We just returned from 3 nts at the Crystal Palace.
Based on verifying our play at Harrahs (the host I spoke with said she had a
friend at Harrahs) I was comped up front for 1 room and charged the Casino
rate of $85 for the other. All rooms have a $30 resort fee and $10 in taxes added
on so that even the comped room was still $40 per night. I did have the
feeling that if I hadn't already booked my flt, that she might have comped the
airfares. Spirit Airlines has daily non stops from Ft Lauderdale.
Both room were fairly large with Ocean Views and a balcony where we enjoyed
coffee and bk in the morning.Thanks to the recommendations that I received to
request the Casino Tower. It is perfectly located by the Casino and pool.
The pool and ocean were great. My daughter loved the slide which I went down
a number of times and was lot of fun. They have a swim up bar where they made
delicious Bahama Mamas. The only complaint is that they didn't have enough
beach chairs and sometime it took a few minutes to find one.
Restaurants & Show & Service
The service everywhere was very good. From the maids, to the waiters to the
bellman and the cabana guys. This was the case even though in almost all cases
gratuities are already included in the bill.
The show was free except for the cost of a drink. It was entertaining and
well worth the price. I recommend it.
Buffet: The buffet was pretty good. Lots of choices with a carving station. I
enjoyed the salads and they also had nova and rolls. The desserts left
something to be desired.
Steak House: The Caesar salad was very good and is prepared by the waiter at
your table. We had the Filet minion and strip steaks. They were good and
tender but a little dry. Price for (4) without wine and desert $200
Italian Restaurant: This was our best meal of the trip. Same price as the
steak house. The price for a bottle wine was outrageous. A $10 bottle was prices
at $50+. My veal was excellent and my wife enjoyed the seafood dish she had.
Breakfast: We ordered room service and had it out on the balcony. We put the
tables from the two rooms together and really enjoyed eating out there with
the beautiful ocean view.
Gambling VP
I left this for last because as the sites indicate, the VP sucks.
For $1 VP, most of the machines are 6/5 JOB. The best machines are in the
high limit area. They have (1) 7/5 BP ACES machine, (2) 9/6 Double Bonus and a
few triple bonus machines
For .25, again everything was 6/5 JOB with the exception of 1 bank of coin
only (no bills) antique machine by the valet exit to the Casino. These had 7/5
JOB
All machines are coin, no Tito.
There are no multi play machines
On check-out I spoke with a host. I was told I was comped an additional $500
based on my play. It didn't add up but I didn't argue. I was told that you are
automatically comped what you are entitled to and that is it.
When I mentioned the crappy VP and old machines to a host, I was told that
they are planning a major upgrade to better compete with Fla and the impending
legalization of gambling.
Joel
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