[Magicmanu]

I found the same un-helpful attitude at the Venetian. First, make sure you talk to the poker room, not just the reservations line. Second, until they know you they'll book the room at the regular rate. When you leave, they'll confirm that you played the required number of hours and only then will they give you credit for the poker discount.
By the way -- the last time I was at the Venetian,it was not very crowded.