Caesar's/Bally's/Harrah's spent more than $12M on a new poker room and it has potential to be the best in the city. The first things you notice are the quiet (no slot machines) and the spaciousness of the room.
Competition was average for a Strip casino. They spread a good number of games and their high limit table is starting to see some regular pros come in (e.g. Shawn "The Sheik" Sheikhan and Eli Elezra). The average tourist is the same as average tourists elsewhere.
There has been a great emphasis placed on customer service. The dealers are competent with some being above average having worked the WSOP circuit for Harrah's before settling in to the new room. Many are Vegas veterans having moved from other casinos in-town.
Not the best looking waitresses but who cares? The service is very good and they have tableside dining so you can get a decent sandwich, burger, salad or appetizer while you play.
On Day One I was there and they had all hands on deck. On Day Two not so much. But they seem to be into a groove now and know how to staff properly. I played a tournament last week and the director of poker operations came out, introduced himself, listened to our comments and sincerely appreciated our feedback. The day-to-day room management is great and they are well organized to get people to tables, keep the chips and drinks coming and making sure people are taken care of.
If you have a comp card you get $1/hr for play which seems to be the norm anymore. No high hand or other jackpots (which sucks since I had a straight flush yesterday)but they will be doing freeroll tournaments and other promotions for top players.
