Ventured out to see the new poker room at the Palms after hearing all of the hoopla. Very disappointed in the results.
What in the world were they thinking to put an open air poker facility in the sports bar area? It is like a new and improved version of the Orleans because of the proximity to all of the casino-generated smoke in the air. And if that isn't bad enough, the proximity to the sports bar causes constant distraction due to the non-stop bright-lights flashing from the splashy big screens in the sports section. I can only imagine what it must be like when a raucous crowd is really getting into a game.
Not sure what their intent was in building the room this way, but if it was to attract hard-core players who would be loyal to the room, it is hard to imagine them doing a worse job. This is NOT a place for the serious player.
On the positive side, the chairs are comfy.
Typical mix of locals and tourists (mainly hotel guests). Hit and miss. Room can be very slow at times.
Same dealers. Generically competent with a tendency to chat it up a little too much instead of paying attention to the game.
If there is a positive side to the new location, it is the proximity to the west side bar. If the girls do not come around often enough, you can just hop out of your seat and grab something yourself.
Did not witness anything special while I was there but I did note that their tournament options leave a lot to be desired and do not seem to be generating enough traffic to make it worthwhile. Seems like they're having a tough time figuring out why the traffic is so slow.
$1/hour comps and $1 extra rake for high hand jackpot which hardly seems worth the extra cost of playing at the Palms, given its low volume of traffic and generally small level of play.