The room is located by the back entrance to the casino, adjacent to the parking garage. Both the restrooms and a Subway sub outlet are a short walk from the room.
The room is open on two sides, both bordered by slots. If you are near the slot areas and are a non-smoker, smoke can be a problem. This is especially true during tournaments, with players smoking just outside the room between hands. If this bothers you, select a table closer to the cashier's cage. Non-smokers also please note: smoking is allowed in the room between 3:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
There are a lot of tables but I didn't get a claustrophobic feeling of being packed in. This is a pretty light and airy space, although the lighting could be better. Racks of seat cushions are on the back wall of the room. Rows of TV monitors line the walls along the room; there was always something to watch even if your cards weren't worth watching.
The tables are not in great shape. There are never enough drink holders, so there are moisture stains on many of the tables. None of the tables are equipped with ShuffleMaster machines.
Depends on when you play. I was there on a weekday morning. Lots of regulars -- older rocks and a few kids. You'll find more variety in play at night.
The evening tourneys draw upwards of 200 players. It helps to get there at least 45 minutes prior to the starting time. The line starts forming at 5:30 p.m. prior to a 7:00 p.m. tourney. Players already in ring games in the room are invited to play first. The tourney players are pretty good, but I still finished in the top 60 in the tournament I played in.
I was happy with the caliber of the dealers, especially during tournament play in settling multiple all-in situations. If they didn't have the answer, they went straight to the floorman. A couple of dealers were really nice and took the time to get to know you. A beginning player would be comfortable playing at the Orleans.
Service was excellent and quick, and the servers themselves looked terrific! Some of the better-looking cocktail waitresses in Las Vegas work here. The "uniforms" certainly don't hurt...
The day manager guy tends to ignore people right in front of him, but @#$% eventually get to you. Mary, the assistant manager, was most courteous as was the cage staff.
The wait list is computerized and well-organized, and the list is visible on some of the wall monitors.
Request a poker room players comp card and one will be issued to you, on the spot. It's swiped before you play and after you cash out, and you will be credited on an hourly basis in casino bucks. There is a bad beat jackpot. Comp dollars are available for players with four-of-a-kind or better hands.
