Dreams Casino Punta Arenas Guide and Review
Dreams Casino in Punta Arenas offers a comprehensive entertainment experience, being part of a larger hotel complex. While some visitors praise specific aspects of the casino and the broader hotel amenities, several significant points of concern emerge, particularly regarding the casino operations.
Casino Experience ✨
For those looking to try their luck, Dreams Casino presents a varied picture. The gaming floor includes slot machines and table games like Blackjack.
The Good:
- Knowledgeable Dealers: Patrons have highlighted the dealers, especially at Blackjack tables, as being fantastic, knowledgeable, and even willing to teach newcomers the ropes.
- Table Service: Drinks are served directly at the tables, which is a convenient and appreciated amenity for gamblers.
Points to Consider (and potentially Major Drawbacks):
- Entrance Fee: A frequently cited and significant negative is the 4700 CLP (Chilean Pesos) entrance fee per person to enter the casino floor. This is an uncommon practice for casinos and can be a major deterrent for potential gamblers, especially those intending to spend a considerable amount inside.
- Lingering Smoke Smell: Despite a stated no-smoking policy, multiple reviews mention a strong, persistent smell of cigarette smoke throughout the casino. This can significantly detract from the comfort and enjoyment for non-smokers.
- Limited Table Game Hours: Table games such as Blackjack may only open later in the evening, with one reviewer noting they began at 8:00 PM, which could be inconvenient for those wishing to play earlier.
- Issues with Casino Card Registration: Some visitors have reported difficulties obtaining a casino card, with machines reportedly not accepting passports or other identification, thus preventing them from playing slot machines or engaging fully in the casino experience.
Hotel & Amenities (Part of the Dreams Complex) 🏨
It's important to note that Dreams Casino is integrated within a larger hotel property, which some guests have reviewed positively for its non-casino offerings:
- Service: The hotel staff has received commendations for their wonderful service, including assistance with room issues and accommodating unique requests like parking oversized vehicles.
- Facilities: The hotel boasts a good gym, pool, and spa area, including steam, sauna, and plunge pools, which are seen as valuable additions. The pool temperature is noted to be a national standard in Chile.
- Rooms & Dining: Rooms are described as big with great bathrooms, featuring amazing showers and separate tubs. Room service offers ample choices at good prices, and the breakfast provides decent options.
However, the hotel side has also seen complaints, particularly regarding construction noise. Guests have reported disturbances like jackhammers on floors above their rooms, which can impact the overall stay even if not directly related to the casino experience.
Overall Impression
Dreams Casino Punta Arenas presents a dual nature. On one hand, the casino staff, particularly dealers, are praised for their service, and the broader hotel complex offers comfortable amenities. On the other hand, the casino's specific policies and atmosphere, such as the unusual entrance fee, the pervasive smoke smell, and administrative hurdles for casino cards, create significant barriers and negative experiences for many. If you plan to visit, be prepared for these potential issues, especially if your primary aim is gambling.
After reading some reviews, we feel the need to leave our own. We had wonderful service here and thought the hotel was great for a couple of nights. We somehow messed up our TV and safe, and when we inquired at the front desk someone walked with us to our room and happily fixed both. Beyond that, our vehicle was too tall to fit in the parking garage and we told them we’d just park on the street - but they allowed us to park a sprinter van in the pull through up front for two full days! Great service. The gym, pool, and spa were good - steam, sauna and plunge pools were a nice addition to the dressing rooms. We stayed here with kids because it’s one of only a couple places in town with a pool, and we were not disappointed. Complaints about the temperature aren’t a reflection on the hotel - it’s a national standard. All the pools we have encountered in Chile are this temperature.Room service had ample choices and good prices. The breakfast has decent options - we had no complaints there.The rooms were big and the bathrooms were great with an amazing shower and separate tub.Yes, there was construction on the floor above us - but they didn’t start until 8:30 and it wasn’t awful.
Only visited the casino. Dealer was fantastic. She knowledgeable and willing to teach newcomers how to play (Blackjack). Drinks were great and served at the tables. The only drawback is the smell of cigarette smoke lingered inside the entire casino. There is no smoking allowed, so not sure if it was coming in through an open door or what. If you can get past that, it was a great time
The dream hotel left something to be desired, and I’m gonna have to blame it on the construction, but they should never rent out rooms below the room that their construction is going on. I even heard jackhammers in the room above mine. I tried to change rooms, but of course they told me nothing was available. I tried to play the machines at the casino, but was never able to receive a casino card for whatever reason. The guy tried to enter my passport into the machine, but apparently it wouldn’t accept it, so I never was able to play in the casino, which I guess I should be happy about.
Pretty central place. Had the football on. Blackjack and other tables only opened at 8pm. Some morons asking for cards on 18 against a 5. Shocking.
We were looking to gamble some of our money but this casino wanted 4700 CLP to enter per person. I probably would have lost between $500-$1000US equivalent there but I guess that’s not good enough. They needed the cover charge on top. Never heard of a casino charging entrance fee. Thanks bad management!!!