Advertisement
Published: November 15th 2007
Edit Blog Post
Casino Rama
An exterior view I'm not one to really pursue a getaway involving a Casino. However, when I found out Drew Carey's Improv All Stars were coming to Casino Rama, I made the trip. I'd never been before and due to the fact the show was late, I decided to stay overnight. I booked a room in their onsite hotel. It was pricey at almost $250.00 CAD a night, but hey, it was a Birthday present to myself.
The journey began with a bus ride from my apartment to the subway. From there I went to Dundas station. After departing the subway, I hiked a few short blocks to the Toronto bus terminal. It only cost $10.00 for a two hour ride to Rama, Ontario. The ride was smooth, but because it was in the heat of summer, there was a persistent odour coming through the air conditioning vents near my seat. Ick. Upon arrival there are Casino Rama staff that check absolutely EVERYONE'S ID as you leave the bus. They are extremely strict about minors entering the Casino. I suppose this is because the bus drop off leads directly into the casino.
Upon clearance I strolled through a room of beeps and
Hotel Lobby
Rustic Warmth blinking lights on my way to the hotel's registration desk. This had to have been the fastest check in I've ever had at a hotel. A couple of buttons clicked by the desk clerk and my signature had me on my way to my room in less than two minutes. Why can't other hotels have such efficient check ins?
My room was impressive. It was more like a suite. Two double beds, fireplace, sofa, bathtub and separate shower stall. I got more than what I paid for. Suites like this in Toronto are insanely expensive. The room had a woodsy, native Indian theme to it. Modern, but warm and cozy at the same time. I could get used to this!
After unpacking my backpack I decided to shower and get something to eat. The bathroom had all the amenities I could ever want. The vanity area was a plus since it was separate from the steamy bathroom/shower area.
Now that I was hungry I headed down to the cafe. I enjoyed a superb Roast Beef sandwich. Service was excellent and the prices reasonable. There are several other restaurants in the casino, but I preferred to stay in
Hotel Room
A good value for suite like ammenities. the vicinity of the hotel for the time being.
Feeling satiated, it was time to explore. The theater, or rather stadium was opposite the casino. A corridor leading to this area had shops and restaurants. I browsed a little, but didn't find anything souvenir worthy. I decided to visit the casino. Wow, this one is huge. By comparison the only casinos I've ever set foot in are in St. Maarten and Niagara Falls. Each level in those venues was tiny. This room was overwhelmingly huge. Slot machines everywhere! You practically needed a map to maneuver. I decided to get into the spirit of things and play a few slots. I'm not really a gambler and avoided the table games. Much to my surprise I won several dollars worth of quarters. Whoo Hoo! Now, stupidly giddy, I headed back to the room to finish getting ready for the evening and get my ticket.
The theater was using the new ticket master barcode scanners to admit people into the auditorium. No need for tickets anymore when you can print your admission online. I was suprised to see gymnasium type chairs on the floor. They were packed together tightly. It was
Hotel Room
Foyer area of my hotel room. a little claustrophobic! Thankfully I was close to an aisle and had a great view. What can I say? The show was amazing! Anyone that enjoys "Whose Line It Anyway?" or other improv comedy shows would have loved this. Drew Carey, Greg Proops, Colin Mochrie, Brad Sherwood, Chip Esten, and Sean Masterson made up the cast. I had a wonderful time. It went by so fast, but was well worth it.
After the show I decided I needed dinner. I headed back to the cafe and ordered. Much to my surprise Drew Carey was sitting in the table behind me. By the time I confirmed it was really him, he left. The waitress I had said he is really nice and whenever he's come to Casino Rama, he's always good to the staff and is a great person.
After dinner I went back to my room, ready for a good night's sleep. The bed was comfortable. Because I had to catch the bus back home, I didn't have time to enjoy the hotel's indoor pool. Maybe next time. All in all the hotel was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone when going to see a concert
or show at the Casino.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.074s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 6; qc: 44; dbt: 0.0472s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb