Good assessment - Anteroz..........
I didn't know if you were driving in from Orange County, CA,
or closer by. Sounds like you drove from North on I-15...........
The route from the 'south' heading North is not quite as long,
but you do have to eventually exit and get on that 2-lane road.
Wildcat Canyon Road is well known for many accidents (for people who
tend to speed, especially heading home/southbound, as it is mostly
downhill beyond the casino for about 6 more miles).
My critique will be a little negative because it seemed like it was
a very far distance to get to Barona and I was in a hurry, etc.
YES - from where you were, you passed "Escondido" and environs.
There is a cluster of about 4 casinos with semi-easier access off of
route-76 eastbound and I-78 eastbound.
Had you known, you may of been able to check them out.
Best vp there would have been at Valley View casino (w/ .25% cb).
One of those is Pala (joint venture with Anchor Gaming).
Other one is Harrah's Rincon.
For better overall "VP" and atmosphere, though, you ended up in the
right place.
Coming in to San Diego County going South on Highway 15 you
approach MercyRoad/Scripps Ranch turnoff. You go East on Scripps
Ranch for at least 10 miles until it ends at a stoplight with the
cross road being hwy 67. Turn right and proceed down a one lane road
until
Willow Road (10-15 miles) where there is a stop light.
Turn left on Willow and within a few intersections you get to a
four-way stop Wildcate Canyon Road. Turn left and proceed up a windy
one lane road for almost 15 miles till you hit the Casino/hotel/golf
course.
Actually it's only about 6-7 miles North on Wildcat canyon Rd. from
Willows Road 4-way stop.
Since the terrain is quite country with horses, etc, it does stand
out with this magnificent presence. The garage set up with the
crosswalk moving sidewalk on the 2nd floor goes right into the casino
and the slot club desk is right after you get off the moving sidewalk.
Everyone gets a classic card and the two level above that are
platinum and Diamond. Platinum is 120,000/6 months and Diamond is
600,000/6 month and a brochure spells out the perks for each level.
For VP, $1 coin-in is one point; for slots and kino, $1 in is 2
points.
So .1% cb OR use for comps in restaurants/buffet for VP; .2% for
Slots.
VERY FEW MULTI-PTS days, if any. Maybe for Platinum/Diamond levels.
(Bdays offer 2x pts sometimes).
NOTE- regular local players do receive 'quarterly' bounceback coupons.
They vary in amt., based on previous coin-in. I find they avg. around
.1-.2% more.
All poker machines already play the initial hand for you by holding
the obvious cards (two jacks, set hand, etc.). All you do is agree
with their decision and press draw to complete the hand. This
probably increases their "handle".
YES-AUTOHOLDS are on 99% of them (and only about 90% accurate).
The "change" personnel have their individual scanners and are able
to redeem your coinless receipts. Believe it or not, you may press
the service button at the machine and order a sandwich, snack , to be
brought to your machine (on a tray).....not comped for the food.
YES - 99% TITO/ticket technology. That's actually good.
No liquor in the casino. A small food court for mini-snacks
(Mexican, pizza, coffee, etc.) a multi-station (international) buffet,
coffee shop and other restuarants I didn't get to. Bingo is
available.
BINGO is a ripoff here. Compared to other programs at other casinos,
much better games.
ALSO - Big downgrade from the 'old' casino bldg, fewer food options.
They took away a great Chinese fast food/takeout counter AND a
separate Sushi cart.
With the new bldg, I'm surprised they don't have any permanent
'Asian' restaurant, although you can order some rice bowls in the
coffeeshop of off the floor menu. I did see a new PaiGow table
section, but have never seen it heavily played (as at Sycuan or
Viejas). Perhaps Barona's main players aren't in an 'Asian' market?
Viejas and Sycuan have lots of them (and great Asian food specials,
too). Buffet looks nice, but is overpriced, imho.
No specials for 'regular' players. Hence, I haven't even tried it yet.
For BJ players, there is single deck with a $25 minimum. The best
VP I saw was 9/6 JOB but at the $1 level. If you play triple/five
play machines they have 9/6 JOB at the 25c level. The personnel
seemed very friendly and the property does equal any of the local
places in Las Vegas.
I guess you must have missed the 16-10 $1 vp NSUD games.
They are there (some in multigames, some in standalone).
They are also in the 3/5 plays.
Next best play for .25 are 9/5 ddb prog (on 4-As+Kicker and higher) or
17-7-5 Joker poker (similar to Castaways joker prog. banks).
Prog. on Joker RF and higher only. SLOW meters.
Lakeside is too far from the main San Diego attractions for those of
you thinking to play, get comped for the rooms and use this as a base
to see other places in and around San Diego. For golfers and those
just wanting to relax out in the back area of San Diego , this would
be a good restful getaway. Enjoy! Ante
Roz
AGREED- I would plan on at least 4-5 hours if you want to really
visit, scout around and play some (recreational) vp here.
If you're short on time, it's probably not worth the drive.
If you have the time and want to play, then it's ok.
Viejas actually has more options for 'nongamblers'.
A pretty good Outlet center mall (60+ shoppes) and food court.
Meandering river/streams and water fountain shows at night.
Outdoor concert venue. Better restaurant specials, imho.
Maybe you could make it to Viejas next time.....
(also easier, albeit further drive- A straight drive out I-8 east.
Exit is also 'Willows Road', but just EAST of Alpine, CA, which is
about 20-25 mi. from downtown San Diego. From I-15/I-8 interchange,
maybe only 20 miles.).
.2% comps only; plenty of 9/6 JB at .50 level.
A few better plays on 3/5 plays and at $1 vp level.
Plenty of PROGRESSIVE options. ($2 min bets, Pot-O-Gold mfg).
Anyone may e-mail me if they need further info. on San Diego
casinos.
Martin-
not a 'native', but a pretty entrenched San Diegan.
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--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, AnterozLV@a... wrote: