Located in Council Bluffs, USA, the Ameristar Casino Hotel aims to offer a comprehensive entertainment experience. However, recent guest reviews present a mixed picture, highlighting both commendable aspects and significant areas for improvement, particularly concerning hotel amenities, specific operational issues, and guest services.
The hotel rooms themselves receive varied feedback. Some guests found their whirlpool king suites to be clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, featuring spacious whirlpools, ample towels, and convenient dual sinks. The scenic views from some rooms were also noted as beautiful. Conversely, other rooms, particularly those with queen beds, were described as having worn-out mattresses that "kept sliding outward" and uncomfortable pillows, suggesting inconsistency in room quality.
A recurring concern for hotel guests is the prevalence of a cigarette smoke smell, which, while sometimes faint in rooms, was reported to be stronger in hallways and the lobby.
A significant issue raised by multiple guests pertains to the in-room temperature control. Reports include rooms becoming excessively warm (up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and later freezing (down to 58 degrees Fahrenheit), even leading to a fire alarm incident early in the morning. This indicates a notable problem with the HVAC system or its maintenance, leading to uncomfortable stays.
While the hotel boasts various dining options, including a Sports Bar and Bistro which received positive remarks for its staff, guests expressed disappointment over the limited availability of restaurants. Specifically, a guest noted that none of the restaurants, including a desired buffet, were open on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, the two nights they had planned to dine out. This significantly impacts the overall guest experience, especially for those relying on on-site dining.
The casino itself received a somewhat underwhelming assessment from one guest, who labeled it "a joke." A particular point of frustration was the processing time for promotions; while one guest's husband received his promotion instantly, another reported waiting up to seven days for a promotion to be applied to their card, an unusually long delay compared to other casinos. This inconsistency led to a feeling of being undervalued and a stated unwillingness to return.
Feedback on staff interactions is mixed. While the staff at the Sports Bar and Bistro were highly praised for their friendliness and service, the initial check-in experience for one guest was marred by an unwelcoming comment about a local attraction. Additionally, the lack of follow-up regarding promised discounts at checkout reflects negatively on the hotel's commitment to resolving guest complaints.
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs presents itself as a destination with potential, offering comfortable suites and engaging staff in some areas. However, it is significantly hampered by operational inconsistencies, including critical issues like truck parking, unreliable room temperature control, limited dining hours, and frustrating casino promotion delays. For a more consistent and satisfying guest experience, these areas require considerable attention and improvement.
Ok. I changed it from a 2 star to a 3 star cuz I really like y'all but I'm pouting right now. Lol. I drive a semi truck and have been coming here for years. I booked a hotel room for tonight and when I got here, I found the truck lot is now closed!! I spent over half an hour on the phone being told I needed to get a parking pass, then transferred back and forth to get said parking pass just to be told there was nowhere for me to park and my reservation had to be canceled. This was so frustrating. Will there be other parking arrangements for trucks in the future? The rooms are awesome, I love the Sports Bar and Bistro and have really gotten to know and enjoy the staff at both. Ameristar was in my top 3 places in the Midwest to stop. I know people dropped their trailers and left them, which ruins it for the rest of us. Maybe open the lot back up and have drivers get passes while there??? I really don't want to go to other adult arcades in the area; I'll have to start all over. This is saddening.
We stayed in a whirlpool king suite. Room was clean and comfortable. There was a faint smell of cigarette smoke. It was stronger in the hallway and lobby, but tolerable in the room.Whirlpool was very comfortable and filled fast. Plenty large enough for two people. We also liked the copious towels.Remote didn't work properly (numbers didn't work), but I'm sure we could've gotten a replacement if we cared to ask.Dual sink was also very nice.
As we checked in we said, we came to see the zoo and the guy said, "it's a waste of space" wow, that started it off bad. We go to our room and it's warm so we turn the heat down and end up waking up to it being 80 degrees! Called early and told them the air isn't working. Get back later in the afternoon to find the room freezing. We turned up the heat thinking they had fixed it but when we woke up at 4:30 am to the fire alarm going off we jumped out of bed to realize it was freezing and the temperature was at 58 degrees! We had been so excited to go to this hotel after looking at the website. It had restaurants, one being a buffet which we wanted to go to. Unfortunately for us, none of the restaurants are open Tuesdays or Wednesdays, the two nights we planned to be eating out. Oh wait, there was the ESPN betting room, how romantic. We told at the desk as we checked out how our stay was and was told someone would contact us for a discount but it's hours later and nope, no one called. Stay clear of this place, lame! Edit- still waiting for that call about a discount we were told about at checkout. You have our number, room 340 on May 13, 14, 15.
We had a free night stay. The room was clean and quiet but the 2 queen beds were in need of replacement. We kept sliding outward toward the side of bed and the pillows were folded over in the pillow cases making them too taunt and high for sleeping.
The view was beautiful, rooms were average. Casino was a joke. First casino I have been to where it takes up to 7 days for a promotion to get onto the card. My husband was able to get his right away. We live out of state and won't be coming back. They will do nothing for me. What a bummer. Update: had to re-download the app to get the funds.