Casino El Dorado, located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, positions itself as a prime gaming destination. However, a closer look at recent visitor feedback reveals a notably mixed, and often disappointing, experience. While a handful of patrons have described it as an "excellent place" with "super staff," the overwhelming sentiment points towards significant operational shortcomings, particularly concerning customer service and the perceived integrity of its games.
A prevalent and consistent complaint among visitors is the poor and often outright rude service. Multiple reviews detail instances of being ignored by bartenders for as long as 10 minutes, even when attempting to make eye contact. Waitstaff (referred to as "saloneras") are frequently cited for neglecting players for an hour or more. Beyond simple neglect, patrons report a general lack of hospitality, including staff failing to greet customers, not responding to "thank yous," and making "bad faces" when drink orders are placed. One reviewer, using complimentary drink tokens from a neighboring hotel, felt that employees "could care less" about serving them, appearing more interested in local clientele.
A particularly serious accusation involves the fairness of the blackjack games. One user claimed to have observed a suspicious losing ratio, prompting them to count cards. Their finding suggested that the casino might be manipulating card packs by including fewer high cards, which inherently disadvantages players. This specific feedback raises significant concerns about the transparency and honesty of the gaming experience offered at El Dorado.
Several reviews characterize the casino more as a "local hangout" than a welcoming, high-standard gaming establishment for all visitors. This perception may contribute to the reported favoritism towards local customers, alienating tourists or those staying at nearby hotels.
When issues arise, especially concerning staff behavior, the management team reportedly fails to address them effectively. Reviewers state that complaining to a manager results in "absolutely nothing" being done. In one extreme case, a patron was informed that their complaints could lead to being prohibited from entering in the future, a consequence that the reviewer ironically viewed as a "favor" given the consistently negative experience.
Despite the strong wave of negative commentary, a few brief reviews do offer praise. One visitor briefly described their time as "excellent" and commended the staff as "super" and "attentive." Another simply labeled it an "excellent place." However, these concise positive remarks lack specific details and are notably overshadowed by the more extensive and detailed criticisms provided by other patrons.
Based on the consistent and detailed feedback from multiple visitors, Casino El Dorado in Alajuela appears to struggle significantly with fundamental aspects such as customer service, staff professionalism, and potentially game fairness. While a quick, casual visit might be acceptable for some, those seeking a professional, welcoming casino experience with guaranteed fair play should exercise extreme caution or explore alternative gaming venues in Costa Rica. The recurring complaints about staff neglect and the serious allegation of card manipulation are strong indicators that this establishment may not meet the expectations of many casino-goers looking for a pleasant or trustworthy gaming environment.
I was given 2 free drink tokens for staying at the hotel next door. When I went to go use them the employees could care less. I stood for 10 minutes at the bar with no service. I was ignored when I made eye contact with the bartender. They are more interested in the local customers. It is a joke of a casino. It is more of a local hangout. Let them take their money. I would avoid this place.
I’m warning you guys not to go there!!!I went there to play blackjack, and after I realized that the loosing ratio is weird I counted cards, and guess what? They changed the card packs so it has less high cards. (Which is bad for the players).Stay away from there!!!
This is the worst casino in San Jose, here you can be playing for an hour and the waitresses ignore you, you go to the bar to order a drink and they make a bad face at you, they don't even greet you, you say thank you and they don't even answer you, terrible training, if you complain to a manager they don't do anything at all and they can even prohibit you from entering the next time, which would be more of a favor, a shame because this casino was wonderful in the beginning, but there has been a change of staff almost total and it was the worst thing that could happen to him, unfortunate.
