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“No Kids! No Kids!” — How NOT to Greet Your Guests
By ochua1 | October 1, 2008
That’s how we were rudely welcomed to Valley View Casino in Valley Center (North County San Diego) as we stepped out of our vehicle carrying our two-year-old godson last Saturday at around 4 PM. It was our first visit. And maybe our last.
We had no idea of their 21+ policy. Apparently, many families don’t either, as we saw other families with children standing outside the “sacred” entrances to the casino. We were lucky, we chose the free valet. Those mothers standing there were probably waiting for daddy to bring the car up front so that they don’t have to make the long walk back to the parking garage with their empty stomachs. For they were probably there for the same reason we were: “San Diego’s Favorite Buffet.” But we wouldn’t know. We never made it inside. It’s definitely not the favorite buffet of anyone under 21; that’s for sure!
I’m not sure why they have a “hostile” attitude towards children. (The person who “greeted” us seemed hostile, anyway.) It’s not like our two-year-old will start walking over to the casino to play the slot machines. We just wanted to eat!
Maybe that’s where the answer lies. They don’t want people going there just to eat. They want people to gamble. The buffet is a loss leader, after all.
The doorman, bellhop, valet attendant—whoever that person was—told us to go to Harrah’s Rincon, which is about four and a half miles further down the main road. At least they’re kid-friendly. But we’ve already eaten at their buffet. We were there to try Valley View Casino’s buffet.
Well, we wasted a 43-mile roundtrip. I wonder how many people made the 100-mile roundtrip from South County only to be disappointed?
Valley View Casino, how about making your policy a prominent part of your advertising? Is it even mentioned?
Looking at the website—after the fact—there is a “disclaimer” in small print at the bottom of their web pages. Their buffet page also has a “21+ to enter” seal that looks more like a seal of approval if you don’t actually read it.
How about adding “MUST BE 21+ TO ENTER” to the many signs leading one to to the casino? (Include a phone number for anyone who wants clarification.) I think most people would rather turn around while still far away than be embarrassed at the front door by having to walk back to their cars and leave with nothing.
In any case, now we know. And looking at KUMEYAAY.INFO I found out that Casino Pauma and Sycuan Casino are the other San Diego County Indian casinos who have no tolerance for children. Of course, they have a right to exclude anyone they want to exclude. I just might exclude them back.
Topics: Commentary |
