AZDuffman
AZDuffman
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March 16th, 2016 at 5:28:17 PM permalink
Simple question, which of the seminole casinos would you suggest and why?

Three friends and myself get together twice or so a year for a reunion weekend of sorts. But so far it is always just a day and too much packing in too much over 10 hours or so. I would really like to take 3 days as a mini-vacation. I have sort of convinced them and the idea is Florida next January, get out of the cold a few days.

We like casinos because they are nice resorts, but we can gamble at home, We will play some, but any suggestions as to which locations are nicer, have more amenities, or anything else? Proximity to a jetBlue services airport is a plus.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
odiousgambit
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March 16th, 2016 at 6:04:29 PM permalink
The Hard Rock Casino near Tampa, I understand, is the best one. I have been to it, but can't compare to any other, not having done the same.

I mostly played Pai Gow Poker. They do not have Craps or Roulette - but a small chance they will by January .
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
Keeneone
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March 16th, 2016 at 7:27:29 PM permalink
You are really choosing between the Tampa and Hollywood Hard Rock properties. Neither is really in interesting parts of their cities. HRHollywood is pretty close (~10-15 minutes) to FLL (Ft. Lauderdale airport) and HRTampa is about ~20-25 minutes from TPA. Both airports are serviced by Jetblue (B6). Both have nice large pools. You will definitely want to check the calender of events to see what is happening for your dates. The properties do hold larger events/concerts that really fill up the properties. If gaming is a secondary activity you may be interested in looking at other resorts in the Hallandale Beach area. You will still be close to Gulfstream Park Casino and Hard Rock Hollywood, but a rental car/transport would be needed. Will you be looking to do any other activities outside of the properties? January is "high" season, so prices will be high and areas will be busy.
terapined
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March 16th, 2016 at 8:18:47 PM permalink
Only know about Tampa
Its outside the city across the highway from the large outdoor amphitheater
Its big
6th largest casino in the world
Other then that, just a casino, only real big
Stingy rules, no free alcohol. High Minimums.
Huge big busy poker room.
Usually have at least 20 tables going
Nice restaurants. I like the buffet
Ybor city closest interesting place, about 5 to 10 min drive
If you are a cigar person, its great.
Former cigar capitol of the world
Its a college bar/nightclub town at night
rxwine
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March 16th, 2016 at 8:48:15 PM permalink
I too have only been to the Seminole in Tampa. (guess no one goes to the other ones?)

Nothing to add really.

3 friends, one rental car, you could stay anywhere within 10-20 miles at a cheaper rate than the onsite hotel probably.

M-F - you want to avoid 5-7pm traffic probably if you drive from an outside hotel/motel.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
Wizardofnothing
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March 16th, 2016 at 8:51:29 PM permalink
Hard rock Fort Lauderdale 1 million percent better then Tampa..... Been to both a couple times.... Fort Lauderdale is a larger property ...... Many more choices on site to eat- a full entertainment complex- and a million more things to do- much closer to the airport- you can be there in ten minutes and there are two major cites ( Miami) and Fort Lauderdale if you wanted to go somewhere besides the resort
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Wizardofnothing
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March 16th, 2016 at 8:53:03 PM permalink
Also fort laud is. 500 room hotel Tampa is 240- Fort Lauderdale has another casino across the street and other casinos nearby -
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odiousgambit
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March 17th, 2016 at 2:19:49 AM permalink
Quote: Wizardofnothing

Fort Lauderdale has another casino across the street and other casinos nearby -



My understanding is that the other, non-Seminole casinos are screwed in what they can offer. Just class II gaming in fact [I thought].
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
suryaferdy19
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March 17th, 2016 at 3:49:43 AM permalink
Wow, attractive website. Thnx
rdw4potus
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March 17th, 2016 at 5:01:00 AM permalink
I'll join the I've-only-been-to-one-but-I'm-commenting-anyway crowd:-)

Hollywood seems perfectly fitted to the purpose of your event. There's a large outdoor area with bars and restaurants. The casino is clean and well laid out. PBI, FLL, and MIA provide lots of airport options for getting to the area. Room rates on-property are crazy high, but I've had good luck pricelining hotels in the area (just need a way to safely get from point A to point B).
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
Joeman
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March 17th, 2016 at 6:15:33 AM permalink
I have been to both, but it's probably been 10 years since I've been to Hollywood. To echo what RDW mentioned, my experience is that hotel rooms for both properties are crazy expensive. Are you set on staying at the casino? You may find a better value off property.

I have not stayed at either (see: crazy room prices), but I would bet that the amenities would be very similar at both Tampa and Hollywood. Can I ask what else you would want to do on your Vacation (beaches, nightlife, etc.)? This might be the deciding factor for your destination.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
Wizardofnothing
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March 17th, 2016 at 6:18:17 AM permalink
Quote: odiousgambit

My understanding is that the other, non-Seminole casinos are screwed in what they can offer. Just class II gaming in fact [I thought].



No that's not true- other casinos are mostly class three just no table games
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
TwoFeathersATL
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March 17th, 2016 at 8:14:20 AM permalink
Quote: Joeman

I have been to both, but it's probably been 10 years since I've been to Hollywood. To echo what RDW mentioned, my experience is that hotel rooms for both properties are crazy expensive. Are you set on staying at the casino? You may find a better value off property.

I have not stayed at either (see: crazy room prices), but I would bet that the amenities would be very similar at both Tampa and Hollywood. Can I ask what else you would want to do on your Vacation (beaches, nightlife, etc.)? This might be the deciding factor for your destination.

Can I suggest you go fishing? Since I haven't fished off Lauderdale, well not since 1980, I would recommend Tampa. Hubbard's in Madeira Beach has some great offshore opportunities. That is a blatant plug for some buddies of mine though I am in no way involved in the operation other than as a paying customer. Schedule 2 days for an 'overnighter'. Lot's of fun, might be cheaper than hangin' out at the casino ;-) just 2F

<edit> Hard Rock Tampa will let you play at their tables even if you smell like two day old bait, this I know.
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
rxwine
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March 17th, 2016 at 8:47:16 AM permalink
Why Tampa has Gibtown nearby. Or what's left of it.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/26/welcome-to-gibtown-the-last-freakshow-town-in-america
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
DRich
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March 17th, 2016 at 10:26:59 AM permalink
Ft. Lauderdale because the neighboring areas offer so much more. As other stated hotel rooms on property are expensive. I was there for a three day weekend and rooms were $479 a night.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
terapined
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March 17th, 2016 at 10:57:23 AM permalink
Quote: rxwine

Why Tampa has Gibtown nearby. Or what's left of it.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/26/welcome-to-gibtown-the-last-freakshow-town-in-america



We call it Gibsonton
Yup, where all the carnys wintered
Further south is the Ringling House in Sarasota built on circus money
House is amazing
Mr Ringling gave his wife an unlimited budget to build it (Cadzan) and he said she exceeded the budget :-)
TwoFeathersATL
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March 17th, 2016 at 10:58:18 AM permalink
Quote: DRich

Ft. Lauderdale because the neighboring areas offer so much more. As other stated hotel rooms on property are expensive. I was there for a three day weekend and rooms were $479 a night.

Not being confrontational, but 'the neighboring areas offer so much more', so much more of what? Supply pics, I could change my mind in a hurry ;-)
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
Wizardofnothing
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March 17th, 2016 at 11:00:24 AM permalink
More in the way of everything, more casinos more hotels more shopping, more places to eat, and way better hookers
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
DRich
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March 17th, 2016 at 11:05:27 AM permalink
Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Not being confrontational, but 'the neighboring areas offer so much more', so much more of what? Supply pics, I could change my mind in a hurry ;-)



Have you been to South Beach or the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale?

At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
TwoFeathersATL
TwoFeathersATL
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March 17th, 2016 at 11:15:36 AM permalink
Quote: DRich

Have you been to South Beach or the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale?

Cough, yes I have. I lived there a long time ago, just haven't been fishing there lately. I asked for pics, you supplied pics. You are so vulnerable ;-)

I was tempted to 'one up' your pics, but there's rules here. I have been reminded, once or twice. I declare you a 'winner', take my declaration to the cage. If they laugh at you notate the names of everyone involved and PM the names to me ;-)
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
DRich
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March 17th, 2016 at 11:21:41 AM permalink
Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Quote: DRich

Have you been to South Beach or the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale?

Cough, yes I have. I lived there a long time ago, just haven't been fishing there lately. I asked for pics, you supplied pics. You are so vulnerable ;-)



Since you appreciated the pics I thought I would also include ones from the Tampa area.

At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
terapined
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March 17th, 2016 at 12:01:45 PM permalink
Quote: DRich


Since you appreciated the pics I thought I would also include ones from the Tampa area.



Pinnellas County is right next to Tampa
The county is known as God's waiting room
TwoFeathersATL
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March 17th, 2016 at 12:18:01 PM permalink
Quote: terapined

Pinnellas County is right next to Tampa
The county is known as God's waiting room

HAHAHA! You win, I lose, again! But (butt) weren't we talking about fishing? Sorry, something just came up, seem's I called someone with an alias ( yes alias ) a douchbag? Sometimes I get carried away, blame it on Johnny Walker, he's got insurance to cover it. Damnation, this system is so broken....
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
Joeman
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March 17th, 2016 at 12:23:24 PM permalink
Actually, if we are talking about the best beach (where beach = sand + water only), my vote would be for Tampa (Clearwater, actually). Now, as DRich pointed out Ft. Lauderdale/Miami's beaches have much better scenery.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
TwoFeathersATL
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March 17th, 2016 at 12:36:26 PM permalink
Quote: DRich

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Quote: DRich

Have you been to South Beach or the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale?

Cough, yes I have. I lived there a long time ago, just haven't been fishing there lately. I asked for pics, you supplied pics. You are so vulnerable ;-)



Since you appreciated the pics I thought I would also include ones from the Tampa area.

I'll take all three of them, if they're willing. Give me a few minutes in between, vultures can not be that choosey. Or something along those lines. Half the guys that post here, (forget that thought, it never happened.;-)
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
terapined
terapined
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March 17th, 2016 at 1:02:15 PM permalink
Quote: Joeman

Actually, if we are talking about the best beach (where beach = sand + water only), my vote would be for Tampa (Clearwater, actually). Now, as DRich pointed out Ft. Lauderdale/Miami's beaches have much better scenery.



Good Golf in the area
Anywhere in Florida has lots of nice golf courses
We have one I play at with hills. Yes hills in Florida
Diamond Hills, not far from the casino.
Its got hills because its built on an old phosphate mine location.
Hmm, are my clubs glowing :-)
DeMango
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March 17th, 2016 at 1:44:30 PM permalink
When I drive, I will come close, within 5 miles or so, of Tampa Hard Rock. I will drive the additional 550 miles or so, to Biloxi. No craps, not a real casino.
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
rxwine
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March 17th, 2016 at 2:09:20 PM permalink
Quote: TwoFeathersATL




We're suppose to guess which one is the mom?
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
beachbumbabs
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March 17th, 2016 at 7:20:24 PM permalink
Hard Rock Hollywood is by far better than Hard Rock Tampa. Huge difference. Dealers are more pleasant, staffing is better, comps are better, you can find your game 24/7. Tampa is a casino factory. Great food, good spa, great swimming at HRH. Also several other casinos within 30 minutes or less, including their Coconut Creek which also has tables, and their older casino across the street from the HRH which still has tables.

Rooms are beautiful, more like suites, even the basic ones. Lots more upscale competition there, so they keep the quality high.

Tampa HR is the lone casino property in the area and acts like it. Cattle call. Bad slots, indifferent staff.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
Wizardofnothing
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March 17th, 2016 at 7:42:16 PM permalink
Thanks fur confirming, the two properties are night and day-
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FleaStiff
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March 17th, 2016 at 9:38:55 PM permalink
Quote: Wizardofnothing

Thanks for confirming, the two properties are night and day-


DEFINITELY.

Tampa has disgruntled dealers who can go an entire shift without any dealer bets and having to listen to blaring music. It happened several years ago but one dealer lost it and called one player a MFing Scumbag and the Floorman came along and yelled WHICH MFing Scumbag you tallkin' 'bout? Would NEVER happen elsewhere no matter how empty the tip jar was at end of shift.

Hard Rock Hollywood is clearly the best. Great hotel. Great entertainment and its own 'mall' of specialty stores for the 18 and up crowd. Good dealers. Alert.

Yeah, lousy cocktail policy.....all Seminole casinos have that. Its ONE license. All chocolate is served HOT, HOT, HOT. Be careful.

Do NOT tip valet parking as you enter... its handled as you LEAVE... and you have to ASK while you are gambling for a Parking Comp. Some of those stores near the exit are very pricey.

NOTE: If you stay at almost any hotel in the Fort "Liquordale" area, particularly Lauderdale By The Sea, examine your room key, its likely to be a free admission pass and ten dollars in slot money to one of the older, "lesser" Indian casinos in the area.

A word for Immokalee: its a teensy weensy place, active poker room, but many of the poker players choose Biloxi for craps and comps rather than Immokalee or the Greyhound Race Track near Naples which has a very active poker room. Immokalee is at the BOTTOM of your list for sure.

There is a Gambling Ship out of Cape Canaveral area which has craps (live and machine). Two voyages a day, free parking, free hotel pickup, a few hotel/casino "deals" of dubious value. Main advantage: Its not indian owned.
odiousgambit
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March 18th, 2016 at 7:30:45 AM permalink
You've got me looking into this more.

I may have been mistaken, but at the time when I was in FL and gambling [2010] I was under the distinct impression there were only two Seminole casinos. Now it appears there are 6

http://500nations.com/Florida_Casinos.asp#hendry
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
TwoFeathersATL
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March 18th, 2016 at 8:04:11 AM permalink
Quote: odiousgambit

You've got me looking into this more.

I may have been mistaken, but at the time when I was in FL and gambling [2010] I was under the distinct impression there were only two Seminole casinos. Now it appears there are 6

http://500nations.com/Florida_Casinos.asp#hendry

Somebody better be watching dem injuns, they walked into the bar pissed.
Signed - War Feathers
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
AZDuffman
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March 21st, 2016 at 3:50:57 PM permalink
Thanks for the feedback folks! Keep the thread going, please.

MANAGEMENT: I hit the subscribe button but if it sent me an email about replies I missed it.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
beachbumbabs
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March 21st, 2016 at 8:49:25 PM permalink
Thanks for reminding me about valet parking. HRH now has a vendor (third party) providing valet parking. Most expensive anywhere I've been (25/day? think it was, and I was a hotel guest AND playing), and they are very tight on comping it. Self-park for sure; especially upper levels of parking garage right next to the building, is very convenient.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
Boz
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March 22nd, 2016 at 3:18:44 PM permalink
Quote: terapined

We call it Gibsonton
Yup, where all the carnys wintered
Further south is the Ringling House in Sarasota built on circus money
House is amazing
Mr Ringling gave his wife an unlimited budget to build it (Cadzan) and he said she exceeded the budget :-)



Spent a few nights drinking at the Showtown bar. It's a dive but I met some good people in there.

Also Big Top Brewing is making some good beers down there.
Boz
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March 22nd, 2016 at 3:21:57 PM permalink
And only HR Fort Lauderdale can claim Anna Nicole Smith died there.
Wizardofnothing
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March 22nd, 2016 at 4:16:08 PM permalink
I stayed in that room - Weird
No longer hiring, don’t ask because I won’t hire you either
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