Seminole Hard Rock in Somewhere Florida
Quote: TomspurI was there once in a drunken haze in 2004 I believe but only on the bar/restaurant/hhipster side. I never even saw the inside of the place.
It sounds pretty grim though or am I just imagining Flea stumbling through the place with cigar smoke, unfriendly dealers, bad games and the like?
Perhaps spring break is the time to be at the beaches in Florida, not the casino? :)
Tomspur,
When you were there in 2004 it was a grim, smoky little grind joint. They made enough money to build an enormous modern facility. Now, I would say it is very comparable to the Venetian specifically in the casino and the hotel. I would rate the Borgata rooms slightly above both of those, and Harrah's somewhat below; another close comparison would be a good Hyatt Regency or high-rated business hotel. There are 500 rooms and suites, and even the basic room is very well appointed, with marble bathrooms, double vanities, upscale beds, in-room keurig coffee and minifridges, lots of plugs, in-room safe, good towels and bathrobes, etc. Housekeeping/laundry/valet/concierge/room service all available.
There are 2 huge parking garages, about 6 stories each, plus surrounding parking lots, landscaped around a small man-made lake. They are building another about 700 room hotel because they sell out most nights. There are 2 restaurants in the casino; a 24 hour coffee shop, and a Hard Rock Cafe, as well as a food court with several chain outlets, like in a mall or airport. There are about 20 attractions outside the casino in a sort of theme park area which includes performance stages, small theatres, other shops, several more restaurants. There is a golf course, a huge aquatic /swimming area I didn't get to visit but which is much more than just a typical hotel pool, tennis courts, etc. The old casino is apparently also still in operation nearby; I didn't get over there.
The casino is enormous, and laid out like a circular maze. There are 3 main casino table pits. The asian pit has about 6 Fortune PGP's, 8 bacc's, and about 8 BJ tables. The carnival pit has 3 UTH, 1 MS Stud, 1 Double Draw, 6 3CP, and about 6 BJ, 2 LIR, and they claim they have Caribbean on the website but I didn't see it. There was another pit I didn't make it to that was all BJ, including Switch (I was told) and probably some other BJ games. I did not visit the hi-limit pit, but there were 8-10 tables in there; I'm assuming BJ/bacc/paigow. There is the electronic craps/sic-bo for about 10 players. There are 2 electronic roulettes, one for 8 players, another for 12 or so. There is an electronic BJ for 8 (4 per side). And there are, I estimate, about 2000 slots with about 200 VP machines, plus a high limit slot room. There's a non-smoking section I haven't seen that has a few tables and slots (not sure what all is back there, but more of everything) plus a poker room.
It's become, according to the concierge, a destination resort with gambling, rather than a stand-alone casino, and is rapidly increasing its client base worldwide as well as within Florida. You would be shocked, I think, to see what they've done in 10 years.
Quote: FleaStiffFor a live craps table, you have to get on a boat and sail beyond the international border. The Victory Cruise ship out of Port Canaveral is best but the lesser boats are adequate in limits, odds and crew competence..
you going to try the breeze one out of west palm? or are you closer to victory?
Quote: FleaStiffNo, I was offer insurance over and over again but about a dozen times I should have taken it. I once had a twenty but declined insurance and lost. Pretty much all the time I declined insurance ... I should have taken it.
Well, that meant you constantly were facing dealer Ace. That's pretty much what you want to do to ensure a losing session [g]
It's a double whammy 'cuz the dealer is getting the Ace you might have gotten with a little luck.
Quote: chickenmanB3, fess up: how much was your commission? :-)
hahaha. I was pleasantly surprised at what an upscale facility it was. I had a mixed experience with it, mostly good.
Quote: bahdbwoyyou going to try the breeze one out of west palm? or are you closer to victory?
Its not really a question of geographical proximity, but more of preferences and options at destinations.
The Victory Casino is a gambling SHIP, all the others are more properly described as gambling BOATS.
I prefer the Victory Casino because it is huge, has everything available including a Las Vegas Sports Book while in International Waters, a Tax-Free Shop, and all the various games and slots and everything. Cocoa Beach also has so many other attractions and dozens of hotels that one can do a gambling cruise and still not burdened by an immediate drive back home. Although its possible to park your car near the ship, most gamblers use hotel shuttles to get from the ship to their hotel rooms and take time to sober up. get a breakfast and swim in and then check out.
The others are gambling boats often lucky to have one or two craps tables.
The histories of the boats are all interesting but illustrate the variability involved. Several years ago, the Big M Casino out of Fort Myers Beach got hit big time by a team of crossroaders: blockers, past-posters, cappers all performing their skills against a craps crew that was rather inexperienced. The very voyage, the boat sailed with a big empty space where the craps table used to be. The Moss family eventually realized that they had to re-institute craps so they did so on a limited basis of about forty percent of their voyages and got more qualified crew members. Now the Big M is back up to full strength and also very alert dice dealers, but its still a boat.
I never liked the unreliabiity of the Palm Beach Princess and so have not tried the Breeze despite once having received some sort of mailing. I've pretty much sworn off Palm Beach.
Quote: FleaStiffIts not really a question of geographical proximity, but more of preferences and options at destinations.
The Victory Casino is a gambling SHIP, all the others are more properly described as gambling BOATS.
I prefer the Victory Casino because it is huge, has everything available including a Las Vegas Sports Book while in International Waters, a Tax-Free Shop, and all the various games and slots and everything. Cocoa Beach also has so many other attractions and dozens of hotels that one can do a gambling cruise and still not burdened by an immediate drive back home. Although its possible to park your car near the ship, most gamblers use hotel shuttles to get from the ship to their hotel rooms and take time to sober up. get a breakfast and swim in and then check out.
The others are gambling boats often lucky to have one or two craps tables.
The histories of the boats are all interesting but illustrate the variability involved. Several years ago, the Big M Casino out of Fort Myers Beach got hit big time by a team of crossroaders: blockers, past-posters, cappers all performing their skills against a craps crew that was rather inexperienced. The very voyage, the boat sailed with a big empty space where the craps table used to be. The Moss family eventually realized that they had to re-institute craps so they did so on a limited basis of about forty percent of their voyages and got more qualified crew members. Now the Big M is back up to full strength and also very alert dice dealers, but its still a boat.
I never liked the unreliabiity of the Palm Beach Princess and so have not tried the Breeze despite once having received some sort of mailing. I've pretty much sworn off Palm Beach.
Yeah, there's all kinds of stories, including various mob moves, a murder, embezzlement, bankruptcy, all sorts of fun and games. I'm talking about past incarnations, not anything operating now, but within the last 20 years, so pretty recent. It's still a fun ship (the Victory).
I will be there in a few weeks and see what the BJ and poker players are like.
Quote: beachbumbabsThey also have 3 UTH tables...since you're a fan. I think you'll like it.
They have a decent mix of games... UTH, Miss Stud, War (which i hate) match the dealer Bj side bet, pai gow poker, bac, three card, let it ride and i think they just installed double draw poker as well.
I actually live right near the casino. It is in between my place and School...
Its a nice facility. Just beware of all of the horrible BJ players!
Capturing and retaining their market is important to them. That is why the changing demographics of gamblers is so important. The casinos need to have that "decent mix of games" to attract the players and to adapt to the players whims as the ebb and flow of the crowds takes place.Quote: mrsuit31War (which i hate) ...
>Just beware of all of the horrible BJ players!
Its the horrible BJ dealers that take my money, the players usually just give me advice.
Quote: mrsuit31They have a decent mix of games... UTH, Miss Stud, War (which i hate) match the dealer Bj side bet, pai gow poker, bac, three card, let it ride and i think they just installed double draw poker as well.
I actually live right near the casino. It is in between my place and School...
Its a nice facility. Just beware of all of the horrible BJ players!
I asked this earlier, how are the rules now for the BJ tables?
Are the roads to the place still backed up for miles on Friday nights?
Quote: UTHfanI asked this earlier, how are the rules now for the BJ tables?
Are the roads to the place still backed up for miles on Friday nights?
The rules actually change per table (at least this used to be the case the last time i was there a while ago... since then i know they had rearranged a few things). They used to have the continuous shoe on the 6-5 bj 5$ minimum tables, Then 3-2 BJ on regular shoe dealt on the higher minimum tables. I believe they don't allow surrender on any tables...
Its not hard to get to on Fridays and Saturdays... Usually parking isn't a problem although when it does get a little crazy they do force you to park in the second garage which is a tiny bit further walk to the casino..
With concerts or sporting events the rooms can be sold out for Friday and Saturday nights and the crowds intense.
I figure its a better bargain when its not such a zoo.
Quote: FleaStiffJust got a notice of a Seminole Hard Rock drawing for a car. Free entry if you accumulate one slot point or make 200.00 in bets at a table game. One minor point: The Drawing is May 26th ... and I just now received the mailer.
Lol. Good Luck.
Tnx. I just received a mailer about a Bacardi mix set and free drink or something... it was August 11th.Quote: DRichLol. Good Luck.
But the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood has at least offered me Su-Th rooms at 99 and F-SA rooms at 199.00.
One interesting item is on Sept 21st they will have One Million in Hidden Treasures...one thousand accounts have one thousand dollars in free play hidden n them 8am-Midnight. I didn't bother with any fine print though.
Donts pass and inside working on the come out only held strong. Did see 25 rolls without a 7 though.
Thankfully had no smokers at the station for a stretch which was nice.
Superfast bimini is too over priced now.. Hope some competition comes at some point so can play live.
Been there with both.
Quote: rxwineDecided to mention one thing I like about Tampa Hard Rock. Motorcycle parking right in front of door under a garage. And there are always spaces no matter how crowded (so far), if on a bike. Not so easy with a car as far as I can tell.
Been there with both.
Tampa Hard Rock, I've been there, it's in Tampa.
Wasn't supposed to be there.
Was supposed to driving home, to ATL.
Been fishing for a couple days, search Hubbards Marina.
Smelled like ripe bait I did.
Put on a almost clean shirt and pants, walked in, couldn't resist myself.
Sunday about 10:00 AM.
Walked around for a bit, fairly large place.
Couldn't find $10 BJ, bull crap.
Settled for $15 BJ, bought in for $300 cash.
Darn table is 6:5.
Played heads up mostly gainst house, 1 hour, 1 hour exactly.
Walked away w/$1300, after leaving $150 in dealer tips.
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf, big bad wolf, big bad wolf.....
Jumped in car, pointed toward GA, called wife.
Just got off the boat honey, caught some really nice fish, on my way, see you in 8 hours, love you.......
Quote: TwoFeathersATLBeen fishing for a couple days, search Hubbards Marina.
Used to be a Hubbard's Pier in Pass-A-Grill from which they operated the Miss Pass-A-Grill and Miss Pass-A-Grill II fishing boats. Went on them a couple of times in either the late '50s or early '60s. I think the earlier boat sank right at the pier.
Later they moved to a pier on the south side of John's Pass and later than that moved a few hundred feet to a location on the north side of John's Pass. They had developed (for the tourists) a set of shops forming a faux fishing village from which fishing boats really went out multiple times a day for half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips. This is probably the place you're talking about.
My wife and I liked those little half-day expeditions, and I really liked that I could have the crew clean the catch and then have it prepared for us at the Friendly Fisherman restaurant right by the pier.
Among the photos I have decorating my condo walls are two shots of John's Pass, one from the boardwalk right before one of those fishing outings, showing the sunrise with the pelicans sitting on the pier posts, and the other from the boat just after setting off, looking back at the John's Pass Village.
Quote: DocUsed to be a Hubbard's Pier in Pass-A-Grill from which they operated the Miss Pass-A-Grill and Miss Pass-A-Grill II fishing boats. Went on them a couple of times in either the late '50s or early '60s. I think the earlier boat sank right at the pier.
Later they moved to a pier on the south side of John's Pass and later than that moved a few hundred feet to a location on the north side of John's Pass. They had developed (for the tourists) a set of shops forming a faux fishing village from which fishing boats really went out multiple times a day for half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips.
That is the one, Hubbards Marina, Madeira Beach (Johns Pass ). Stumbled into them on the Internet while looking for a multi day fishing trip into the Gulf. If you like trip reports with pics of big fish, check out 'the online Fisherman', go to forums, go to offshore reports, look for TRs posted by Bob Harbison, posts at least one a week covering the 39, 46, 64 hour trips out of Hubbards. I've been on a couple of the 39 hour trips, so if you looked hard enough you'd find pics of me with some really nice fish.
Which led me purely by accident to the Hard Rock Tampa ;-)
The Original is in Madeira Beach, about a mile North of The John's Pass Drawbridge, on the East side of Gulf Boulevard.
It's nothing fancy but they have the Freshest Grouper I've ever had.
Quote: ten2winWe used to frequent Dockside Dave's whenever we went to St. Pete Beach.
The Original is in Madeira Beach, about a mile North of The John's Pass Drawbridge, on the East side of Gulf Boulevard.
It's nothing fancy but they have the Freshest Grouper I've ever had.
Thx, I will check out Dockside Dave's.
But the freshest Grouper, is the Grouper you just caught,
Very hard to beat....
"Tampa Hard Rock now charges $10 for all parking. You can use comp dollars to pay or you will be comped if are a hotel guest, have a spa treatment or eat at a restrauant with a bill over $50. What a rip off! I've always liked the smaller poker rooms better but now I REALLY like them better!"
Sucks
I actually like their Buffet
Not enough to have 10 bucks tacked onto my bill though
Quote: terapinedCopied from Tampa Poker players FB page
"Tampa Hard Rock now charges $10 for all parking. You can use comp dollars to pay or you will be comped if are a hotel guest, have a spa treatment or eat at a restrauant with a bill over $50. What a rip off! I've always liked the smaller poker rooms better but now I REALLY like them better!"
Sucks
I actually like their Buffet
Not enough to have 10 bucks tacked onto my bill though
I thought it was just their garage parking. Not parking in the open lot.
That may be.Quote: rxwineI thought it was just their garage parking. Not parking in the open lot.
All the ten dollar parking comps involve the garage exit machines or guards.
Elite and Xcard holders are exempt from the ten dollar garage parking fee.
Fifty dollars in food is ONLY in the UPSCALE restaurants, not the food court and must not be COMP dollars.
