Located in Alajuela City, Costa Rica, the Poker Room del Grand Casino Escazú operates as a part of a larger casino establishment. User reviews present a polarized view, highlighting strong positives for its poker offerings while raising significant concerns about general casino practices and management conduct.
For dedicated poker players, the Poker Room del Grand Casino Escazú appears to be a noteworthy venue. One reviewer, with over two decades of experience playing poker in Costa Rica, specifically lauded this room as a "stand out" among live poker rooms in the wider San Jose area. Key positive aspects noted include:
This feedback suggests that the poker section provides a high-quality and reliable experience for its specific clientele, distinguishing itself from other options in the region.
Despite the positive remarks for the poker room, other aspects of the casino have attracted significant criticism from patrons, particularly concerning table game rules and management practices.
A notable complaint pertains to the blackjack tables. One user described the dealer's procedure as problematic, stating that the "dealer only deals himself the upcard on the deal." This unconventional approach, where the dealer does not immediately take a second card (hole card) after the initial deal, was deemed "terrible" by the reviewer, who argued it significantly disadvantaged the player, especially when the dealer showed a low upcard like a 6.
Perhaps the most serious concerns raised revolve around the casino's management. A highly critical review explicitly states that management would "literally tell you that you can’t leave if you’re winning for a certain amount of time." If accurate, this is an extremely severe accusation, implying unethical or even illegal detention of patrons based on their winnings. Such a claim points to potentially significant issues regarding player freedom and the overall integrity of the casino's operations.
The Poker Room del Grand Casino Escazú appears to be a strong contender for poker enthusiasts in Costa Rica, offering a professional and enjoyable environment for the game itself. However, the broader casino experience seems marred by concerning practices, particularly regarding the rules of other table games like blackjack and, more critically, serious allegations concerning management's conduct towards winning players. Potential visitors should weigh the positive poker reputation against these significant drawbacks when considering a visit.
Among live poker rooms in San Jose area, this room has been a stand out. The room and staff have been consistent ly professional. I'll visit this week and seehow it's doing , but have been playing poker in Costa Rica for +20 years.The prior posters had nothing to say about poker, they only played Blackjack in the casino next to the poker room
Blackjack: the dealer only deals himself the upcard on the deal. People playing said it didn’t make a difference but it does! If the dealer has a 6 up, he has to have two consecutive cards high enough to bust. Terrible!
Terrible management. Will literally tell you that you can’t leave if you’re winning for a certain amount of time.