Apps, Discounts

Foursquare Changes

I really liked Foursquare. It was a nice way to have some friendly competition, but I really used it to get discounts and special access. That is changing. Foursquare has been redesigned and there is a new app called Swarm (by Foursquare) which is used to check in. If there is a Special or if you want to see tips other users have left, it directs you to open the old Foursquare app after checking in on Swarm.
As part of the redesign, they discontinued badges. That is a major disappointment. Badges required multiple check ins, but rewarded you with nice perks. The Cosmopolitan’s “VIP” badge served as a line pass at the Wicked Spoon buffet. Mandalay Bay’s “Resortist” badge gave you a free fur upgrade at the Minus5 bar at Mandalay Place.  The Luxor’s “Get Your Lux On” badge gave  you a free pass to LAX nightclub. Any badges you have earned still show up in your online account, but they do not appear in the app so you can’t use them.

You can still get special discounts just for checking in at some locations. For example, Holsteins at the Cosmopolitan, still has check in specials which allow you to “Receive one FREE House Draft with purchase of any entrée” or “Enjoy a House Margarita–on the house–with purchase of any entrée.”.  The Hard Rock Cafe (Paradise Rd) has a check in special for a 20% Discount on Food and non-alcoholic Beverages (That’s better than the AAA discount). Checking in at most Caesars owned properties will get you an offer for $5 off that casino’s buffet.

Here are a few Foursquare Check In specials lists: