Fall was always our favorite time of year when we lived in Indiana, so we really enjoyed going back to see the rolling hills ablaze with autumn colors. Such a contrast to the Las Vegas landscape.
We had not been back to this Ohio River 4-deck riverboat casino for many years and were amazed at the sprawling property, formerly named Caesars, now called the Southern Indiana Horseshoe. A huge pavilion full of eateries and retail outlets takes you seamlessly from the boat on the water to the parking decks and the luxury hotel on the Indiana shore.
Some of our likes:
- One complete deck that is non-smoking
- Serve-yourself soft drink stations on all decks
- A golf-cart shuttle and moving walkways to help out in the long walk between the hotel and the pavilion
- “Lighter Fare” options in the Paula Deen buffet, although I must confess we succumbed to some of the heavier choices. I loved the fried green tomatoes with a “kick” – the secret….hot sauce added to the batter.
- The friendliest atmospherewe have ever experienced in a casino – and we have visited innumerable ones all over the US in the last 28+ years. Every employee you meet gives you a smile and a greeting. No exceptions, whether it is a porter emptying the trashcan, the food service employee behind the food line at the buffet, the clerk in the gift store, the security guard at his podium, or a “suit” passing you in the hall.
- The “cookie factor” – our favorite like that added to the warm and welcoming ambience. Check into the hotel– there was a plate of “home-made” cookies at the front desk. Walk down the hall to the casino and you were stopped by a smiling employee offering you a yummy choice from a tray of cookies. A raisin oatmeal cookie (Brad’s favorite) or a chocolate chip one (my favorite) always lifts our spirits, whether we are winning or losing.
Of course the highlight of the trip was the reunion with Brad’s side of the family: kids, grandkids, and two new great-grandbabies. We had been in a lull with no babies on either side of our families, as grandkids and great-grandkids were growing up to be teenagers and young adults. But now the next generation of babies is back and that is a stage I like – even though it means we are getting old!
Oh – yes we did gamble – stay tuned for those details in Part 2.
Noticed the warm welcomes at Sam’s Town in Tunica a week or so ago. After years of more distant acting staff, it was rather startling when a gaggle of maids suddenley were effusive in the “good mornings”.
For what it is worth- warm greetings and smiles everywhere by employees has finally been figured into the formula that the casinos utilize to make the suckers feel good while they lose their paychecks.Lost another $100, here, have a cookie! or- I know how you feel, the ATM is right over here. A word to the wise (those who gamble), just remember where you are and that the smiling oss is not your friend – you are paying their bills.
I look forward to your review of the gaming, but must confess I love the idea of a whole non-smoking deck. I live in Omaha, and the only VP playable is 10/6 DDB at Harrahs Council Bluffs–3 machines habitually occupied by the local futures shareholders of ICU ventilators who seem to save matches by lighting up with the previous, dying coffin nail…. I’ve requested, and been denied, having a single similar game installed in the 25’x 25′
on-smoking area that is not separated from the rest of the casino in any way.
I somewhat dislike the idea of having all the employees smile and greet me all the time, but to each their own. They do this in Council Bluffs too, and if they gave out cookies or donuts, I’d probably like it much more. I have a suspicious mind, I guess, and it translates this as welcome sucker, even though I only play 9/6 Jacks or similar quality VP. I particularly DON’T like to hear this from the security personnel. Their job is not so much to be friendly, but to provide safety. Although I confess some could do both, my experience with this is that just as often this leads to lapses, and much prefer the less vocal but efficient security personnel of Nevada properties.
I’ve quietly read this blog for some time and really enjoy it. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the years of enjoying your books, articles, and blogs on getting the most out of ones casinio experience. I also enjoyed seeeing you on 60 Minutes.
A native of nearby (to the So IN Horseshoe) New Albany, I now live in Noblesville, Indiana. Having travelled extensively, I’ve often thought southern Indiana is one of the friendliest areas in America. I’m pleased the S. I. Horseshoe is keeping the tradition going in the beautivul Ohio River Valley,
Thanks for all you do for the VP player. Looking forward to another book.