Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Overpriced for the $270 standard room cost.  The room did not have a microwave which I would consider a standard item nowadays.  It was cold so I did not get out by the pool.  I was there for convenience for an event but the restaurants are just okay, and the clubs are just okay. The service was good in all areas.  The casino I think also pays out less than Seminole across the street who will give you free drinks.

It's no Vegas, but it's enough to satiate any gambler's thirst (if you like Blackjack, Poker and slots). I usually head to the Hard Rock Live for concerts in an awesome intimate setting then end up at the fun outside bars or at the blackjack table.

I was here last night after a company function. We headed to the Blackjack tables around 7:30 and there were still quite a few $5 minimum tables. Around 8 PM, the table minimum shot up to $10 a table. There were a few people complaining about this, but I think it's pretty fair (I mean it IS a Friday night). They only raise the table minimums like this on Friday and Saturday nights, otherwise, usually you can stay on $5 tables all night. They were serving free beer and well drinks last night, which was pretty nice because I think they usually charge for drinks. The drink ladies came quickly and often, which was a plus! The dealers are not that knowledgable with the games and most say "they don't play Blackjack." My philosophy is "never trust a dealer that doesn't gamble."

Also, if you know how to gamble it can be a little frustrating playing Blackjack with someone who is an amateur. One wrong move can ruin it for the whole table. This happens quite often at this casino, whereas in Vegas you rarely see it happen. I understand people are just trying to have a good time, but be careful how much you're betting here on the Blackjack tables and watch who you're gambling with on the table because there are a lot of drunk first-timers on the table that mess it up.

After losing some money to a ruthless dealer at the tables, we headed to the steakhouse in the casino, Council Oak, where you're always a winner of a great meal (will review in a separate review).

We found a cozy little blackjack spot after dinner and won our money back, and then some. A great live band was playing next to us and the energy was high with a great mix of people. We decided to leave while we're up and call it a night.

Overall Consensus:

Pros: Blackjack, Poker, great restaurants (especially Council Oak), live music in the casino, fun outside bar scene, Hard Rock Live concert venue, easy valet parking

Cons: Shoddy dealers (for the most part), poor ventilation (ugh! the cigarette smoke), no Roulette or Craps, drunk amateur gamblers, confusing parking garages, the drive to and from Miami which is about a 35 minute drive (I wish it was closer)

Great place for adults to get away and have fun!