planning Atlantis trip

[zoobird]

I assumed it was the 'standard' Atlantis meal plan (which doesn't include lunch). Looks like the PS one includes everything.

[daryn]

[ QUOTE ]
I assumed it was the 'standard' Atlantis meal plan (which doesn't include lunch). Looks like the PS one includes everything.

[/ QUOTE ]

indeed, and is cheaper than getting it straight from atlantis by a few hundo

[shaniac]

*Bitchy rant to follow*

I'm kind of bummed about this meal plan setup, since qualifiers are effectively being forced to eat certain meals at certain times. Any time I feel like eating room-service, I have to engage in a -EV endeavour.

It's also a little bit weird that tips, both in restaurants and for the bellman, are included in all this. I think it should be up to us, the customer, to determine how much we want to tip in a given situation, not Pokerstars to set a standard. And needless to say, since our servers have been conpensated in advance, they have no real incentive to provide good service. Also, it's going to be awkward NOT tipping the bellman. I'm sure I'll wind up overtipping.

I believe Stars implemented the meal plan system in response to complaints about the cost and quality of the food last year. Not sure how this will solve the problem since I'm sure the food will still suck at the Atlantis, and those of us who (quite reasonably) opt to eat in our rooms or go off property for dinner will have to pay extra, while giving up part of the equity of our prize package.

[daryn]

tips are includes in all of what? the 11k package? you don't have to tip at restaurants? i hadn't heard, where did you hear it from?

[shaniac]

Daryn,

an email I received recently:



3. We have purchased meal plans for you that INCLUDE ALL TAXES AND GRATUITIES. Leaving further gratuities is completely at your discretion, though we’d encourage you to do so if you’re having alcoholic beverages with your meal.

Hotel Rooms
==========
Please note that PokerStars has paid for your room (including any upgrades you purchased through PokerStars), including taxes, gratuities, and a tip for your bellman. . Again, further gratuities are at completely at your discretion.

Warmest regards,

Lee Jones
PokerStars Poker Room Manager

[daryn]

ty, i just got the same email..

wahoo, no tipping!!! [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[shaniac]

I like tipping, it makes me feel like a bigshot.

[M.B.E.]

Shaniac -- it is pretty weird they are including tips for the bellman but not for the housekeeping service. I agree with you that most people who are helped by the bellman will tip him [again] because it just feels weird and classless not to give him some cash.

As for the meal plan being compulsory, I see your point. There are various restaurants off property, either on Paradise Island or just over the bridge in Nassau, that are good and more reasonably priced than restaurants at Atlantis. However, it's understandable why PokerStars opted to include the meal plan in the prize package -- for most people going, that is going to make them most happy.

Perhaps next year there could be an option to forego the meal plan and get some cash instead.

[Prime Time]

[ QUOTE ]
Shaniac -- it is pretty weird they are including tips for the bellman but not for the housekeeping service. I agree with you that most people who are helped by the bellman will tip him [again] because it just feels weird and classless not to give him some cash.

As for the meal plan being compulsory, I see your point. There are various restaurants off property, either on Paradise Island or just over the bridge in Nassau, that are good and more reasonably priced than restaurants at Atlantis. However, it's understandable why PokerStars opted to include the meal plan in the prize package -- for most people going, that is going to make them most happy.

Perhaps next year there could be an option to forego the meal plan and get some cash instead.

[/ QUOTE ]

I could not agree w/ you more.
Also will feel compelled to give more tips at meals for same reasons stated above (because it just feels weird and classless not to give him some cash).

Have no problem at all w/ the meal plan, as I spent more than the 1K for meals last year and did not have 1/2 of the meals as I am entitled to this year.

[zoobird]

Food may be better than in the past. When I went to Altantis in March they were planning to open both a Carmine's and a Nobu by now.