Hey all, this is my review of the Hilton in A.C.:
The Hilton poker room has been moved to where the Asian Gaming area once was. Basically, they switched places due to customer density concerns. More people were in the Asian room, so it was given the larger space once reserved for poker.
The Room:
There are around 15-20 tables. The tables are high in quality. The felt is spongy and smooth, and has recently been replaced (and branded with Card Player Magazine logos). I feel a little tight when the game gets to nine or ten handed, but when it is less than this it is quite comfortable. Unfortunately, games will always fill up to the max due to questionable Poker Room management. They prefer one table full of ten players and 4 people on a waiting list than two seven-handed tables. Your experience may vary, but it can be a hassle getting into a game or starting a new table.
The Dealers:
The dealers are always friendly, polite, and generally a positive to the game. They are well-known to the regulars, and I have never witnessed a dispute get out of hand or seen tempers flare due to impolite or rude dealers.
Comps:
The rate for comps is currently two dollars per hour played.
Drinks:
Drinks are standard. There are only two or three beers offered, and they don't bring up any others for you. Odd, but its free, so its not so bad. They take liquor orders, so those who enjoy the harder stuff will be happy. Waitresses aren't hard to find, and they circulate regularly. It is not a problem to get what you want, such as soda, water, or orange juice.
Food:
There is a an area in the corner of the room that serves Asian cuisine. It is peculiar for this to be in the Poker Room, but that is because the Asian Room used to be located here. They serve very traditionally Asian foods, including rice, seafood, and tea. This outlet caters to the Asian players, and you will not find foods such as pizza or burgers here. I do not have a problem with this and have sampled the food during a tournament break. I was very satisfied with my meal of rice and chicken, and was in and out in time to get back to my seat for the first deal. It should be mentioned that the seating of this area is similar to a bar, with stools and a counter only. There are tables a very short distance away, however, if you are dining with a friend.
Tournaments:
Tournaments are scheduled four times a day, but do not always materialize. The standard times are 2pm, 7pm, 10pm, and Midnight. I have been there when 70 players are entered, and I have had my money refunded to me due to under ten names having registered. They will usually start about 15 minutes late in order to let people drift in and register. The caliber of player is low. Most tournaments are $50+10. Midnight tournaments are 10,000 starting stacks, which is entertaining. Otherwise, stacks are around 3,000 and blinds move quickly at 15-20 minutes. (And the chips are pretty dirty, as I recall)
Cash Games:
Cash game players are very polar. You have many older gentlemen and women who are playing as a form of gambling. They usually will be telling of their results from the craps or blackjack tables. They drop one hundred dollars per buy-in and play until they get bored. On the other hand are the serious players touring the city in search of their next game. They are more sophisticated and will not burn through a buy-in. It is this balance that makes the Hilton very lucratice or very dry. If the table is full, and no players can come in, you may find yourself sitting with 8 of the casual players laughing, drinking, and dropping some serious coin into the pots. This is a good thing if you are in the last available seat. You may find yourself with 5 of the serious players, however, and three casual players. It now becomes a battle of will and luck. Whoever holds some cards and gets in the right position with these loose players will take down the money. You have to be patient (sit there bored) in order to expect to win. The serious players WILL beat you if you get out of line, so it can be frustrating if you don't have the ability to wait for extended periods of time for the right opportunities. You will sometimes find that one guy who is taking it way too serious, or gets way too drunk, or has bad social skills. Overall, though, the players are very nice and everyone enjoys themselves.
Conclusion:
I like the Hilton a lot. They give free rooms to low rollers like me, even for two nights. This is very good. Make sure you have a players card, and offers for rooms, shows, and prizes are sent monthly to you. They are generous, and the money you save makes you feel better if you go off for a little bit of dough.
(I thought these were Bud Jones but there are metal flakes in the $25 chip. I'm not a chip manufacturer, but plastic doesn't have metal flakes. Whatever they are, I'm not a fan of these casino chips! Their sound and feel are not the best. They sound clicky and muted, and they get my hands feeling grimy after a few minutes of handling. But, here they are for you.)
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