Casino Reviews

The FallsView casino located in Niagara Falls , Ontario Canada is right in the middle of the historic area of Niagara Falls, within walking distance to the falls itself and all of the surrounding historical areas, shops and restaurants.

The FallsView  casino is on par with many of the Las Vegas hotels and Casinos. From a grand entrance to the hotel with shops and restaurants to the casino itself , this is one of the few first class hotels and casino in Canada. Well worth the money to visit this casino and hotel.  American visitors may find some things a bit pricey compared to American casinos. Rooms are expensive, especially if you are looking for something with a view of the falls. Drinks in the casino are pricey as well compared to US standards.

Niagara FallsView Casino

There are actually two casinos in the area. The Fallsview Casino is the most recent addition to Niagara Falls, while the older one located within Niagara Falls and also located within the city near the falls as well is still operational. We have not visited this casino in some time. Next time we go to Niagara falls we will visit it and prepare a review.

There are two areas that we do not like about the FallsView Casino. Compared to many US casinos , drinks at the casino are very expensive. They are in the $8 to $9 range for the least expensive drinks, compared to $4 and $5 when you do have to pay for then in the United States. Most casinos offer mixed drinks for free as long as you are playing at the tables or the slots. Not in Canada.

The other item we do not like about Canadian Casinos and FallsView Casino is no different, is the guards at the entrance to the casino. We agree that minors need to be restricted from entering the casino, however like the US you can do it in a much less imposing manner. We are customers and should be treated as good customers.

Other than that we have heard very good reports about the hotel. Spectacular views of the falls , both the Canadian and the American sides. Friends have stayed at this hotel and rate it very highly. We have yet to stay at this hotel. We would be glad to hear about your stay. Feel free to leave comments about the FallsView Casino , positive or negative.

Slot Machines

There are over 3000 slots and video poker machines in denominations ranging from one cent to $5.  All of your favorite games are spread throughout the spacious and luxurious casino.

Table Games

There are all of the standard table games to play while you are at the Niagara FallsView casino including Baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette and poker. The casino also runs poker tournaments from time to time as well.

Restaurants

There are several restaurants at the hotel including fine dining, casual and other on-site dining. Enjoy fine dining at 17 Noir and Ponte Vecchio.  For casual dining you can also enjoy the Grand Buffet, Falls Deli, Golden Lotus, Sushi & Oyster Bar, and the Noodle Bar. If you are looking for a quick bite somewhere there are many fast food outlets available. These include – Auntie Annies, Canyon Creek, Falls & Firken, The Famous, Johnny Rockets, Mama Mia’s, Quizno’s, Joes, Starbucks, Subway, Sweet Point, and Tim Hortons.

With so many restaurants in the hotel , you will not go hungry. Of course if you are looking for something different, there are numerous restaurants to choose from in downtown Las Vegas.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Free entertainment at the bar located in the casino
• Buffet
• Hotel rates are competitively expensive
• Covered garage parking, which is free if you play at the casino and have a slot card
• Easy access from all highways
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
• Great stopover point on your way to the United States or spending a weekend

What We Did Not Like

There are some complaints about the FallsView hotel & casino

• Expensive drinks while gambling
• Hotel is expensive compared to other hotels in the area
• Guards at the entrance to the casino are imposing unnecessarily. American casinos do a much better job of restricting minors and undesirables from the casinos in a less imposing manner.
• It is a 4 star hotel in our estimation and quite adequate for our needs

Niagara FallsView Casino Slot Player Card

They are part of the Fallsview  slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at the FallsView casino. Although not as lucrative as many American slot cards, patrons can still be comp’d for free rooms and meals depending on the amount of 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 FallsView hotel & casino in a large parking garage beside the hotel. There is no surface parking that we observed, although if you can find it, you can park along the street. 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. Patrons of the garage who are visiting the casino and intend on playing the slots should always have a FallsView casino slot card. If you park and play , show your card at the exit to the garage and you should receive your parking for free.

Niagara FallsView Casino Directions:

The address is 6380 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 7X5, Canada and you can reach the hotel by car , by bus, by air, by limo and by junket for the high rollers.

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. In addition the Casino has been updating their facility and has opened a hotel of their own attached to the casino. It opened in March of 2013. The hotel is very modern, very clean and has a no smoking policy. It is a very nice place to stay in addition to the Comfort Inn next door. They also have a spa, indoor pool and a gym if you can take yourself away from the casino.

Description

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 . They also have a non smoking section which is near the main entrance and the buffet, which is very popular.

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 $1.50 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.

Events

There are various days with different events taking place. For example Mondays and Wednesdays are often senior days with the lunch time buffet as well as dinner 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.

Surrounding Hotels or Motels

There are not many hotels or motels in the immediate area. There is the Comfort Inn right next door to the casino and of course the hotel attached 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. However the reservation has added a $10 pr night room fee.

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 at Akwesasne Mohawk Casino

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 $1.50 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

The Casino hotel is also excellent

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

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino – 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 surface parking parking lot in front of the casinos.  You can access the hotel from the parking lot at one of two entrances. The parking was not patrolled as far as we could tell. There is also parking for RV’s as well.

Directions to Akwesasne Mohawk Casino:

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. They 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.

The picture below is  of Harrahs Casino Hotel in Laughlin, Nevada. This casino is part of the chain that Harrahs has established across the country. In fact there are approximately 35 locations were you can gamble at a Harrahs Casino. Many casinos have hotels as well, so you can stay and gamble at a Harrahs nation wide and one location we are aware of in Windsor , Canada.

Harrah’s is located at the far south end of Casino Drive and you might not even see it if you decide to stop on Casino Drive without going all the way to the end. Many people walk along the street or along the river walk to the hotels. Unfortunately for Harrah’s Casino & Hotel most people will not walk since it is so far and you must walk up a fairly steep hill at the south end, so for many people it is better to take the car.

Harrahs Casino Hotel Rates

Rates are quite reasonable. When we stayed in April 2007, we paid as low as $28 a night for a decent room. The property appeared in need of a major over hall, however it provides everything that you need at reasonable rates. There are two pools overlooking the Colorado, one for adults and the other for children.Some customer reviews mentioned that the rooms are gradually being updated.

There are over 900 slot machines of all types, a variety of table games, poker games, keno and Race & Sports book betting. They also offer state wide progressive slot machines. Always bet the maximum if you want to win the progressive jackpots.

More Information about the Casino Hotel

The hotel offers 1505 rooms and 170 suites, some rooms on non smoking floors as well. Based on some of the reviews about the rooms it appears that Harrahs Casino and Hotel has been updating many of the rooms. Although we have not seen them ourselves, writers have indicated that new flat screen TV’s have been added and the rooms have been updated as well. When you check in, ask for a remodeled room since all rooms may not yet be updated.

There are also three towers to stay in with some rooms offering river views while many rooms do not. Although you may pay more for the river view of the Colorado river, it may be worth it if you would like to enjoy the views of the river and the town of Bullhead across the river in Arizona.

Harrahs Casino and Hotel offers a number of activities aside from gambling that customers can consider. There are stay and golf packages, you can try the salon & day spa, there is the fitness center, shopping, entertainment night life, the beach or pool, and a variety of other local attractions.

Many people will come to Laughlin, Nevada for other reasons than just gambling. There is ample hiking near by, the river provides lots of boating and fishing and there are Indian ruins as well that folks will view.

Restaurants

Baja Blue restaurant serving Mexican food
The Range Steakhouse,
Cabo Cafe,
Fresh Market Square Buffet
and fast food chains such as Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, Cinnabon and MacDonalds

Harrahs Casino Hotel – What We Liked

Variety of slot machines – over 900
Free drinks while gambling
Overlook on the Colorado River from the pool area
Access to the Water Taxi to all hotels, except the Ramada Express
Sandy beach along the Colorado River for hotel guests
Inexpensive hotel rooms
Choices of fast food such as Macdonald’s and Starbucks coffee
Lots of slot machines to play in two large rooms
Ample Parking
Buffet
Pool area and spa free to hotel guests on the 3rd level over looking the river
Hotel rates are very reasonable
Covered garage parking
Easy access from all highways
Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
Great stopover point on your way to Las Vegas

What We Did Not Like

We have a few complaints about Harrah’s Casino & Hotel

Unable to access the River Walk at all, from the Harrah’s Hotel and Casino
Far end of casino drive and up a rather long high hill to gain access
Pool areas are in the shade in the afternoon sun
Hotel is tired looking and needs an over hall
No Internet access , wireless or other wise
Business office really does not provide good service

Slot Player Card

They are part of the Harrah’s Casino slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at many Las Vegas hotels,  as well as sister hotels in Tunica, Biloxi, Laughlin, Atlantic City and Reno. There are other locations as well and this particular slot card membership is one of the best if you travel across the country a lot.

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 Harrah’s Casino & Hotel  in a large parking garage beside the hotel. There is also some  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:

Located at 2900 S Casino Drive, in Laughlin , Nevada, access from kingman is from Route 68 in Arizona, and also from route 95 and 163 from Las Vegas.

We appreciate your comments and we will also be updating this post next time we are in Laughlin in the spring of 2010.

The Aquarius Casino & Hotel is located in the middle of the casino drive resort area along the Colorado river. With over 1300 slot machines, a variety of table games, live poker and state of the art race and sports book, this hotel and casino is a great place to enjoy your self in the old Las Vegas style.

This hotel used to be part of the Flamingo hotel chain with it’s sister hotel in Las Vegas. Several years ago it was purchased by another group and renamed the Aquarius Casino and Hotel. Next time we visit the Laughlin area we will update the pictures with the new name of the hotel prominently displayed. The hotel is gradually being upgraded  and improved. Without the volume of Las Vegas, the process is a bit slower, however we really enjoy the ambiance of the river and the ability to walk along the tranquil boardwalk along the river.

Aquarius Casino – Water Taxi’s

These pictures were taken from one of the many water taxi’s that ply the Colorado River between the hotels and also across the river to Arizona. There is ample parking on the Arizona side of the river and a water taxi provides free service from this parking lot to the Riverside hotel which is just up river from the Aquarius Casino.

We arrived here in the middle of January on a beautiful sunny day with a day time temperature of 80 degrees! Fantastic. We walked along the boardwalk and enjoyed the sun and the warmth. Only approximately 5 hours from Flagstaff at 7000 feet elevation and 50 degrees cooler, this was pure heaven.

There are two 18 story hotel towers and this is the best hotel in Laughlin in our opinion. We will provide additional posts in the future covering the other hotels in the area. Wireless internet is available for $11.99 in the room while it is free in Starbucks as of April 2010.  There is surface parking as well ample parking in the parking garage located beside the hotel.

There is a tour that patrons can take along the Colorado river for 90 minutes with drink service provided. The captain will regal you with tales of various stories about the area. There are also themed cruises and wedding cruises as well.

Soak up the sun, and swim a few laps, while spending a sunny Southwestern afternoon around the Aquarius Casino Resort’s refreshing pool. Located atop the roof, the pool area is surrounded by the rustic Arizona desert and, being perched above the Colorado River, offers some breathtaking views. Cocktail service is available providing refreshing drinks and snacks to pool guests. There are also tennis courts to play on.

Staying in Laughlin is much less expensive than Las Vegas with hotel rates under $100 per night and usually much less for customers who qualify for casino rates with the Aquarius Casino slot card known as ACE. Always play with your slot card in place to qualify for comp’s, free meals and free rooms.

Restaurants

• Vineyard – a fine dining restaurant with authentic Italian cuisine
• Windows – buffet on the river overlooking the Colorado river includes free beer and wine during dinner buffet meals, excellent food and nice open dining area
• Cafe Aquarius – dining around the clock for a quick bite to eat
• H2OH – indoor / outdoor open air restaurant located int he heart of the river walk
• Fast Food – Burger King, Subway, Panda Express, Dreyers Ice Cream
• Outback Steakhouse – great steaks, prime rib, chicken and seafood
• Duet Cafe shop – with free internet last time we were there

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Free drinks while gambling
• Buffet
• Pool area and spa free to hotel guests on the 3rd level
• Hotel rates are very reasonable
• Covered garage parking
• Easy access from all highways
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
• Great stopover point on your way to Las Vegas only 70 miles away
• Coffee shop offers free internet
• They provide a fridge and coffee maker in the room
• Located along the Colorado River
• Access to the boardwalk along the Colorado river

What We Did Not Like

There are no real complaints about the Aquarius Casino & Hotel

It is a 3 star hotel in our estimation and quite adequate for our needs

We do not like the amount of smoke that seems to permeate just about everywhere. The hotel responds by using deodorizer which can be a problem for anyone with a breathing issue. The smoke odor is pretty strong. Recently they have placed no smoking signs in all restaurant and food serving areas.

Aquarius Casino – Slot Player Card

They are part of the ACE slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at the Stratosphere hotel in Las Vegas and at Arizona Charlies in Decatur and Bolder.

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 at casino rate, 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 Aquarius Casino & Hotel in a large parking garage beside the hotel. There is also ample  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:

Located at 1900 S Casino Drive, in Laughlin , Nevada, access kingman is from Route 68 in Arizona, and also from route 95 and 163 from Las Vegas.

We appreciate your comments and we will also be updating this post next time we are in Laughlin in the spring of 2010.

The Thousand Islands Casino is located midway between Toronto and Montreal along the 401 near Kingston and the 1000 Island crossing to the US. This is a beautiful little casino with only about 500 slot machines and a small number of table games to enjoy. Last time we checked there were 18 tables available for players enjoyment. We have visited this casino several times and have enjoyed ourselves very much. they have a nice bar to relax in and a restaurant that severs good quality food for reasonable prices. Both times we have used our free comp’s and eaten for free. We had to pay for our drinks which is the case in every Canadian casino.

Thousand Islands Casino

Parking is surface based and free to patrons. There is ample room for campers and RV’s to park while they enjoy the 1000 Islands Gananoque casino.  Coffee and soft drinks are complimentary, coat checks are also complimentary . The 1000 Islands Gananoque casino has ATM machines on site, there is also currency exchange offered for US visitors and there is a small gift shop which also sells lottery tickets.

The town of Gananoque is quite close and there are a number of small chain motels as you enter Gananoque near the casino. They do offer special deals , however the writer has not verified these offers to confirm how good they are. We do know that they are not associated with the winner circle slot cards and as a result there are no free rooms offered. If you book early there is a good chance of receiving a discount especially if you are a senior or you have a CAA or AAA card.

There are also camping sites nearby and there is the famous 1000 islands tour that many people also enjoy.

Restaurants

The Gateway Restaurant is the only restaurant at the 1000 Islands Gananoque casino. There is a bar as well and both are clean and bright, with decent food on the menu. One thing we noticed is that the bar always serves ice cold beer. If you are just stopping by, use your winners circle card to be comp’d for a free meal.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines ( about 500 in total)
• Free soft  drinks and coffee  while gambling
• Nice restaurant to dine in
• Easy access from all highways – Highway 2 and also the 401
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
• Great stopover point on your way to Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa

What We Did Not Like

• There are no real complaints about the 1000 Islands Gananoque casino.
  
• It is a small casino, but very nice and clean with a great restaurant.

Slot Player Card

They are part of the OLG slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at many of the Ontario casinos by using their OLG winners circle card.  This casino does not have a hotel associated with it. However there is a restaurant and patrons can help themselves to free coffee and soft drinks. There is also a bar service.

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 1000 Islands Gananoque casino in a large parking area beside the casino. There is ample parking for cars as well as buses and RV’s. This is an easy place to stop for anyone on their way between Toronto and Montreal.

Directions: The 1000 Islands Gananoque casino is located at 380, highway 2, just outside of Gananoque, Ontario, between Kingston and Brockville. Anyone intending on going to the 1000 Islands Gananoque casino can reach it by highway 401 and taking the exit for the casino.

For more details on OLG casinos, click here.

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