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Downtown Casinos

 
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Jan Sat 12, 2019 1:50 pm    Post subject: Downtown Casinos Reply with quote

Looking to make my 5th annual winter getaway trip at the end of February and looking for input for what has changed downtown since this time last year.

I have gotten several room offers for downtown properties. Two years ago I managed 4 comped nights at Eldorado with a waived resort fee. This year I called in to see what they could do for me for 5 nights and was surprised when they wanted $500 for my Wed-Mon stay.

Harrah's is significantly cheaper at $230 when I book through TR with no play in the last 6 months. I always get offers from the Sands, but I just can't stay there anymore. I'm a fan of dust joints but the Sands is just too much.

I noticed last year that a lot of The ROW casinos have moved to 6:5 blackjack which was originally my reason for staying there. Silver Legacy had some 3:2 last year but it seems to be rarer and rarer.

Anyway, apart from my rambling, what is new downtown? Is it still worth staying at the big 3 downtown spots despite the high prices? My big draws are cocktail quality and game quality.
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Jan Sun 13, 2019 8:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My next trip Im going to stay in one of the big three, Peppermil, Atlantis, nugget, or maybe try the GSR after many yrs, with a side trip to Cal Neva to gamble. My daughter is staying
at the Western village for 5 nights for the Air Races in Sept.
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organgecrush



Joined: 19 Jan 2017
Posts: 23

PostPosted: Jan Mon 14, 2019 11:00 am    Post subject: Re: Downtown Casinos Reply with quote

IOWActuary wrote:
Looking to make my 5th annual winter getaway trip at the end of February and looking for input for what has changed downtown since this time last year.

I have gotten several room offers for downtown properties. Two years ago I managed 4 comped nights at Eldorado with a waived resort fee. This year I called in to see what they could do for me for 5 nights and was surprised when they wanted $500 for my Wed-Mon stay.

Harrah's is significantly cheaper at $230 when I book through TR with no play in the last 6 months. I always get offers from the Sands, but I just can't stay there anymore. I'm a fan of dust joints but the Sands is just too much.

I noticed last year that a lot of The ROW casinos have moved to 6:5 blackjack which was originally my reason for staying there. Silver Legacy had some 3:2 last year but it seems to be rarer and rarer.

Anyway, apart from my rambling, what is new downtown? Is it still worth staying at the big 3 downtown spots despite the high prices? My big draws are cocktail quality and game quality.


I just got back for 3 nights at circus circus Monday last Monday.

The row properties are looking very nice. However, I have noticed my room offers have really dropped off. Sterling Steakhouse is replaced by Ruth's Chris steak house. I did not eat there, but it looks very nice. the fountains in front of Roxy's are covered up. They never really seemed to fit there, and were kind of an odd barrier to foot traffic. I don't know what is going in there.
All live gambling is gone from Circus Circus. Most blackjack tables are 6:5 now at silver legacy and el dorado. There are maybe 2 tables of 3:2 at silver legacy, and I saw one at el dorado. Boo!
The buffet at silver legacy is closed. but just sitting there to view with tables and chairs like they are expecting to open. Looks odd.
My room at circus circus was very nice, and large. recently remodeled. I really liked it. Hall ways have new paint and carpet. Upgrades at all row properties looks very good.

Cal Neva is the same as always.

Sands has a lot of cosmetic activity going on. I was impressed. Still smokey, but new flooring was going in at casino and a large section of the casino was blocked off like it was being remodeled.
Sands had 2 tables with 3:2 blackjack, and 2 6:5. The proliferation of 6:5 needs to stop.
Harrahs tables were all 3:2, which surprised me. Harrahs looked cleaner, with new carpet I think in the casino area.
My impression is the row properties are trying to flex their might at being the nicest most desirable downtown property. The room offers have dropped off, ,more 6:5 blackjack tables, and raised their resort fees. This tells me they expect to be more of a destination and don't have to incent travelers. I am impressed with their improvements on the property though.
I honestly did most of my gambling at Sands. I had more fun, and found a better table of blackjack. I did a lot at Silver Legacy as well, but only when the 1 3:2 table I liked was available.
I hammered Harrahs alot from my stay there 2 years ago, but I might try it again. Recently, my dealers and the staff there seemed more personable. And looks cleaner.
2 years ago, I found myself getting room offers every other month from row properties, and now it might be every 4 months. I did gamble a lot at Sands, so I expect some offers from there. I stayed there twice. 2 years ago in a Dynasty tower, with a very clean and remodled room. Last year, it was an older tower and old room that was quite dated. I am willing to give it another try.
I am hoping to arrange a visit in March, so maybe some room offers will pop-up by then.
Hope this helps.
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Jan Mon 14, 2019 2:20 pm    Post subject: Re: Downtown Casinos Reply with quote

organgecrush wrote:
IOWActuary wrote:
Looking to make my 5th annual winter getaway trip at the end of February and looking for input for what has changed downtown since this time last year.

I have gotten several room offers for downtown properties. Two years ago I managed 4 comped nights at Eldorado with a waived resort fee. This year I called in to see what they could do for me for 5 nights and was surprised when they wanted $500 for my Wed-Mon stay.

Harrah's is significantly cheaper at $230 when I book through TR with no play in the last 6 months. I always get offers from the Sands, but I just can't stay there anymore. I'm a fan of dust joints but the Sands is just too much.

I noticed last year that a lot of The ROW casinos have moved to 6:5 blackjack which was originally my reason for staying there. Silver Legacy had some 3:2 last year but it seems to be rarer and rarer.

Anyway, apart from my rambling, what is new downtown? Is it still worth staying at the big 3 downtown spots despite the high prices? My big draws are cocktail quality and game quality.


I just got back for 3 nights at circus circus Monday last Monday.

The row properties are looking very nice. However, I have noticed my room offers have really dropped off. Sterling Steakhouse is replaced by Ruth's Chris steak house. I did not eat there, but it looks very nice. the fountains in front of Roxy's are covered up. They never really seemed to fit there, and were kind of an odd barrier to foot traffic. I don't know what is going in there.
All live gambling is gone from Circus Circus. Most blackjack tables are 6:5 now at silver legacy and el dorado. There are maybe 2 tables of 3:2 at silver legacy, and I saw one at el dorado. Boo!
The buffet at silver legacy is closed. but just sitting there to view with tables and chairs like they are expecting to open. Looks odd.
My room at circus circus was very nice, and large. recently remodeled. I really liked it. Hall ways have new paint and carpet. Upgrades at all row properties looks very good.

Cal Neva is the same as always.

Sands has a lot of cosmetic activity going on. I was impressed. Still smokey, but new flooring was going in at casino and a large section of the casino was blocked off like it was being remodeled.
Sands had 2 tables with 3:2 blackjack, and 2 6:5. The proliferation of 6:5 needs to stop.
Harrahs tables were all 3:2, which surprised me. Harrahs looked cleaner, with new carpet I think in the casino area.
My impression is the row properties are trying to flex their might at being the nicest most desirable downtown property. The room offers have dropped off, ,more 6:5 blackjack tables, and raised their resort fees. This tells me they expect to be more of a destination and don't have to incent travelers. I am impressed with their improvements on the property though.
I honestly did most of my gambling at Sands. I had more fun, and found a better table of blackjack. I did a lot at Silver Legacy as well, but only when the 1 3:2 table I liked was available.
I hammered Harrahs alot from my stay there 2 years ago, but I might try it again. Recently, my dealers and the staff there seemed more personable. And looks cleaner.
2 years ago, I found myself getting room offers every other month from row properties, and now it might be every 4 months. I did gamble a lot at Sands, so I expect some offers from there. I stayed there twice. 2 years ago in a Dynasty tower, with a very clean and remodled room. Last year, it was an older tower and old room that was quite dated. I am willing to give it another try.
I am hoping to arrange a visit in March, so maybe some room offers will pop-up by then.
Hope this helps.


This was exceptionally helpful, thank you. I was just about to post today because I was on the Circus website and did not see any tables games listed. I'm surprised their hotel rates are as high as Eldo/SL with such a vastly underwhelming suite of offerings when compared to their sister properties.

I'm even more impressed that Harrah's has 3:2. The only thing I didn't like there was their limiting of frequency of beverages, and their video poker odds are awful at the bar.

Every trip for the past 5 years I have stayed at Sands for at least part of my stay. I always get comped rooms there, but last time the shower had absolutely no pressure nor was it hot - and that was the last straw.

I'm considering staying at Circus like you to save a few bucks. My favorite bar in the big 3 is El Jefe's which is right there by the CC/SL connector, so at least I'll have that going for me. I have also never stayed there and would like to at least try it out.

Side note - 2 years ago on the Sunday night right before I left I walked through the pit of the Sands and found a single deck 3:2 table. To my surprise they actually allowed DAS on any 2! I played til 5am on what was probably the best game I have ever played on.
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organgecrush



Joined: 19 Jan 2017
Posts: 23

PostPosted: Jan Mon 14, 2019 3:58 pm    Post subject: Re: Downtown Casinos Reply with quote

IOWActuary wrote:
organgecrush wrote:
IOWActuary wrote:
Looking to make my 5th annual winter getaway trip at the end of February and looking for input for what has changed downtown since this time last year.

I have gotten several room offers for downtown properties. Two years ago I managed 4 comped nights at Eldorado with a waived resort fee. This year I called in to see what they could do for me for 5 nights and was surprised when they wanted $500 for my Wed-Mon stay.

Harrah's is significantly cheaper at $230 when I book through TR with no play in the last 6 months. I always get offers from the Sands, but I just can't stay there anymore. I'm a fan of dust joints but the Sands is just too much.

I noticed last year that a lot of The ROW casinos have moved to 6:5 blackjack which was originally my reason for staying there. Silver Legacy had some 3:2 last year but it seems to be rarer and rarer.

Anyway, apart from my rambling, what is new downtown? Is it still worth staying at the big 3 downtown spots despite the high prices? My big draws are cocktail quality and game quality.


I just got back for 3 nights at circus circus Monday last Monday.

The row properties are looking very nice. However, I have noticed my room offers have really dropped off. Sterling Steakhouse is replaced by Ruth's Chris steak house. I did not eat there, but it looks very nice. the fountains in front of Roxy's are covered up. They never really seemed to fit there, and were kind of an odd barrier to foot traffic. I don't know what is going in there.
All live gambling is gone from Circus Circus. Most blackjack tables are 6:5 now at silver legacy and el dorado. There are maybe 2 tables of 3:2 at silver legacy, and I saw one at el dorado. Boo!
The buffet at silver legacy is closed. but just sitting there to view with tables and chairs like they are expecting to open. Looks odd.
My room at circus circus was very nice, and large. recently remodeled. I really liked it. Hall ways have new paint and carpet. Upgrades at all row properties looks very good.

Cal Neva is the same as always.

Sands has a lot of cosmetic activity going on. I was impressed. Still smokey, but new flooring was going in at casino and a large section of the casino was blocked off like it was being remodeled.
Sands had 2 tables with 3:2 blackjack, and 2 6:5. The proliferation of 6:5 needs to stop.
Harrahs tables were all 3:2, which surprised me. Harrahs looked cleaner, with new carpet I think in the casino area.
My impression is the row properties are trying to flex their might at being the nicest most desirable downtown property. The room offers have dropped off, ,more 6:5 blackjack tables, and raised their resort fees. This tells me they expect to be more of a destination and don't have to incent travelers. I am impressed with their improvements on the property though.
I honestly did most of my gambling at Sands. I had more fun, and found a better table of blackjack. I did a lot at Silver Legacy as well, but only when the 1 3:2 table I liked was available.
I hammered Harrahs alot from my stay there 2 years ago, but I might try it again. Recently, my dealers and the staff there seemed more personable. And looks cleaner.
2 years ago, I found myself getting room offers every other month from row properties, and now it might be every 4 months. I did gamble a lot at Sands, so I expect some offers from there. I stayed there twice. 2 years ago in a Dynasty tower, with a very clean and remodled room. Last year, it was an older tower and old room that was quite dated. I am willing to give it another try.
I am hoping to arrange a visit in March, so maybe some room offers will pop-up by then.
Hope this helps.


This was exceptionally helpful, thank you. I was just about to post today because I was on the Circus website and did not see any tables games listed. I'm surprised their hotel rates are as high as Eldo/SL with such a vastly underwhelming suite of offerings when compared to their sister properties.

I'm even more impressed that Harrah's has 3:2. The only thing I didn't like there was their limiting of frequency of beverages, and their video poker odds are awful at the bar.

Every trip for the past 5 years I have stayed at Sands for at least part of my stay. I always get comped rooms there, but last time the shower had absolutely no pressure nor was it hot - and that was the last straw.

I'm considering staying at Circus like you to save a few bucks. My favorite bar in the big 3 is El Jefe's which is right there by the CC/SL connector, so at least I'll have that going for me. I have also never stayed there and would like to at least try it out.

Side note - 2 years ago on the Sunday night right before I left I walked through the pit of the Sands and found a single deck 3:2 table. To my surprise they actually allowed DAS on any 2! I played til 5am on what was probably the best game I have ever played on.


I would recommend Circus Circus. I have stayed there twice in the last 16 months. both rooms were large; fresh paint and carpet, and new fixtures and TVs. I stayed in the casino tower, and the shower was excellent with unlimited hot water. My room was very quiet. No complaints about the room.
Really, with the way the row properties are connected you maybe on a 5 minute walk from the other end of the property.
I know that Sands changed hands again recently, and on this trip I noticed repairs and activity so maybe it will take a turn for the better. I had one very nice room and no complaints, and 1 year later I had a bad room kind of regretted it. I do like their dealers and pit bosses. all were engaging, and everytime a miss deal or question happeded the pit boss would rule in the player's favor.
As I stated, Harrahs just had a cleaner look than in the past, and more pleasant personnel than my past trips. Got me thinking of trying it again.
Im shooting for a March Madness trip, and right now hotel rates are expensive for those 4 days. Hopefully some offers arrive.
Trying to think what else I experienced. ate at Mel's, top deck, el dorado buffet, Little Nugget, Canter's Deli and Hidden Pizza. All meals are my regulars now, and were excellent. The Downtowner corned beef and Canters was phenomenal.
Enjoy your trip
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Jan Mon 14, 2019 5:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Do you have a trip report in the works?
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Jan Mon 14, 2019 6:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think I just had the most ridiculous phone call of my life.

Logged in to ONE Club to see I had gotten promos for Jan/Feb/March. Each month I get 2 free nights for arrival Sun-Thurs. Great, use two for Feb and one for March since I'm staying Feb 27 - March 4.

Reservations say they can make the reservation now, but only at full price. They can't apply a promotion code until the end of the month preceding the promo, i.e. I can't book a February comp until January 30, and I can't book a March comp until February 28. She literally told me I cannot book a comp room for the beginning of March until the end of February. I have never heard of this happening, and for the past 5 years of me going to Reno this has never been the case.

Is this really how they do business now? They are giving me so many incentives to go to another hotel, I'm not sure I can pass it up anymore.

-----------

So apparently that cluster ^^^ was just Circus Circus. I called Silver Legacy to see if they could adjust my original 5 night full price reservation to comp 3 of those nights and they did it with no problem. Saved me $150.

With Circus closing down their live tables games and inability to book the comps they offer, I have no reason to go there anymore.
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organgecrush



Joined: 19 Jan 2017
Posts: 23

PostPosted: Jan Tue 15, 2019 9:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

IOWActuary wrote:
Do you have a trip report in the works?


I think I will post one by the end of the week.

sorry to hear about your problems booking your comped room. My booking at circus went smooth, and i could use the comped room any day of the week while silver legacy and el dorado were only sunday through thursday.
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classic78



Joined: 28 Jun 2018
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Feb Sat 02, 2019 1:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've been a Downtown regular for the past few years, I used to stay at the Sands but have recently stayed at ROW properties, Eldorado being my favorite. What a shame CC removing table games. Im glad I had the chance to play back in June, I play single and double deck blackjack only, I've had many sessions there, sure the dealers shuffled up on you if you jumped your bets too much but Ive found alot of the older dealers will deal a nice game up to 70% on DD. It was smoky and a bit dirty, the cocktail waitresses definitely weren't like the ones at SL or Eldo, the clientele was low rolling average joes out to have a good time at the casino on a budget most of the time at the tables, but most of all I applaud them for not throwing half the deck in the discard tray at double deck and then dealing "almost" the rest of the cards the way its done at a few places around town. Farewell Circus Circus table games you will be missed.

With one less place on my Downtown rotation to play at, any suggestions? I was thinking Harrahs as its now all 3:2 games and I hear room comps are easy to acquire if you throw in some slot play. I still need to investigate the Sands again if they have a playable single deck game as their double deck unplayable i learned that last time i was in town, they had only two tables open, the cocktail service was crap even on a weeknight, not sure about the place now but I am willing to give them another shot. The good blackjack is in Sparks, and at Boomtown, Atlantis is pretty good too, all on my day time rotation when in Reno, but Downtown is my nighttime home, casino hopping around. Ill exit Eldorado, walk across Virginia St head south, immediate left into Harrahs, sneak through the casino floor to the 2nd St exit, run across quickly, enter Cal Neva, I use this route late at night instead of walking on the west side of Virginia where you may encounter some folks who will hassle you for smokes, change, drugs, your bankroll whatever you may have.

I hope everyone had a good holiday season and to have safe travels to Reno this year, Im hoping to visit again this summer. How is Reno betwen Nov-Feb? Is it completely dead in casinos when the weather gets bad?
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Feb Sun 03, 2019 7:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I go each year at the end of February for a national cribbage tournament (gets roughly 800 entrants each year @ Sands). I get there a few days before for gambling and the casinos downtown are mostly empty. We have no trouble finding a great game at CalNeva for a group of 3-4 of us at a $5 level. Friday/Saturday always has a crowd at Silver Legacy despite the cold weather, although I don't have any non-winter crowds to compare it against.
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IOWActuary



Joined: 15 Nov 2015
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Feb Thu 14, 2019 1:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Officially under the two week mark until my trip - AKA obsessing over every detail and daydreaming about video poker at ElDo while I'm at work.

For people who have been there recently, how are the blackjack conditions? They seem to degrade a little bit every time I go. My favorite game is the Silver Legacy shoe game that lets you double after any number of cards.

Also, is ElDo bartop VP still good? With all the new corporate-isms being injected into the downtown properties, that would be the hardest to see go.
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