[PMarlowe]

Haha, I've been lurking for a few months trying to figure out what will happen with poker laws in Florida, but i just had to comment on a post regarding the hotel I most love to hate, Imperial Palace.

I didn't realize it was a fight weekend so that may be the best rate available, but I have often stayed at Imperial Palace for $49-69 a night, sometimes for $29 and a few times for free. With IP you definitely want to book directly through them, and ask for the 'Casino Rate'. The only requirement for the casino rate is to have a players card; I'm not sure if there is a work around for your first trip.

The players card is simple, any floor in the pit should be able to get you one (all they need is your drivers license), and you hand it in every time you play. I would say everyone who is going to gamble should get their own, but your question reminded me that I did once have a 2nd copy of my card made so my friend could use it too, so that is a possibility.

With 8 people splitting the costs you will be fine as is. But they do comp for poker and if your going to play in the pit its worth 3 mins to get a players card so your next trip will be cheaper, and if one of your friends does happen to go off for $2000 at a BJ table, make sure the pitboss knows who he is and hands in his rating card, cause that can easily get your weekend comped. If your only bringing $80 each for the trip just be happy with a free buffet.

Sounds like you've already looked into this a bit and done a good job setting it up for your friends. You might have a better idea of where to stay and how things work on your next trip, but for now just go and know you will have a great time.