believe me nothing is free these days.
We are too concerned with the wrong things my brothers and sisters, we cry too much
Since nobody will say it, I will. It’s the black, pants to the knees, sideways hat wearing, dope smoking jive turkey “honeys” that do this. They ruin EVERYTHING for the rest of us.
We were there middle of July. We noticed the crowd on the strip was much more ''thug like''--and it was pretty well all over the strip. My sister who lives an hour outside of Vegas said this has been going on for a while. This isn't just covid19 doing this. I hope they change this quickly because like any lawlessness, they will take over if you don't get tough and stop it. No different than the wild west or mafia days, it takes a strong hand to control criminals.
Don’t let them separate us my brothers and sisters frfr. We arguing over nothing we are ALL Americans in the same struggle.
I think people of previlige give a negative opinion. About. What they belive social economic determ the way people's. Behavior . but. Is not truth. more money the have become de people more prepoten. Education. Is not about money. There is more positive. Here en vegas .but prejudice. Blain. The reason.
well you damn Republican you always pushing the Democrats is responsible for all violence and crime when you have a racist President hateful rhetoric all over the country from day he stole the election he's a criminal thug you dumbass Republican believe in any damn thing he says
Common courtesy... To those who Wana ruin it for everyone, then cry the loudest when your not wanted or even allowed, let me school you... It's so not all about you. We shair a community. Respect it. Do as you please in your homes, but in public, didn't your momma teach you respect and common courtesy? If you act like animals then expect to be treated as one. Simple... Respect breads respect.
The media is causing this problem. Twitter Facebook mainstream. There the ones making money off of this BS. The more you use them the more they make and control your ignorant ass.. this country is not racist. Stop and think ..
The Las Vegas crowd has been an issue for over a month. Whether it be because of room rates or that alot of other cities have tighter restrictions due to covid. As an employee on the strip, I think the current clientele feels that Vegas is a free for all. As it normally is noted for being wild and crazy, this particular wave of people seem to be out of control, unruly, listen to no direction whatsoever. I have had customers of many races, ages, and political views be completely rude, defiant, and otherwise out of control.