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I'm in the very early stages of planning for this (hoping I live that long) for January/February 2016. Would appreciate any tips from anyone who has been there. They advertise that Caesar's Diamond members can get 4 nights free with minimum 6 hours of rated play. Any idea how much moolah that entails? Thanks in advance.
I think 7-Star Druff will know the answer.:yes
Atlantis is expensive beyond belief. Try to get some food comps. if you have any pull.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamGreek
Lotta fun and lots to do.
Not a "relaxing island getaway".
Atlantis was on the ropes post housing crash. Deaths door. In response, they opened up the resort to day trippers & cruise excursion crowd.
Pool can get pretty crowded. I recall no restaurant reservations. You can wait. Kind of a Disneyland on an island experience.
If it's free, it's for me.
For me, once was enough.
I stayed at Atlantis this year while covering the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. It's not the worst place I've ever been, but it wouldn't rank very high on my list of desirable destinations.
Unless you're staying in one of the baller towers like The Cove, the rooms are kind of crappy. To me that's not a huge deal, since I don't spend much time in there, but I can see how that would sour the experience for some. Daniel Negreanu stayed in the Coral Tower (same as me) during PCA, due to its close proximity to the tournament area. He got the finest suite in the tower, but even that was pretty lackluster.
If you are baller enough to stay in The Cove, it is pretty goddamn nice.
Outside of the resort, I don't know that there is really much to do in Bahamas. The island is tiny and Atlantis seems to take up nearly half of it. Something like 60% of their economy depends on tourism. From what I observed, everything outside Atlantis looks like a shithole.
This means you'll probably be spending most of your time in the casino and whatnot. Personally I have grown to hate casinos, but I'm probably weird like that. As far as restaurants go, there are a few excellent ones. Bahamian Club and Olives come to mind. There's a waterpark that I hear is pretty awesome, but I never visited it.
The main that ruined this trip for me was getting robbed by hotel staff. Management is completely apathetic about this. Don't leave anything valuable in your room for even a minute. They are vultures and they will ignore your DND signs. I would have been stranded on that island if not for the generosity of an upstanding poker player.
I also got fucked right up the ass with roaming fees on my phone, but I'm not sure if that was my own dumb fault or if I was mislead by the phone carrier. But be careful with that.
Thanks guys. I may have to re-think this. I'm gullible for a slick tv ad.
Srsly that sucks that you were robbed and by hotel staff too. Just that reason is enuf to change my mind. Wonder what the wife and her friends will say when they read these posts. It probably won't be OPA!
I have heard mixed things about Atlantis, though I've never been there.
Reportedly it's worse during the PCA because the staff knows the place is full of 18-year-olds, and basically anyone young isn't shown much respect.
But even during non-PCA times, the general consensus I've heard was, "I kinda expected it to be better."
Also, I've heard the water there is cold (!!) at certain times of the year.
Regarding "6 hours of rated play", you should find out the minimum bet required. You should also make sure that the rules/payouts of the game you plan to play aren't awful.
A "basic rules" 6-deck blackjack game has a house edge of 0.64%.
By "basic rules", I mean: Dealer hits on soft 17, double any 2 cards, double after split, no resplit aces, split up to 4 times, no surrender, blackjack pays 3:2.
Then it comes down to hands per hour. You want as few as possible. This means playing at a full table. With 6 people at the table, they usually only deal 60 hands per hour. With just you and the dealer, it's 209 per hour! And of course, you need to add to that, because some hands you will be betting double, triple, quadruple, or more, due to doubling/splitting. So it's actually bets per hour which is important, not hands per hour (though the numbers will be fairly close).
With 3 players at the table, you average 105 hands per hour. So let's say for argument's sake that you play at a table that ranges between 3 and 6 players (including you)... and you get in 100 bets (not hands) per hour.
That means you will have bet $2500. That's an expected loss of just $16. Multiply that by 6 hours, and your expected loss is $96. Obviously that's easily worth 4 nights at Atlantis. Of course, you will be gambling, and there is plenty of variance here, so your losses could easily run into the 4-figures after 6 hours.
And what if the rules are worse? That could also be a problem, such as the 6:5 blackjack.
But if you can get 4 free nights for being rated at $25/hand or less, and if you can verify that the rules are standard or very close to it, go for it.
Just be realistic that Atlantis itself will be somewhat of a flawed experience.
Take a cruise out of Miami.
Lots of them stop there.
Spend one day there first before you decide if it's for you or not. They have a nice aquarium.
I think the one that I was on that stopped in the Bahamas also stopped in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St Maarten.
I would do it again.
BTW, you only need Platinum at Caesars, not Diamond, and lots of other casinos also can be used for this benefit:Quote:
Terms & Conditions:
Must show 6 hours of rated play to receive offer. Complimentary 4 night stay must be booked by 6/27/15 for travel through 6/30/15. Black-out dates 11/26/14-11/30/14, 12/26/14-1/4/15, 2/13/15-2/21/15, 3/6/15- 3/15/15 & 3/27/15-4/12/15. Guests must pay mandatory taxes, levies, fees, service charges and gratuities for each night. Guest will be responsible for paying prevailing room rate for each night, if guest fails to complete at least 6 hours of aggregate play at the Atlantis casino during their stay. Must be a new Atlantis casino customer or inactive casino customer that has not played since 12/31/2010. Offer cannot be combined with any other room offer, promotion or event. Offer is for Coral Tower and is based on availability. Offer is based on availability and is subject to change or cancellation at any time. One complimentary 4 night stay per player, double occupancy only. Airfare, meals, taxes and gratuities are not included unless specified. Offer non-transferable. Additional guests will result in a $50 charge per person. Reservations are based on hotel availability. Offer is contingent on minimum level of play or activity.
http://www.atlantisbahamas.com/casin...rs/acpromotion
But look at the bolded part. That might be the trick. Perhaps after the "taxes, levies, fees, service charges, and gratuities", you will have paid half the bill anyway. I'd check on that part.
I'm also guessing that they will give you the worst rooms in the joint, and you'll be in the Coral Tower where SrslySirius stayed.
IamGreek what's the goal overall?Quote:
Originally Posted by IamGreek
To go to an all-inclusive resort?
There are better options out there now if that is what you are aiming to do.
Long time lurker but first post as you have a subject here that I would be considered an expert of.
I have a residence on Paradise Island less than a mile from Atlantis and could steer anyone in the right direction as far as the casino, beaches, restaurants, etc go.
In a nutshell, as previous posters said food & beverage is very expensive. Great beaches, water park, & aquariums.
In order this is how their various towers would rank: The Cove, The Reef, Royal, Coral & Beach. The last two are old and quite tired.
You may also want to look into the Baha Mar opening in Spring 2015. This is a new property on Cable Beach in Nassau and they claim to be bigger & better than Atlantis, incl. their casino.
The casino in Atlantis would be considered a huge upgrade to most resort casinos but keep in mind it's not Vegas. Sports book is virtually non-existent and very few BJ tables under $50 min bet (most $100-$500).
Not trying to steer anyone away but trying to give you all some straight facts. If you have deep pockets and like water parks/beaches it's a great place. Great golf & fishing too, but $$$$.
Hope that helps.
If you're looking for r&r and not gambling go to St. Thomas.
Hugely overated imo.
I'd like to highjack this thread, as real hijacking has become negative ev at the mo.
I was just thinking about a bucket list and have always ignored it
but i think if there's one thing I'd like to do before I'm beamed up
to the cosmos, is to fly a fucking airplane.
I know it's not cheap, but what a thrill it must
be able to take off and go wherever just for
the hell of it and be there in no time.
Also what a insta-success line at the bar.
"Would you like to go flying tomorrow and
handle "the stick"?
Worst Bucket List Idea Ever
Granted it is achievable, but you can come up with a better vacation spot.
No cruise ships either.
Greek you need to rethink this....not even close to a bucket list place. There are better all-inclusives and better gambling excursion deals .....IMO Atlantis has always been overrated....breezed through there early on.....way too expensive and not as many things to do or places to eat as you would expect for the price.....the local guy is right on.....
Be careful where you go when you get off Atlantis-land. Much of the main island is ghetto. I had the cabbie take me through the bad parts of Nassau, and it's pretty bad (and it gets bad very quickly). And speaking of cabbies, they will take some unthinkable chances with your life (which I actually quite enjoyed. I like having a thrilling cab ride). Whereas crime in the US has been going down just about everywhere every year for quite some time, in the Bahamas it has been getting worse every year.
From the official state department website (which regularly updates what's happening in various countries that US tourists visit)
"The criminal threat level for New Providence Island is rated as critical by the Department of State. New Providence Island has experienced a spike in crime that has adversely affected the traveling public, with a spate of more violent criminal activity between 2009 and 2013. The U.S. Embassy has received multiple reports indicating tourists have been robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint in tourist locations in the downtown areas of Nassau, to include the cruise ship docks and the Cable Beach commerce areas; several of these incidents occurred during daylight hours. Burglaries, larcenies and “snatch-and-grab” crimes happen in Nassau and U.S. citizens have been victims of these crimes as well. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of assaults, including sexual assaults, in diverse areas such as in casinos, outside hotels, or on cruise ships. The Bahamas has the highest incidence of rape in the Caribbean"
"Armed robbery remains a major criminal threat facing U.S. citizens in The Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force issued a message citing concerns about the increased number of armed robberies in Nassau. A U.S. citizen was fatally shot in Nassau in May 2013 during an armed robbery. Between January 1, 2013 and July 16, 2013, there were 573 armed robberies, 193 robberies, and 1,201 house break-ins"
http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...e-bahamas.html
http://www.beach.com/hotel-profile-r...nassau-bahamas
This is where I go when I do day trips to the Bahamas.
Long story short all of cable beach was bought by the Chinese a few years back and they have sunk millions into the area (and bought the prime minister a new executive mansion).
The overall goal is to see another part of the world since we haven't traveled that much in our lives short of Vegas 3 or 4 times a year. We want to play poker and slots, eat fine meals, relax at a nice pool and be able to say it was worth every cent we spent. Hadn't considered an all-inclusive to be honest.Quote:
Originally Posted by abrown83IamGreek what's the goal overall?Quote:
Originally Posted by IamGreek
To go to an all-inclusive resort?
There are better options out there now if that is what you are aiming to do.
Please share better options.
Thank You Sir, this info was very helpful. $50 min bet is out of my wheelhouse and since we don't play much BJ that's good to know. I will keep my eyes open for info on Baha Mar.Quote:
Originally Posted by simply1
Thanks for posting and you should do it more often.
Iam Greek gotta Gambol!!!!!!!! OPA!!!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by JUSTIFIEDhomicide
I am having serious 2nd thoughts now Hurdleking. Muchos Gracias for input.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hurdleking
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Druff
Thanks Druff. We don't play much BJ--prefer poker and slots. Based on all the negative responses, a new plan is in order.
Sounds like Atlantic City two streets removed.Quote:
Originally Posted by PLOL
The island is poor. The only apparent income comes from tourism. I can take the muggings, robbery & rape (all of which probably have a 1:1 correlation to alcohol)
The thing that always kills my day is the constant hustle on the street. I lack the asshole chromosome and the endless polite declining is stress I can do without.
Look, if you haven't traveled much and have a subsidized vacation at Atlantis - do it. Explore a little, hit a local beach outside of the resort. Always a bunch of beachside little bar/food shacks. Just to get a taste of island.
Duly noted Sir. ThanksQuote:
Originally Posted by mwh72
Holy crap PLOL I think you put the final nail in the coffin for this trip. I don't have enough time left to be worrying whether or not we will survive unscathed on this trip. I hadn't even thought to check on shit like that. IAm in your debt.Quote:
Originally Posted by PLOL
That place looks cool too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Daly
I'm built the same way, but there's a lot of gas station hustlers in Houston. After a while you sort of build a resistance to it. Saying no and not feeling shitty about it is a learnable skill.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sanlmar
Once you've got it, it's easy to shoot down telemarketers and Jehovah's Witnesses. Sometimes it even feels satisfying.
Gas station hustlers in Houston.Quote:
Originally Posted by SrslySiriusI'm built the same way, but there's a lot of gas station hustlers in Houston. After a while you sort of build a resistance to it. Saying no and not feeling shitty about it is a learnable skill.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sanlmar
Once you've got it, it's easy to shoot down telemarketers and Jehova's Witnesses. Sometimes it even feels good.
It's vacation.
In Boston & frankly most of Massachusetts a simple "hello" on the street simply is just not done. You don't see those sort of hustlers on the street. They have no shot. So I have little chance to hone my game.
I wasn't really applying it to Bahamas, but sort of veering off topic to say it doesn't have to feel stressful. But I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to deal with that on vacation.Quote:
Originally Posted by SanlmarGas station hustlers in Houston.Quote:
Originally Posted by SrslySirius
It's vacation.
In Boston & frankly most of Massachusetts a simple "hello" on the street simply is just not done. You don't see those sort of hustlers on the street. They have no shot. So I have little chance to hone my game.
The gas station thing is weird for sure. They typically give you a sob story about needing gas money or bus fare due to unusual circumstances. I've seen a few try to provide documentation to prove they're not a bum. In that way it's pretty similar to the Borovetz scam.
So my mom goes on a trip to some relatively high end destination with her two sisters every year.. They rotate but each year one of them gets to pick the destination, Aunt Shirley is such a fucking snatch btw.. Anyway, not too long ago one of them chose Atlantis for their annual trip. There is now a picture somewhere in my mothers house of the 3 sisters (Lenin, Stalin & Hitler) posing in an Atlantis swimming pool with a dolphin.. Place is a soulless tourist trap for people to donk it up..Quote:
Originally Posted by IamGreekI am having serious 2nd thoughts now Hurdleking. Muchos Gracias for input.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hurdleking
Not a bucket list destination imo..
In general I am anti-all-inclusive because the food usually sucks (or is mediocre).
Good food is important to me on vacation. I can eat lots of shit at home and not really be bothered by it, but when I go on vacation, I really like to have nice meals, and all-inclusives just don't provide that. Since the food is unlimited and included, they don't want to spend a lot on it or try too hard to prepare it well.
Cruise ships also suffer from this problem, but most offer "specialty restaurants" for a small upcharge, which are fairly good. I eat in those every night when I cruise, and never set foot in the main dining room.
In some "nature" destinations, such as national parks, the food is always going to suck, and that's the price you pay for the remoteness of the location. The remote areas of Utah are absolutely horrendous when it comes to food, for example. But if you're going to go to a resort, it kind of sucks when your meals aren't good.
Ya I agree. I want someplace where the food is awesome. Are there any Caesar's places you would recommend outside of Vegas where the weather is warm and the accomodations are nice?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Druff
OK guys thanks to all for your input. Now hit me with some places that are nice, warm, excellent food, and have poker and slots in or out of the country excluding Nevada.
I'd like to go to Turks & Caicos some day. Heard it's expensive but beautiful & doesn't have all-inclusives which you'd think would improve the food options.