Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I'm curious, any thoughts on what poker room is the nicest in the US? By this, I mean the physical room itself; high ceilings, nice lighting, etc.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

El Cortez

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Wynn is the nicest I've been in, but I haven't been in very many. I have seen a pic of a new card room back east that was gorgeous, but I don't know what it was.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I think that many objective people would say it's the Venetian, but I find the Wynn to be slightly more comfortable and nicer.

--Nate

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Probably the room where Andy Beal and his buddies play their home game.

As far as public card rooms, I would say Caesars LV.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Venetian by far. Wynn is pretty nice too. Bellagio is great to some extent.

If you want a calm place to play then Caesars is the best but most people find it boring a dull. (They've done a lot to add to the atmosphere of the room though)

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Venetian has the most space between tables and has the least torn-up chairs. A lot of Wynn's chairs are trashed.

Planet Hollywood is the newest in Vegas, although the tables are the old ones with the wood racetrack that nobody likes. Stylish (though loud) room with lots of space between most of the tables.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Sry to disagree, but the Bellagio room is disgusting.
I don't know how or why it gets all the love that it does. I understand that at one point it set the standard for what a LV cardroom should be, but that time has come and gone, my friends. I get it: it has Bobby's room, where fanboys galore can kneel before their favorite wannabe-pros, but as for the rest of the room, it's filthy, way too cramped, staff is rude and obnoxious, they can't manage their waiting lists for crap, food service takes eons, and so on.
They seem perfectly content to rest on their laurels, perhaps unaware that they have been long since left in the dust by nearly every other first-rate casino in LV, who have figured out that you need to do more than offer a good selection of games to be an impressive cardroom.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Never having been to LV, how does the Borgata compare to LV card rooms?

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Serious question:

Why does it matter? I'd take a room with juicy games over comfort any day of the week, only when the games are equally as good does comfort factor in.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
Serious question:

Why does it matter? I'd take a room with juicy games over comfort any day of the week, only when the games are equally as good does comfort factor in.

[/ QUOTE ]

Personally, I'd like to hear what people think. Mostly just out of curiosity.

Plus just because you choose a game based mostly on profitability doesn't mean that everybody else does. I know a lot of losing players who just play to kill time/enjoy themselves.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Serious question:

Why does it matter? I'd take a room with juicy games over comfort any day of the week, only when the games are equally as good does comfort factor in.

[/ QUOTE ]

Personally, I'd like to hear what people think. Mostly just out of curiosity.

Plus just because you choose a game based mostly on profitability doesn't mean that everybody else does. I know a lot of losing players who just play to kill time/enjoy themselves.

[/ QUOTE ]

THAT should help get a lot of answers in this thread [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I have been to about 25 different rooms all over the country, and the Borgata in Atlantic City is the nicest by far. They have by far the most comfortable chairs, plus lots of room between the tables, well lit, bathroom nearby, pretty much everything is perfect. The Venetian in Vegas is probably the second best.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
Serious question:

Why does it matter? I'd take a room with juicy games over comfort any day of the week, only when the games are equally as good does comfort factor in.

[/ QUOTE ]

The reason I ask, is because I'm not really playing for money. By this, I mean that my full time job pays me enough that poker isn't just about winning the most money. When I do get time off from work, I'd rather play in a nicer room with a lower winrate, than play a zoo (e.g. Foxwoods) with a higher winrate.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Serious question:

Why does it matter? I'd take a room with juicy games over comfort any day of the week, only when the games are equally as good does comfort factor in.

[/ QUOTE ]

Personally, I'd like to hear what people think. Mostly just out of curiosity.

Plus just because you choose a game based mostly on profitability doesn't mean that everybody else does. I know a lot of losing players who just play to kill time/enjoy themselves.

[/ QUOTE ]

THAT should help get a lot of answers in this thread [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Meh, I wasn't aiming to get lots of answers. Your question made the assumption that everybody here is playing to maximize monetary profits, I was just pointing out a different motivation.

As someone that has extensive experience playing in AC and LV (I believe?) surely you've noticed nice/ugly card rooms you've been in. Any thoughts on the topic?

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I haven't played in many outside Vegas, but the Venetian was really nice.

Except for that air freshener that they pump in there at dizzying levels.

Ryan

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

next time your in vegas, try binions poker room. it has that "old vegas" feel to it, tons of tables, the staff is awesome! and has a nice mix of quality players and lots of juicy fish running around just waiting to give their money away!

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
Serious question:

Why does it matter? I'd take a room with juicy games over comfort any day of the week, only when the games are equally as good does comfort factor in.

[/ QUOTE ]

If your going to think like that why play live. Just sit at home in yer underwear and play online.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

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Never having been to LV, how does the Borgata compare to LV card rooms?

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I haven't been to Vegas either, but here is a comparison of the rooms I've played in:

Of all the B&M rooms I've ever played in, here's the order in which I'd choose to play in them, all things considered, if location wasn't a factor:

1) Borgata (AC)
2) The Bike (LA)
3) Caesar's (AC)
4) Turning Stone (NY)
5) Tropicana (AC)
6) Hollywood Park (LA)
7) Taj Mahal (AC)
8) Caesar's (Southern Indiana)
9) Trump (Northern Indiana)
10) The Sands (AC)

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Nobody has any love for the Beau Rivage in Biloxi? damn it's like a well-run, brand new Bellagio, without the obnoxious staff....

I also vote for the Wynn for a close second, though

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
El Cortez

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You kid, but at least you can play with Jackie. Too cool.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

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Meh, I wasn't aiming to get lots of answers. Your question made the assumption that everybody here is playing to maximize monetary profits, I was just pointing out a different motivation.

[/ QUOTE ]

Keep in mind 2+2 attempts to attract and cater to the player who wants to better themselves, its a publishing company that provides strategy advice first and foremost. The other motivation factor is an anomaly because 2+2 has gotten so huge, the recreational player who is more concerned with comfort than playing good poker isn't the target audience though.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
next time your in vegas, try binions poker room. it has that "old vegas" feel to it, tons of tables, the staff is awesome! and has a nice mix of quality players and lots of juicy fish running around just waiting to give their money away!

[/ QUOTE ]

if by awesome you mean dealers who are horrible and probably can't get a job in a better room, then I'd agree. Sorry.... the staff there isnt very good.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I'll put in a plug for my hometown room Canterbury Park.
Great facilities, great staff and loosest LHE games you could ever find make for a nice place to play.

Other nicest I have played at include;
1)Wynn
2)Venetian
3)Caesars
4)Bicycle Club
5)Casino Arizona

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Borgata
Venetian
Wynn

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Meh, I wasn't aiming to get lots of answers. Your question made the assumption that everybody here is playing to maximize monetary profits, I was just pointing out a different motivation.

[/ QUOTE ]

Keep in mind 2+2 attempts to attract and cater to the player who wants to better themselves, its a publishing company that provides strategy advice first and foremost. The other motivation factor is an anomaly because 2+2 has gotten so huge, the recreational player who is more concerned with comfort than playing good poker isn't the target audience though.

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe that the regular audience varies between boards on 2+2. I totally agree that the target audience for the strategy forums is the serious player looking to get better. IMHO, the target audience for the NVG forum is the recreational poker fan / player, as opposed to the serious student of the game.

Judging by the topics of typical B&M posts, I would say that the typical regular B&M poster/lurker is somewhere in between. Just look at the popularity of TR posts that have minimal strategic content. They are entertainment and they are targeted at people that want to be entertained, not the person who wants to grind their way to being a better player. In short, I think we have a variety of poker enthusiasts on this forum. Probably a wider range than most of the other boards at 2+2. Thats one of the cool things about the B&M forum.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'll put in a plug for my hometown room Canterbury Park.
Great facilities, great staff and loosest LHE games you could ever find make for a nice place to play.

Other nicest I have played at include;
1)Wynn
2)Venetian
3)Caesars
4)Bicycle Club
5)Casino Arizona

[/ QUOTE ]

Curious, how long is it from minneapolis to canterbury park?

If I take a flight into minneapolis are there any buses or trains to the park. Or is it close enough for a taxi ride?

I'd like to take a trip there, is there decent hotel accommodations. Nice enough for me to stay 3-4 days?

sorry for the thread hijack

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Meh, I wasn't aiming to get lots of answers. Your question made the assumption that everybody here is playing to maximize monetary profits, I was just pointing out a different motivation.

[/ QUOTE ]

Keep in mind 2+2 attempts to attract and cater to the player who wants to better themselves, its a publishing company that provides strategy advice first and foremost. The other motivation factor is an anomaly because 2+2 has gotten so huge, the recreational player who is more concerned with comfort than playing good poker isn't the target audience though.

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe that the regular audience varies between boards on 2+2. I totally agree that the target audience for the strategy forums is the serious player looking to get better. IMHO, the target audience for the NVG forum is the recreational poker fan / player, as opposed to the serious student of the game.

Judging by the topics of typical B&M posts, I would say that the typical regular B&M poster/lurker is somewhere in between. Just look at the popularity of TR posts that have minimal strategic content. They are entertainment and they are targeted at people that want to be entertained, not the person who wants to grind their way to being a better player. In short, I think we have a variety of poker enthusiasts on this forum. Probably a wider range than most of the other boards at 2+2. Thats one of the cool things about the B&M forum.

[/ QUOTE ]


I was talking about the target audience as a whole for 2+2. Sure the NVG fanboy/recreational audience might overlap, but 2+2 doesn't actively target them except to convert them into future book consumers who are looking for strategic advice.

but we have deviated enough from the topic, lets get back on track!

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

For those who have been to multiple poker rooms and the one at the Horseshoe in Tunica, how does that one rank overall? In what ways are other rooms better - waitresses, dealers, chairs, TVs, noise, lighting, etc?

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'll put in a plug for my hometown room Canterbury Park.
Great facilities, great staff and loosest LHE games you could ever find make for a nice place to play.

Other nicest I have played at include;
1)Wynn
2)Venetian
3)Caesars
4)Bicycle Club
5)Casino Arizona

[/ QUOTE ]

Curious, how long is it from minneapolis to canterbury park?

If I take a flight into minneapolis are there any buses or trains to the park. Or is it close enough for a taxi ride?

I'd like to take a trip there, is there decent hotel accommodations. Nice enough for me to stay 3-4 days?

sorry for the thread hijack

[/ QUOTE ]

CP is 15-20 minutes SW of Minneapolis so a cab could be expensive but no trains or busses run there that I know of.
No hotel on site but several are right down the street near the front entrance next to the highway.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
I haven't played in many outside Vegas, but the Venetian was really nice.

Except for that air freshener that they pump in there at dizzying levels.

Ryan

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, that air scent gets annoying... Other casinos do it too but the Venetian by FAR has the most pronounced smell.

http://www.aromasys.com/industry3.asp

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I find that the Wynn is a bit cramped, and am surprised to see it high on a lot of others' lists.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I think the Venetian is nicer than the Borgata, but this is a close call and a matter of taste. I find Wynn and Bellagio to be cramped, and Caesar's LV to look like an undecorated basement space.

To TT's question, wanting to play in a nice room is sort of like wanting to eat in a well-decorated restaurant: people just find it more pleasant. I personally hate playing in a room that I find to be a dump (e.g. Taj Mahal). I also think that rooms with more pleasant environments draw more tourist-type customers, which makes the games softer. Indeed, Borgata has the softest 1/2 NL games I've ever played.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Praire Meadows(Des Moines)

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
Borgata
Venetian
Wynn

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

If you count things like quality of dealers, food (free or not?), game quality, game selection, etc. in addition to architecture then I would vote Ocean's 11 in Oceanside, CA. If not, then the Vegas ones already mentioned are surely the prettiest to look at.

-DeathDonkey

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

I gotta give props to Venetian, too. The chicken and cheese quesadillas at the table are delicious, esp when you buy them with other people's chips. Then, you take your comps over the Luxe Cafe for the shrimp and chicken jambalya. Who cares how the room smells? The mound of food makes up for it. lol

And second would be Red Rock (pre-rake inflation). $2.99 for a superb cheeseburger right next to the room.

A distant runnerup is Binion's for their $2/hr comps and the cheap eats at Benny's cafe. The off-the-menu steak for $5.99 is great.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'll put in a plug for my hometown room Canterbury Park.
Great facilities, great staff and loosest LHE games you could ever find make for a nice place to play.

Other nicest I have played at include;
1)Wynn
2)Venetian
3)Caesars

[/ QUOTE ]

Great shout out for Canterbury here! Def. worthy of a mention in the thread - and for sure the premiere card room in the Midwest, without question. Wish state law allowed them to spread some NL, but then, the LHE would dry up ... and we def. don't want that to happen at CP. At least they have those donktastic 15BB SNGs for NL wannabees. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I also agree with Wynn-Venetian-Caesar's being 1-2-3 in Vegas.

Great post, OP.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

Has anyone been to Green Valley Ranch since they redid the poker room earlier this year.

I hear its definitely top notch.

Re: Nicest Poker Room in the US
 

[ QUOTE ]

Curious, how long is it from minneapolis to canterbury park?

If I take a flight into minneapolis are there any buses or trains to the park. Or is it close enough for a taxi ride?

I'd like to take a trip there, is there decent hotel accommodations. Nice enough for me to stay 3-4 days?

sorry for the thread hijack

[/ QUOTE ]

20 minutes from the airport (non rush hour).

You'll need to rent a car. Direstions from airport will be easy.

There's a mid-level Best Western type hotel at the tracks entrance. The next best option might by Mystake Lake casino (at the risk of suggesting a non-poker room casino).