Tr Feb 14-17 Bally's, Slot Wins and an Illness ;)

This would be our second adventure to the Tunica area to both celebrate my loving fiancees forty something birthday and valentines.

Debbie, my fiancee, had wanted to get away for a long, romantic week end to include some gaming, an adventure to Memphis to explore Beale St., and just relax together.

With a call to Bally%26#39;s, I was able to secure a room for Feb. 14 at $100, and the two following nights for a combined rate of #35.00 using a comp offer.

We left from home Sat. morning at a little before 5:00am knowing a eight hour drive was ahead. Stop just outside of Birmingham for breakfast at Cracker Barrel and fuel, back on the road.

Shortly after getting onto 78 and passing Jasper Ala., both of us started to have stomach cramps. Although this is not all that odd for my fiancee, for me it is so rare that we now suspect that our breakfast was the route of all my discomfort the entire trip and still remains today, but all appears to be clearing up thankfully.

We exited 78 onto 302 at Olive Branch and traffic was heavy, being nearly 11:30 on a Sat. Finally after the almost half hour drive through Olive Branch and Horn Lake, we get onto 61 and just fifteen minutes later were turning onto Casino Drive heading to Harrah%26#39;s.

I won%26#39;t spend a lot of time doing a play by play, so let me do this -

The Casino%26#39;s : We played them all, visiting Bally%26#39;s often. Several nice wins at Bally%26#39;s, smaller ones at the Hollywood, The Fitz, the Horseshoe, and the Sheraton. Although a ';Holiday'; weekend, we noticed that all the casino%26#39;s were less busy then our prior visit in May.

Dining: We enjoyed the Cornucopia Buffet twice for dinner, twice for breakfast and will happily enjoy it again on our next trip. Paula Dean%26#39;s for dinner was not what we both remembered from our first visit which was on the grand opening evening. At $17.99 each, it was pricey, but there was a great selection available and the staff were friendly, courteous and provided excellent service. One breakfast was enjoyed at the Hollywood Cafe in the Hollywood Casino. We love this place - Service, Value, and Quality are fantastic.

Bally%26#39;s Hotel: The Hotel is quit dated, reminding of an older ';Sleep Inn'; type hotel. We had reserved a King suite for our stay, having made these reservations and knowing check in was after 4:00pm, we decided to get so play in prior to check in. We got over to the hotel which is not directly connected to the casino and were told we would have to settle for a Double Double Room as all rooms were first come first serve. As I made the reservations, I assure you all, this was never mentioned. The lady whom checked us in, told us to check back prior to 4:00pm the following day and they would happily transfer us to a King Suite. Followed the advice and were told that they were booked solid and would have to ';Just Deal'; with our room. Lets get the bigger picture in our opinion - We recieved a Special Rate so were not paying the $185 for Sat. and were getting the next two nights for #35.00 combined. It was our opinion that they, the employee at the hotel felt that we were to much a bother. I welcome all who read this and think I am Just a Complainer, I ask you read my numerous TR%26#39;s for Las Vegas, Biloxi and our prior visit to Tunica. You will note that I have never complained about much of anything and usually prefer to exclude such things as they may be other then the norm.

Although the room was clean, there were numerous burns in the carpet (Rm 2120), Paint residue on carpet and drapes, beds were old and extremely soft. The bathroom was tiny.

On closing, my stomach ailment forced me to remain in bed all day Monday, a day we were to go to Memphis and visit and explore Beale St. (A quick Thanks to the Memphis Forum for all their help and advice.

We had a good time, won some money but most importantly, had some special time together.

Tr Feb 14-17 Bally's, Slot Wins and an Illness ;)

I just wanted to add, that we LOVED Bally%26#39;s casino, and now knowing the hotel%26#39;s policy, would consider staying there again.

Tr Feb 14-17 Bally's, Slot Wins and an Illness ;)

Making mental note not to visit the Cracker Barrel in Birmingham!!!!!

I confirm you are NOT a complainer and am sad to see you were not given more consideration by the staff at Bally%26#39;s to accomodate you...and as you and I both know, they had something available they could have assigned to you EVEN IF THEY TELL YOU THEY ARE BOOKED SOLID!!!!

Other than those snafus, it looks like you had a good time with the gaming part and thanks for posting your report. I%26#39;ll see you back over on the Vegas page :)

Enjoyed your TR, PP! I can also vouch for you for your comments on the Vegas forum. Not a complainer!!

Too bad about your stomach bug. I%26#39;ll remember not to eat at Cracker Barrel. I%26#39;m guessing it%26#39;s the one right off I-459 on U.S. Highway 280.

Sounds like you had a nice trip in spite of the bug and the room confusion!!

Last year when we went to Beale St. we were dancing at B.B. Kings and I pulled a huge muscle in my hip around midnight. It was so bad, we had to leave Memphis at 5:00 a.m. and cancel the remainder of our trip. I still can%26#39;t believe I injured myself DANCING!!! At that time, I was working out 5-7 days per week.

Go figure!

See you back on the Vegas forum.:)

Hello PP,

We visited Tunica for the first time right after Christmas. We ate Paula Deen%26#39;s twice - once for breakfast and once for dinner. I really think my daughter would love to eat it again and would think the 7 1/2 hour drive would be worth it.

We only played at Hollywood one time but agree with you about the vibe. We didn%26#39;t eat there but loved the decor and seemed to be able to play longer on our money. We also liked Sam%26#39;s Town casino.

Had the least amount of luck at Harrah%26#39;s properties.

Sorry to hear you were sick.

Tutfam

See you on the LV forum too!