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BEWARE - Day Tour from Las Vegas to "Hoover Dam" - 9 Hours - may be "included free" with your ai

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posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 02:25 AM
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Be forewarned, fellow ATS travellers...

Do not undertake this "Hoover Dam" tour lightly - most of the guests who went were very angry because the description was extremely misleading - it was a horrible waste of time that took us all away from the things we paid to enjoy, and also forced us to kill an entire day waiting for the bus to take us back, in a place where we did not want to spend our time. We were suckers for sure, and I have never been the victim of a scam like this, until now, so I thought I would post about it and hopefully save you all at least nine hours of your precious time!

You need to get up quite early for the "tour" as the bus picks you up at 7:25 am and the reason for this is to accomodate the drive time from the Strip to the Hoover Dam, plus 20 minutes for pictures, then to the Ethyl M chocolate factory in Henderson, NV and 20 minutes there, and then SIX HOURS in "Primm Valley". You get back to your original location between 5:30 and 6pm in the evening, having woken up early and wasted your entire day. PLEASE keep reading to find out what this scam really is...

The day tour is supposed to go to Hoover Dam. The driver does some nice sleight of hand in obtaining vocalized disclaimers from the entire bus, before you leave - this is your only chance to get off. "Are we all having a great time?" "Yeah!!!" "Ready to go to the Hoover Dam?" "Yeah!!!" "Ok, real quick now, let's not take up any more time - we will be spending about 20 minutes at the dam and 20 minutes at the factory, and then we'll get ya'll quick on over to Primm Valley 'cause we'll all be hungry by then and you'll be able to pick up your FREE BUFFET, right ya'll"??? (Ummm, where?) "YEAH!!!" (Cool, this is a nice tour, they will have a lunch for us...) "Any problems with that? No? Anybody with a problem with that just hop on off now, now's the time... Ok, great! Let's get moving!!"

You do indeed go to the Hoover Dam and the bus lets you off for 20 minutes. You are let out to take pictures from the back side of the dam, after having driven across it. You do not get a tour of the dam, which most of us were expecting from the adverts, and you do not even get to walk around on the top of the dam or cross it, or go in the free museum, or anything like that - it is purely a hustle to get you to sign up for the "tour". So then, you are driven to the Ethyl M chocolate factory, in Henderson, a nice looking neighborhood, but again, the chocolate factory and its accompanying cactus botanical garden gets another 20 minutes, so you move through quickly to be sure you are back on the bus in time to depart, and then you drive for a half an hour to Primm Valley. Hoo boy...

We don't get into gambling much, instead, we usually just bring a small pre-allocated amount to spend on the few games we like, and then go to shows or attractions. This time, we had not been to Vegas for several years and we were hoping to learn something new. We wanted to "do something different" while we were in Las Vegas, this time. We had in mind something along the lines of, visit the historical and/or scenic or geographically meaningful sites, learn some history, etc, and we thought "Primm Valley" must be a scenic location. We had NO idea it is a threesome of kitschy older casinos combined with an outlet mall the likes of which are found in every urban outskirt, in one of the least lovely parts of the already unlovely Mojave Desert (and this is coming from people who live in the desert, in Phoenix, AZ).

The tour guide made it clear that we were stuck there for six hours, so we survived the first four hours by traipsing back and forth under the overpass and across the street from one casino to the next, hoping we might find something to make the time pass. Oh, and by the way, it was 110 degrees, on July 3rd, 2012. Again, we are from Phoenix, so we are used to the heat.

None of the following are things that interest us, but judging from the number of folks who kept checking into the place while we were there, they must be of interest to them... The monorail, the roller coaster, and all of the Buffalo Bills food options were closed the day we were there. We gave in and ate the buffet, at Primm Valley, and it was highly mediocre. Then we traipsed around looking for at least a bar with decent beer where we could last out the miserable couple of hours remaining, but alas, nothing but crappy domestic brews, so we simply ordered water, and worse, the smoke had now become pervaisive throughout, and the noise in the place kept ricochetting up, which touched off a migraine, for me, which continued escalating until well after we were returned to our origins that evening.

We escaped the smoke by going into the outlet mall, where smoking is not allowed, and planting ourselves in the coin opperated massage chairs, trying to move the mechanisms below our pain points by wiggling around, since we weren't about to pay them for the next two hours, but by then the migraine had taken hold.

We were so mad that we wasted an entire day that we could have been enjoying the lovely resort that we PAID for, stuck in that awful place with NO WAY OUT but to wait for the bus driver to return. Upon return to the resort where we were actually staying, on the Strip, it took me two Excedrine and a couple of hours, plus a lengthy shower to scrub all the smokey scents out of hair and clothing, before I was able to kill the migraine, and even then we both still felt unwell enough that we did not go out, but turned in early. In case it matters, I am 44, healthy, and my kids are in college, and thank goodness for that because they would have absolutely HATED this day!

If there was a redeeming factor, I suppose it was the small collection of Bonnie and Clyde memorabilia, located in the "Whiskey Pete's" portion of the "Primm Valley" casino complex triad. Somehow, this odd little place houses the famous Bonnie and Clyde "death car", plus copies of the death certificate for Clyde and what, rather shockingly, appeared to be copies of actual morgue photos of both partners, along with some other photocopies of warrants and newspaper articles, all of which are displayed in a corner of Whiskey Pete's. We did enjoy this history, which took about fifteen minutes of our allotted six hours to explore, (and I read it all, including the caption that listed Bonnie as 4'9" and 90 lbs, plus the warrant for the couple's arrest listed her at 5'5" and 100 lbs). I did wonder briefly how the car got from Louisianna to Nevada, but not too long, since I was extremely grateful for the few minutes of distraction it afforded us.

Unless you want to spend hours literally trapped in a smokey casino, until your bus driver can depart and get paid for it... With nothing at all to do but gamble or shop an outlet mall, eat very mediocre food, and possibly view one tiny claim to a tourist attraction, in 100+ degree temps during the summer months, then you should definitely NOT take this awful "day tour"!!!!!

One thing is very sure... You will NOT be "touring the Hoover Dam" which is what every single person who was on our tour identified themselves as in the morning when we met the bus and were checked in.
edit on 4-0720127-1212 by gwynnhwyfar because: Fix #1 and counting...

edit on 4-0720127-1212 by gwynnhwyfar because: Fix #2.

edit on 4-0720127-1212 by gwynnhwyfar because: Fix #3



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 02:42 AM
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Sounds like the people of Primm Valley have a nice little scam going on with the bus company...

Using the "hoover dam" as a hook, just to abandon peeps in the money making area of Prim Valley.
edit on 4-7-2012 by mileysubet because: (no reason given)



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 02:57 AM
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The only way to see the hoover dam is from the air. I flew over it in 02 on the way to Idaho and it was a real treat.



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 02:59 AM
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reply to post by gwynnhwyfar
 


I always wonder, when I hear about things like this, how some people can look at themselves in the mirror. How can they not, at the end of the day, hang their heads in shame at their means of chasing the almighty dollar? I'll never understand....



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 03:00 AM
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reply to post by Juggernog
 


You can fly? Why is this not a thread of its own?



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 03:09 AM
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Originally posted by Ex_CT2
reply to post by Juggernog
 


You can fly? Why is this not a thread of its own?


lol, only until my arms get tired



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 03:13 AM
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Originally posted by Ex_CT2
reply to post by gwynnhwyfar
 


I always wonder, when I hear about things like this, how some people can look at themselves in the mirror. How can they not, at the end of the day, hang their heads in shame at their means of chasing the almighty dollar? I'll never understand....

"Dam" right, I say!
They did obtain the disclaimers from us, however, as I described. We were just all too ignorant to understand what we were letting ourselves in for, since we never heard of this "Primm Valley" place and thought it was an actual historic location. I admit we were naive, and henceforth we will not be so gullible. Lesson learned...

Lesson for me and my ATS mates - from now on, be sure to look up the places you think you are going, In advance, so you know where you really are supposed to be going! If not where you expect, then protest or abort!



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 03:16 AM
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reply to post by gwynnhwyfar
 


whats the name of the tour company? im pretty sure everyone here would like to avoid doing business with them



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 03:58 AM
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reply to post by sirhumperdink
 


I can't tell - perhaps you can - here is what was printed on our itinerary:

"Your vacation includes a free sightseeing Day tour. You will experience/see Hoover Dam (includes a 20 min photo stop), a view of Lake Mead, Historic Boulder City, Ethel M Chocolate factory tour, Wayne Newton's Ranch and stop at Primm Valley Resort (for your free buffet and access to a large discount outlet shopping mall). The tour lasts 9-10 hours and operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Friday. Hotel pick up times start at 7AM. Call 702-384-7725 (24 hours daily) for reservations and pick up locations and times. Make your tour reservations at least 1 day in advance. This tour uses a fully air-conditioned 57 passenger bus with restrooms"

It sounds nice, right? Since it said "Your vacation includes..." we thought this meant we had something included with our trips - it was described as a "sightseeing Day tour" so we assumed the entire tour was "sightseeing" (and therefore historic or otherwise noteworthy).

Doesn't actually give the name of the company though, does it? The shocker for everyone was that the "stop at" Primm Valley - which turned out to simply BE a resort, not to have a resort attached to it because it had somethimg of historical significance to protect, turned out to be the SIX HOUR focus of the "your vacation includes" ==> and actually entirely a marketing promotion.


edit on 4-0720127-1212 by gwynnhwyfar because: (no reason given)



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 07:53 AM
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I went about two weeks ago, but I rented a convertible. The dam was HUGE and I couldnt imagine going with a tour group of people anywhere, sorry you had a bad time,next time you go, byepass the dam and go to Canyonland!



posted on Jul, 4 2012 @ 11:16 AM
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so it was FREE? well you should have known better , why would they take you on a free tour? you got what you payed for.



posted on Jul, 5 2012 @ 10:37 PM
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Originally posted by Gixxer
so it was FREE? well you should have known better , why would they take you on a free tour? you got what you payed for.

EXACTLY - we were stupid to think it was legit.



posted on Jul, 5 2012 @ 10:43 PM
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Originally posted by avatard
I went about two weeks ago, but I rented a convertible. The dam was HUGE and I couldnt imagine going with a tour group of people anywhere, sorry you had a bad time,next time you go, byepass the dam and go to Canyonland!

I think you didn't read the OP - the Hoover Dam was great, we all expected that we were going to be touring it. Instead, we found ourselves spending six hours in Primm, NV...
What idiots we were!!!



posted on Jul, 5 2012 @ 11:14 PM
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All rides dump you at the gift shop, it seems.

Valley of Fire is neat
www.valley-of-fire.com...

But we didn;t go there either...We got close, and went off on a scenic byway...Drove through some amazing sandstone formations,,,,all alone, except a Raven that followed us the whole time. MY favorite bird, so smart.
We even got stuck in the rubble, again all alone...but we made it out eventually...spooky..But fun,



posted on Jul, 7 2012 @ 01:30 AM
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Originally posted by spacedoubt
All rides dump you at the gift shop, it seems.

Valley of Fire is neat
www.valley-of-fire.com...

But we didn;t go there either...We got close, and went off on a scenic byway...Drove through some amazing sandstone formations,,,,all alone, except a Raven that followed us the whole time. MY favorite bird, so smart.
We even got stuck in the rubble, again all alone...but we made it out eventually...spooky..But fun,

Thanks for the pictures! That area looks really beautiful. Maybe next time we can go there instead of Primm...



posted on Jul, 7 2012 @ 02:57 AM
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As a Vegas native, I love when people want to go beyond the strip & the lights, to really experience Nevada. NV is beautiful country, fascinating history, & most anything you could ask for within 2hrs of Vegas. I just hate hearing of trips like yours.

For anyone visiting Vegas, I'd reco hitting up your ATS buddies for ideas first. Locals always know the best gigs & places, wherever you go.



since we never heard of this "Primm Valley" place and thought it was an actual historic location ... judging from the number of folks who kept checking into the place while we were there, they must be of interest to them

When driving from So Ca, it's basically 75mi of pure nothing to Vegas & not a danged thing in between (1 exception coming up) .. not even a street light .. at night it's blackest black.

Then all of a sudden you reach the top of a hill & see lights in the valley! Woohoo .. you slam on the gas & race to the lights .. only to find all those lights are really just 3 casinos & an outlet mall .. you have arrived at Primm .. formerly known as Stateline ;-)

That's it. Welcome to NV. Then it's 35mi to Vegas. Primm is the first/last stop for food, gas, bathrooms, hotel rooms, gambling etc in/out of NV on the only North/South road. That's why there are always people checking in.

You're just a hop skip down the road in PHX? Let me know next time you're heading our way, & I'll point you in the directions you want.

Cheers
edit on 7-7-2012 by AtlasShrugging because: danged keyboard can't spell



posted on Jul, 7 2012 @ 05:05 AM
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I am also a Vegas native, but no longer live there, and I do not like to hear about a tourist having such a bad experience. Actually, I used to do casino marketing, and also worked for a tour company, but we did not operate like the company that you dealt with. We gave people fair deals and also what they expected, if not, they do not come back and the word gets around if you aren't legit.

So, Whiskey Pete's is still there, complete with the Bonnie and Clyde car. You are correct, as that is the best thing about Primm.
I wondered if Buffalo's Bills and others would survive the recession. Hope you have more fun next time!



posted on Jul, 8 2012 @ 06:37 PM
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reply to post by AtlasShrugging
 



You're just a hop skip down the road in PHX? Let me know next time you're heading our way, & I'll point you in the directions you want.

Thanks! Will do...


We are getting over it now - it makes a good story, at least. Hopefully next time we will have better "luck" finding something more our style!



posted on Jul, 8 2012 @ 06:41 PM
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Originally posted by PacificBlue
I am also a Vegas native, but no longer live there, and I do not like to hear about a tourist having such a bad experience. Actually, I used to do casino marketing, and also worked for a tour company, but we did not operate like the company that you dealt with. We gave people fair deals and also what they expected, if not, they do not come back and the word gets around if you aren't legit.

So, Whiskey Pete's is still there, complete with the Bonnie and Clyde car. You are correct, as that is the best thing about Primm.
I wondered if Buffalo's Bills and others would survive the recession. Hope you have more fun next time!


Indeed it is. They did survive and are apparently thriving, although the workers seem pretty grouchy. It looked like there are apartments right behind the Primm Valley casino, where the employees live. No wonder they are grumpy, living there with nothing to do except to hang out in the same place where they work every day.



posted on Jul, 9 2012 @ 06:26 AM
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I was in Vegas a while back to meet with an old friend of mine. We went, among other places, to Hoover Dam. Nice enough, and a truly epic sight. But I found the most fun to be the hiking around Las Vegas, in the mountains there. Truly amazing stuff. The Strip has nothing on Bridge Mountain. Also went to Death Valley, btw. That was very fun. My avatar pic is from Furnace Creek.


Back on the issue, as with everything, it's usually a better idea to go by yourself or with a friend, than by a rent-a-trip company.

But I'm definitely going back to Vegas. Love the city.
edit on 9-7-2012 by Gauss because: (no reason given)







 
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