The Rivers downtown wins over The Meadows for overall atmosphere. It looks/feels more like a vegas-style casino.
I don't have many details on comps as I only play at either one sporadically and just for a few hours (we go to Caesar's WIndsor much more often). Both often have promotions with giveways after earning a certain number of points on your card. Last time I was at The Rivers (in July) they had an ongoing promotion - if someone hit a jackpot of $1,000 or more everyone with their players card in a slot won $5.00 freeplay. It took only 5-10 minutes for the freeplay to appear on my card after the announcement was made that someone hit $1,000 or more. You could then play the freeplay right away.
Some more details on both -
The Rivers has free soft drinks at stations in various parts of the casino. There is a nice bar w/vp in the center of the casino (no comped drinks though). There is a buffet (never tried it) and a small deli/bakery.
The Meadows is a racino. No free soft drinks here. There is a food court with 4-5 different restaurants to choose from. There is also a really nice upscale bowling alley downstairs. It is owned by the compnay that owns Cannery, Rampart and Eastside Cannery in LV. Not sure if their players card is linked to those though.
If you are spending a few nights in PA I and plan on focusing on these two casinos I suggest staying at hotels near The Meadows (the one just outside of Pittsburgh). There are several right next to the casino. Most were built after the casino was added to the horse track. Those would probably be cheaper than a hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. It's only 30 minutes between the two casinos.
If you are staying at one of the hotels by The Meadows there is a third casino about 35 minutes away in West Virginia - Wheeling Island. It is almost on a direct path from The Meadows down Route 40. However, this is not the same class casino as the other two. It's another racino, but smaller and very smokey.
~Allen
