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.
I mostly played Pai Gow Poker. They do not have Craps or Roulette - but a small chance they will by January .
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
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.
Quote: WizardofnothingFort 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].
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).
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.
Quote: odiousgambitMy 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
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 2FQuote: JoemanI 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.
<edit> Hard Rock Tampa will let you play at their tables even if you smell like two day old bait, this I know.
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/26/welcome-to-gibtown-the-last-freakshow-town-in-america
Quote: rxwineWhy 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 :-)
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 ;-)Quote: DRichFt. 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.
Quote: TwoFeathersATLNot 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?
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 ;-)Quote: DRichHave you been to South Beach or the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale?
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 ;-)
Quote: TwoFeathersATLCough, 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 ;-)Quote: DRichHave you been to South Beach or the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale?
Since you appreciated the pics I thought I would also include ones from the Tampa area.
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
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....Quote: terapinedPinnellas County is right next to Tampa
The county is known as God's waiting room
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.;-)Quote: DRichQuote: TwoFeathersATLCough, 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 ;-)Quote: DRichHave you been to South Beach or the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale?
Since you appreciated the pics I thought I would also include ones from the Tampa area.
Quote: JoemanActually, 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 :-)
Quote: TwoFeathersATL
We're suppose to guess which one is the mom?
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.
Quote: WizardofnothingThanks 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.
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.Quote: odiousgambitYou'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
Signed - War Feathers
MANAGEMENT: I hit the subscribe button but if it sent me an email about replies I missed it.
Quote: terapinedWe 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.