Casino Reviews

We recently visited the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino a couple of times in the past month and either we have enjoyed their buffet too many times or it was not as good as it usually is. They usually have two kinds of soup, but this time they only had chili and a soup that I did not care for. Ok you can put that down to personal taste, however some of the other things are starting to make me wonder if it is really as good as I thought it was.

It is a nice buffet, very clean and a nice selection of food. The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino buffet has all of the basics, so there is no problem with that. They were really busy and some of the trays were empty and for example you could not get any spare ribs at the time we went through the buffet. They may have brought some more out later, however it was too busy to stand in line again to get to the ribs.

The are a good variety of deserts, however the crust on the pie is too thick and heavy. Obviously these pies are not made on site, however they just do not appear to be fresh. Maybe I am just disenchanted with the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino because we have been there one too many times, but I do not think so. Another couple who came with us felt that the Rideau Carleton Casino actually had a better buffet. I was really surprised when I heard that since we  do not really like this casino’s buffet either. You can read a more complete review of the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, by clicking here.

The buffet costs $1799 at night and $10.00 for lunch except on senior days when the price of the buffet at lunch is only $5.00. for these prices one should not complain since the food is quite good. although it could be improved, at these prices it is more than worth the money.

The last time we went to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, it was a Saturday night and my wife ordered crab legs which were a special on the menu that evening. It cost an extra $5.99. Not as good as other places were we have had crab legs. The legs were not cracked or precut so it meant that you really had to fight to get at the meat inside the shell of the legs.  We would not order this particular special again preferring to save our money for better deals and crab legs.

Well that is about it. Maybe this sounds like a griping session, however we just did not enjoy the buffet as much as other times. If you have been there and tried the buffet, please leave a comment. Any well written comment will be approved , with or without a link. We are looking for quality input for our readers.

This is just a short post to talk about our stay at the Comfort Inn in Hogansburg, New York just beside the Akwesasne Casino. This is a fairly new hotel built for guests going to the casino. You can park at the hotel and walk easily over to the casino across well lit parking lots with no concern for safety.

The hotel is clean and has everything you will need including WiFi (which I am using at this moment to write this post) and free breakfast in the morning. They even have hot chocolate chip cookies when you check in, in the evening around 5 to 7 pm. The cookies will all be eaten by 7 for sure so get there early if you want one.

The staff is friendly. Every time I meet someone from the hotel, they say hello or good morning, or how was your stay etc. Very friendly and very helpful.

If you are looking for a place to stay this is a great place to stay while you are playing slots or poker at the casino.

Oh and I forgot the best part. There is no tax since you are on Indian land and they are not charging New York State tax on your hotel stay. There is no tourism tax or city tax or anything of that sort when you stay at this hotel.

Breakfast includes both hot and cold items, fruit cereal, eggs, yogurt, toast and waffles. Of course you have to help yourself bu that is fine since you can take your time and enjoy your breakfast without waiters bothering you.

Definitely a must stay, and do not forget to ask for a senior discount or Triple A discount. It will save you approximately $10 on your stay each night!

Comments welcome and don’t forget to read our review of the casino.

We visited the Vernon Downs Casino one day for a few hours only and would go back if we were in the area. Unfortunately it is a bit out of the way as most racetrack style casinos are. They have done a good job of combining a racetrack with a casino and adding a hotel for guests who are staying over.  The Vernon Downs Casino also must compete with the nearby Turning Stone casino which is only a few miles away and much more elegant. Competition is a good thing and we think that the odds of winning might be slightly better at this casino as a result. Let us know what your thoughts are in this regard and any comments you might have regarding this property.

Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel is 100% smoke-free with spacious guestrooms and suite accommodations. It is conveniently beside the casino with inside access to the adjoining 750-game casino, with live entertainment delicious fare, and only a short walk away to enjoy exciting racing action. There is also and Indoor Heated Pool.

If you plan to stay at the hotel, book early. We tried a last minute reservation and found the hotel was full. Rates on the weekends are expensive, however on weekdays they are much more reasonable.

Meeting Space & Business Center For Business & Social Events: with business-friendly amenities such as spacious suite accommodations, complimentary WiFi in the lobby area and computer with 24-hour Internet access.

Vernon Downs Casino has 761 gaming machines featuring some of the hottest games around including in house progressives and Video Poker, they range from 1¢ to $5.00 in denomination. Vernon Downs Casino has a  Wide Area Progressive link with other NYS Lottery Casinos making Vernon Downs Casino the home of one of the largest  Wide Area Progressive Jackpot Winners to date .

This is one of the typical racetrack style casinos and an ok place to visit.

Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday: 9 AM – 2 AM, Friday and Saturday: 9 AM – 3 AM

Slot Machines

There are over  761 gaming machines featuring some of the hottest games around including in house progressives and Video Poker, they range from 1¢ to $5.00 in denomination at Vernon Downs Casino

Table Games

There are no table games at the Vernon Downs Casino.

Restaurants

Restaurants at the Vernon Downs Casino Resort Hotel include Champions Buffet For Great Food: Savor our signature Champions Buffet, Triple 7 Cafe, Ring Eyed Pete’s Sports Bar and Lucky’s Bar & Grill. Kids under 5 eat free.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Hotel rates are very reasonable on weekdays
• lots of surface parking
• Easy access from all highways
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
• Enjoy the horse races as well as the casino

What We Did Not Like

• There are no real complaints about the Vernon Downs Casino Resort Hotel
• It is a 3 star hotel in our estimation and quite adequate for our needs

Slot Player Card

Vernon Downs Casino has a Player’s Club which you can sign up for a “Your Club” rewards card. It’s FREE! New members receive 3x’s the points earned on the day you sign up and as a member of “Your Club”, you can become eligible to receive rewards such as invitations to special VIP concerts, Lesley Gore, Joan Jett and Clint Black just to name a few as well as invitations to VIP tournaments and VIP parties.

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the Vernon Downs Casino Resort Hotel in a large parking lot in front of  the hotel and casino. There is no garage parking that we observed.

Directions: 4229 Stuhlman Rd., Vernon, New York 13476

We recently visited the Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack while on a shopping trip to the Syracuse area. We had finished shopping at the Waterloo premium outlets. I entered casino into our GPS to find out if any were near and it turns out the Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack was only 30 miles away. Since we had not been there before we decided to give it a try before heading back to our hotel in Syracuse.

It is easy to get to, just off I90 and there is also a Comfort Inn close by if you decide you want to stay overnight, however I would suggest that you make a reservation, since it look like it is pretty busy on the weekends.

The Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack was better than most racetrack casinos that we have visited. It has a definite Las Vegas flair to it with high ceilings and lots of machines. Beer prices are reasonable at $3 per glass of draft beer, and there are lots of machines to chose from. There are a few too many penny slot machines for our taste, however penny machines seem to be the trend for many casinos. They also use ticket in and ticket out machines making it easy to move from machine to machine.

I had a hamburger at the deli and found it to be better than many I have had in similar casino deli’s. We did not try the buffet, however pretty much all buffets at these casinos are great. I am sure this one is as well.

Overall we found this to be a nice casino to visit and will definitely go back sometime to visit. Probably combine a shopping trip with a little gambling as well. Note that there are no table games at this casino, however you can also play the horses if you prefer.

Slot Machines

Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack offers nearly 1,200 slot machines for your enjoyment. With a spacious, 30,000 square foot gaming floor there is enough room for you to move around in comfort even during the busiest times. Open from 10am – 4am daily, you can play all of your favorite games, including video poker, progressive jackpots, penny machines, and more!

Customer-friendly features include comfortable seating, touch screen play, cash/ticket in – ticket out machines, and free beverage service while playing.

They also feature seasonal coat check, valet parking, and ample safe and free parking. The Cashier Cage provides personal check cashing and credit card advance services. They also have four ATM machines.

Table Games

There are no table games at the Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack.

Restaurants

Enjoy the Tuscan atmosphere at their 10,000 square-foot “All You Can Eat” Vineyard Buffet! Mediterranean and Southwest cuisines, All American and regional favorites, fresh carved selections, and tempting salad and dessert bars. The Vineyard Buffet is open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch and 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner featuring prime rib.

They also offer a variety of dining options to suit your tastes. From fine dining at our buffet, to “grab-n-go” sandwiches and snacks at the Platinum Grille, there is something for everyone! They also have casual dining overlooking the racetrack in the Terrace Dining Room.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Drinks are not free while gambling, however at $3.00 for a draft beer they are reasonable
• Buffet
• Easy access from all highways including I90
• Safe environment in the casino and parking areas
• Great stopover point on your way to Buffalo, Rochester or Syracuse or points west

What We Did Not Like

There are no real complaints about the Finger Lakes casino & racetrack

This a typical racetrack style casino with a touch of Vegas . We are not fond of racetrack casinos so would not rate this one very high, however compared to other racetrack casinos, it is near the top of tat sub list.

Slot Player Card

The Finger Lakes casino & racetrack has their own slot card which provides you with cash discounts on meals as well as cash in the form of free slot play.

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the Finger Lakes casino & racetrack  in a large  surface parking area, which is ample for all casino and racetrack patrons.

Directions:

From Rochester:

I-490 East to the end

NYS Thruway (I-90) east to exit 44 (Route 332, Canandaigua)

South on Route 332 approximately 1 mile to Route 96

Left on Route 96 , ½ mile on the right

From the West (Buffalo)

NYS Thruway (I-90) east to exit 44 (Route 332, Canandaigua)

South on Route 332 approximately 1 mile to Route 96

Left on Route 96, ½ mile on the right

Note: They are about 1/2 hour from Rochester International Airport. From the airport, just travel south on 390 to I-90, and you can take I-90 East from there.

From the East (Syracuse, Utica, Albany, etc.)

NYS Thruway (I-90) west to exit 43 (Route 21, Manchester)

South on Route 21 a short distance to Route 96

Right on Route 96, 5 miles on the left

OR

NYS Thruway (I-90) west to exit 44 (Route 332, Canandaigua)

South on Route 332 approximately 1 mile to Route 96

Left on Route 96,½ mile on the right

The Turning Stone Casino and Resort Hotel is not one of our favorite places to visit. The grounds and the hotel as well as the casino are immaculate, well designed, nicely laid out and on par with even some of the smaller Las Vegas hotels and casinos. There is a hotel, in both a tower format as well as a lodge format along with a professional looking business center. On the surface it really looks great!

The problem for us came down to 3 issues. We went to a really nice bar and ordered a drink with the intent of also grabbing something to eat. We expected bar food, which would have been ok.  However when we ordered we were told it would be similar to what you would get if you ordered food to your room. We thought well this should be ok. Instead it was delivered in a plastic bag and everything was crushed at the bottom of the bag. To make matters worse, the delivery girl plopped it on the bar and walked off. Talk about bad service.

The other issue that bothered us was that you must add money to your slot card, place your slot card in a machine, punch in your pin number and play. No ticket in , ticket out and the only way to get your money is to go to the cashier. We do not favor this concept at all.

Lastly the machines are not the popular ones and we did not see a single winner while we were there including ourselves. We got the impression that this casino does not pay well.

We will not be back to the Truning Stone Casino Resort Hotel, however in case you want to go, here is a summary of the hotel etc in our usual format.

Slot Machines

There are over 2,400 Instant Multi-Games machines including Keno. poker slots, and many penny and nickle slots. Enjoy the thrill of competition on today’s most popular Multi-Game machines (similar to slot machines and video poker machines) or at your favorite gaming table.

Table Games

There are   over 80 table games and also buy-in to win tournaments and walk away with a fabulous cash payout!

Restaurants

There are 10 restuarants including Wildflowers; Forest Grill, Peach Blossom; Pino Blanco; Rodizio; Emerald; Season’s Harvest; Delata Cafe; The Corner Market;  and Opals.

What We Liked

• Pool area and spa area
• Grounds very neat and well kept
• Very Clean every
• Hotel rates are very reasonable
• Covered garage parking as well as surface parking
• Easy access from all highways
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
• Starbucks Coffee shop

What We Did Not Like

• No Free drinks while gambling
• Not a good mix of slot machines
• Poor bar service
• No ticket in , ticket out slot service
• Cannot deposit cash or bills into a slot machine

It is probably a 4 star hotel in our estimation and quite adequate for your needs as long as you over look some of the issues we identified

Slot Player Card

The slot card will provide you with benefits, however this is the first time we have encountered this type of slot card and we have been to a lot of casinos across the US and Canada. Basically you must go to the cashier or to a special machine were you insert your slot card, enter your pin and deposit your money into the machine. Your slot card really becomes a debit card at this point and the only way to play a machine is to insert your slot card. Also if you want to move from machine to machine, all you need to do is remove your slot card and re-insert it into the next machine.

If you want to cash in, you must go to the cashier to collect any balance that may be left on the slot card. It seems to us that this is a sure way to lose all of your money!

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the Turning Stone hotel & casino in a large parking garage beside the hotel and casino. There is also lots of surface parking that we observed. You can access the hotel from the garage via an elevator from all levels. The parking garage is also patrolled on a regular basis and it also protects your car from the weather.

Directions:

From Syracuse Hancock International Airport: Take I-90 (NYS Thruway) East to Exit 33 (Verona); through the tollbooth, travel straight to the stoplight. Take a left onto Route 365 and the next left into the Resort.

From Albany, NY and points East: Take I-90 (NYS Thruway) West to Exit 33 (Verona); through the tollbooth, travel straight to the stoplight. Turn left onto Route 365 and the next left into the Resort.

Note : We have not had a chance to visit this Casino, Your comments and additions are very welcome. We will add an updated picture as soon as we can get one.

The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is the largest hotel in Western New York, offering 26 levels of pure luxury.

The hotel has 486 deluxe rooms, 86 corner suites or 22 one-bedroom suites. All rooms feature upscale amenities including a pillow-top bed, oversized shower, flat screen TV, internet access and more. Also enjoy breathtaking views of Western New York as you rest in comfort.

Rejuvenate in The Spa, a full-service spa and salon. Relax with a Swedish massage, aromatherapy, full body wrap or facial, in one of 12 treatment rooms. Enjoy a state-of-the-art workout facility, complete with cardiovascular equipment, circuit weights, free weights, an indoor pool, whirlpools and locker room.

With over 30,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is a perfect location for banquets, tradeshows, conventions and meetings. The Seneca Events Center boasts one of the area’s largest spaces, with a 2,200 person capacity. Meeting space features state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. Meeting rooms can be divided into numerous configurations to meet your event needs. There is also a full-service business center outfitted with the latest technology.

The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is ideally located just blocks from Niagara Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World.  Take in the breathtaking view on tours like Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds and feel the cool spray of the water! Visit any of the beautiful state parks like Goat Island for a magnificent glimpse of Western New York. If a day of shopping and lunch is more your style, take a drive to The Fashion Outlets, home to 150 name brand outlet shops or visit any of the quaint antique shops and art galleries in the more historic areas of the city. Niagara Falls truly has something for everyone from the beautiful architecture to the thriving nightlife.

Slot Machines

There are over 4200 slot machines at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel with many progressive slot machines including the popular pennies from heaven slot machines. They also have 60 slot machines in the high limit slot machine area with $5 to $25 limits.

Table Games

On the main Casino floor of the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, you can try your hand at Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let it Ride®, Pai Gow Poker, 3 Card Poker and Spanish 21.

Visit the world-class Poker Room and try your hand at Texas Hold’em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud. Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is the only Niagara Falls casino offering live Poker. And with 16 tables and all levels of play, it’s easy to get in the game. The Poker Room is located on the first floor next to the Bus Lobby.

Play Keno at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and you could win up to $100,000. There are so many ways to enjoy this exciting game. As you become more familiar with the game, you may want to play “Way Tickets,” “Multi-Game” and other “Special” games that are available at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel.

Restaurants

There are multiple restaurants that you can enjoy at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel including : Java Cafe, Morrie;s Express, Thunder Falls Buffet, Three Sisters Cafe, Koi, La Cascata, The Western door: A Seneca Steakhouse and the Blues Burger Bar.

We have not eaten at any of these restaurants, however we are sure that these restaurants will be top notch in such a large major hotel casino property. If you have eaten at any of these restaurants, please feel free to leave a comment.

What We Liked ( Note we have not visited this property)

Variety of slot machines

What We Did Not Like ( Note we have not visited this property)

Slot Player Card

They are part of the Seneca Players Club slot players card system.Your card is valid at any of our properties including Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino & Hotel.

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in a large parking garage beside the hotel. There is also surface parking provided for patrons. You can access the hotel from the garage via an elevator from all levels. The parking garage is also patrolled on a regular basis and it also protects your car from the weather.

Directions:

The address is Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, 310 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY USA 14303.

From the North/Canada

Take Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to the Rainbow Bridge into the United States. Cross the bridge and turn right onto Rainbow Boulevard south. Make a left onto Fourth Street.

From the South/Pennsylvania

Take the I-90E (NYS Thruway) to Buffalo. Follow signs for I-190N to Robert Moses Parkway. Exit Parkway with City Traffic. Make a left at Rainbow Boulevard and a right at Fourth Street.

From the East/Rochester

Take the I-90W (NYS Thruway) to Buffalo. Get on I-290W via exit number 50. Follow signs for I-190N to Robert Moses Parkway. Exit Parkway with City Traffic. Make a left at Rainbow Boulevard and a right at Fourth Street.

From the West

Take the I-90E (NYS Thruway) to Buffalo to exit number 53. Follow signs for I-190N to Robert Moses Parkway. Exit Parkway with City Traffic. Make a left at Rainbow Boulevard and a right at Fourth Street.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino is an easy day trip from Ottawa, Canada, Montreal Canada, Watertown New York, Syracuse New York and points in the general area. Combined with a motel right next door you can make this a small holiday and avoid driving home late at night.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino has over 1600 slot machines with denominations from penny machines to over $5 per bet machines. Smoking is allowed in much of the casino, while there is a non smoking area as well. Unfortunately if you are a non smoker you are going to end up beside someone who is chain smoking and smells terrible. This is one of the few major dislikes of this casino in  our opinion. Never the less they have lots of slot machines for you to choose from .

We have several pictures of the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino to show on this page. If anyone has a picture please feel free to send us one and we will add it to the post. We have been to this casino many times and have just forgotten to take a picture of the casino building while we were there.

There are 20 table games at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino including blackjack, roulette, craps, poker and a number of other table games for your enjoyment.

Patrons can also drink at the slot machines and waitresses will bring you a drink right to the slot machine. Beer is $1.00 and wine is $3.00. Add a small tip to the cost of the drinks, since these ladies are not paid very much and they depend on their tips to make a decent income.

There are various days with different events taking place. For example Tuesdays are often senior days with the lunch time buffet at half price. You can use your points from your slot card towards point play or towards a meal at one of the restaurants. The casino will also send you promotions from time to time with free slot play coupons once you sign up for a slot card.

We have only been to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino during the week and found the crowds at the casino to be very manageable. Other patrons have told us that there are lots of people at the casino on the weekends and sometimes it is difficult to get the slot machine you would like to play. If you have been there on the weekend , perhaps you can add your comments.

There are not many hotels or motels in the immediate area. There is the Comfort Inn right next door to the casino. We have stayed at the Comfort Inn and found it to be very acceptable, clean and a decent breakfast in the morning. It is also fairly new and not tired looking at all. Rates are a bit high , however it always seems to be busy and you may want to book a room in advance especially if you wish to stay there on the weekend. There is no tax on rooms at the Comfort Inn.

There are also quite a few motels across the border in Cornwall. It is not a great distance, however depending on the time of the day , it can take up to an hour to get through the customs area, due to backups on the bridges. You will also need to have $3.25 for tolls to cross the bridge in both directions. There is a 13.5% tax on all rooms in Ontario.

Restaurants

Recently added food court called “Rapids Food Court” with pizza, grill and a bakery

Sticks Sports Bar – great place to eat, have a snack or a drink while at the casino

Native Harvest Buffet – dinner is approximately $16 prior to any deductions for promotions or slot play

What We Liked

Variety of slot machines

Free  soft and coffee drinks while gambling

Beer is $1.00 and wine is $3.00

Buffet is very nice, well presented

Easy access from all highways

Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas

Comfort Inn motel next door is a great place to stay, with free breakfast

What We Did Not Like

There are several complaints about the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino

Patrons of the casino are allowed to smoke in the casino

Too many multi line nickel machines

Not enough poker machines

No Wheel of fortune machines

Slot Player Card

They are part of the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. Once you are on the mailing list of the casino, you will receive free promotions for entertainment, free meals and free slot play at the casino

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino in a large parking parking lot in front of the casinos.  You can access the hotel from the parking lot at one of two entrances. The parking garage was not patrolled as far as we could tell.

Directions:

The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino is approximately 13 miles east of Masena and approximately 5 miles east of the Canada – US border crossing.

From Canada and Cornwall: Take Exit 789 from the 401. Follow 138/Brookdale Ave/ south across the Seaway International Bridge. Turn left onto SR 37. The hotel is 5 miles ahead on the left.

From Western NY & Syracuse: Take I81 north to Exit 49. Turn right onto RT 411. Turn left onto SR 37 north. The hotel is approximately 90 miles ahead on the left.

From Eastern NY and New England: Take I87 North to Exit 38N. Follow 374 west to SR 190. Turn right onto SR 190 and follow to US 11. Turn Left onto US 11 south and follow to SR 122. Turn right onto SR 122 and follow to SR 37. Turn right onto SR 37. The hotel is 14 miles ahead on the right.