Casino JOA César Palace - St Paul lès Dax Review

Located in St Paul lès Dax, often associated with the nearby city of Biarritz, the Casino JOA César Palace presents itself as a multi-faceted venue offering both gaming and dining experiences. Positioned advantageously by a lake and near several spa hotels, it aims to cater to a diverse clientele. However, user reviews suggest a varied experience, highlighting both strong points and notable areas for improvement.

The Dining Experience: Culinary Highs & Service Lows 🍽️

The casino's restaurant is a prominent feature, frequently discussed in user feedback. The ambiance, particularly the terrace overlooking the lake, is consistently praised as a very pleasant and scenic spot, ideal for enjoying a meal when the weather permits.

Regarding the food quality itself, opinions are quite divided:

1. Some patrons have enjoyed a "great meal," with specific mentions of "very good" local dishes like squid, suggesting a capacity for excellent cuisine.
2. Conversely, other diners have found the food "appalling" and "poorly executed," indicating a potential for inconsistency or significant shortfalls in certain dishes.

A recurring theme among those who dined at the restaurant is the speed of kitchen service, which is often described as "SO SLOW." Despite this, the front-of-house staff generally receives positive comments, with one reviewer calling them "fantastic, friendly and helpful." A practical tip for those enjoying the lakeside view: be prepared for mosquitoes! 🦟

The Casino & Gaming Scene: Poker Prowess, Access Problems 🃏

For visitors primarily interested in the gaming aspect, the casino floor offers its own set of attractions and potential challenges.

Gaming Positives:

• Poker Scene: The casino has garnered positive remarks for its "great poker scene," featuring "good dealers" and a "smooth atmosphere." Dedicated poker players have expressed satisfaction and a willingness to return.
• Future Developments: Past reviews mentioned the anticipated opening of new table game rooms and upcoming tournaments, suggesting an evolving and expanding gaming offering.

Access & Service Concerns:

• A significant point of contention arises from the casino's strict and sometimes seemingly inconsistent access policy, especially regarding identification for non-EU citizens. One user, aged 45, reported being refused entry despite presenting a valid UK driver's license. They were informed that a passport was required because "the UK is not part of the European Union." This incident was described as "horrible service" and led to a strong recommendation against visiting for others who might face similar issues.

Overall Summary ✅❌

Casino JOA César Palace - St Paul lès Dax offers a picturesque setting and a concept that blends entertainment with dining, enhanced by its lovely lakeside terrace. The general staff service in the restaurant is often commended, and the poker scene appears to be a strong draw for enthusiasts.

However, prospective visitors should be aware of the variability in food quality and the often slow kitchen service in the restaurant. More critically, those planning to gamble should be prepared for potentially stringent and inflexible ID requirements for casino entry, which can lead to frustrating experiences, especially for non-EU citizens. While some leave with highly positive impressions, others may encounter significant hurdles or disappointments.