Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel, formerly known as El Dorado, offers a classic casino-hotel experience in Shreveport, Louisiana. While its prime location and some standout features appeal to visitors, the property consistently receives feedback about its aging infrastructure and inconsistent service, creating a rather polarizing guest experience.
The hotel rooms at Bally's are described as spacious and large, evoking an "upscale 70's feel" that some find cool. However, the recurring theme among guests is that the accommodations are severely dated and in dire need of an upgrade. Reviewers note issues such as old wall plugs (for phone cords) instead of modern charger ports or outlets by the beds, and general maintenance concerns like dusty and stained rooms. One guest reported being assigned an undesired pet-friendly room despite not selecting it during a weeks-in-advance booking, highlighting potential issues with room assignment or availability.
A significant area of concern for hotel guests is the housekeeping service. Multiple reviews mention a lack of regular room cleaning, with one guest stating they were told rooms are only cleaned "after you leave." Guests often had to actively hunt down staff for basic necessities like towels and coffee, indicating a severe shortage or breakdown in service.
The casino itself offers a variety of gaming options, with guests enjoying video poker and observing the poker tables. Some patrons report frequent wins, making it a favored spot for their gambling pursuits. The view of the bridge at night from the casino is also cited as an enjoyable amenity, adding to the ambiance.
However, the most prominent complaint regarding the casino experience revolves around drink service. Guests consistently describe a critical lack of waitstaff on the casino floor, leading to long waits (sometimes hours) or the need to purchase overpriced beverages. This issue is so prevalent that some patrons opt to take their business to nearby casinos like Margaritaville, which are perceived to have better staffing and service.
Bally's houses an American restaurant that receives high praise for its food quality. One reviewer specifically highlighted the "amazing" food and excellent service from staff members like Maurice, ensuring fresh and perfect late-night orders. While the food is generally well-regarded, guests note that it is often priced on the higher side. Unfortunately, some reviews also indicate that most other restaurants within the hotel appeared closed, possibly permanently, limiting dining choices for guests during their stay.
Despite general service issues, specific employees receive commendation. One reviewer was particularly impressed by a young man working at the "Danish and restaurant" (likely a bakery/cafe), who managed multiple tasks with composure and professionalism, even while seemingly unsupported by a supervisor.
Beyond specific departments, a recurring theme across reviews is an apparent understaffing issue throughout the property, impacting everything from housekeeping to casino drink service and restaurant operations. While some individual staff members are noted for their exceptional service and dedication (like Maurice at the American restaurant or the young man at the Danish stand), the overall impression is that the establishment struggles to provide adequate service due to a lack of personnel. This leads to frustration, with some guests feeling that the hotel's focus is solely on gambling revenue rather than guest comfort.
On a positive note, Bally's Shreveport is appreciated for its excellent location, providing easy access to other casinos, restaurants, and local attractions in Shreveport. This makes it a convenient base for exploring the city's entertainment offerings.
Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel presents a complex picture. It boasts a favorable location and the potential for a fun gaming experience, especially for those who frequent the video poker and table games. The American restaurant serves up highly-rated cuisine, and some dedicated staff members genuinely strive to provide good service. However, the significant downsides of outdated hotel rooms, chronic housekeeping problems, and severe understaffing (particularly in casino beverage service) detract significantly from the overall guest experience. For those prioritizing a modern hotel stay with comprehensive amenities and attentive service, Bally's may fall short. Yet, for the avid gambler seeking a place where they feel they can win and enjoy the core casino offerings, despite service hiccups, it remains a frequented destination.
Hotel is very dated and in need of an upgrade. The bathrooms still have wall plugs for phone cords, no charger ports or outlets by the beds. The room was dusty and stained. The 3 stars are for the food at the American restaurant inside the hotel - amazing! Maurice made sure the late night order was fresh and perfect with great service.
I was looking for the El Dorado and found out Bally's was the new name. I always enjoyed my stay when I come and its the only place i seem to win. I enjoy the video poker and watching the poker tables. The food is really good, but it's usually priced high. I usually come 3 times a week. I usually win 2 of the three times I visit. I enjoy the view of the bridge at night. My last visit was a bit different, I came straight from work, I must admit I wasn't dressed like I normally do because I was trying to win one of the cars and I didn't have time to change. I just loss a lot of money but I wasn't ready to leave, I order a drink and one of the waitresses seemed like she didn't want to serve me. She took my order but never returned. I asked another one and the next waitress took good care of me. I tip her a portion of my gas money. I don't have any thing bad to say about Bally's, I do plan on coming back and hopefully winning one of those cars and a big jackpot. I wanted that person to know I recently loss my mother and I was trying to do something constructive. We never know what someones going thru. Other than that one experience, I would tell anybody that would listen, go to Bally's, they're not perfect but you won't be disappointed. I always have fun. I'm currently pro level I intend to upgrade my level to highest card.
I stayed 4 nights, reservations made weeks in advance. Upon check in I'm told the only rooms they have available are pet friendly rooms, if I dont want a pet friendly room will need to check with the front desk tomorrow for room availability and I may be able to change rooms. There was the option to select a pet room when i made the reservation, which I did not select. Good thing I'm not allergic to animals.I hung the request housekeeping sign on the door when I left in the morning around 9am. When I returned around 8 pm still no service. I called housing keeping because we needed towels and coffee. The housing keeping attendant chuckled when I asked about housekeeping and said we don't clean rooms until after you leave. I asked about towels and coffee, she sighed and said yeah, we can bring you some. I had to hunt down house keeping for anything I needed for my entire stay. I dont think the rooms have been updated since it opened as Hollywood casino 20 years ago. Most restaurants were closed, i think permanently since they did not open my entire stay. The amount of money that a casino takes in on a daily basis is astronomical. The fact that they can't clean guests rooms or even refill basis accommodation that they advertise is ludicrous. They are only there to satisfy the gambling addict that gives them every penny, they do not care about a regular hotel guest.
Great location to be close to other casinos, restaurants, and attractions. Casino rooms are huge and nice which brings you back to the upscale 70's feel which is cool... now the service and the only place I request service is in the casinos. If I'm not at the bar getting a drink I don't drink due to it always being none or 1 waitress running around trying to help.Everyone which being by herself isn't her fault. Get more waitresses goodness it's not like y'all can't afford them and I'm sure it would bring more people into your casino so you make more. I ended up going to Margaritaville where they understand the business concept with a waitress. Other than this being a constant huge issue with a lot of casinos It has been 5 star but I'll leave and spend my money elsewhere if I can't get a drink the whole night for a lack of hiring associates is sad .. thanks
4/14 /2025Will not ever go there again.Playing in the casino couldn't find a waitress for a drink finally after hour two went and spent $9 for two bottles of water. And when we did get a waitress don't mind tipping drinks was horrible.Restaurant needs more help matter of fact the whole place needs more help. I can only say one good thing I was very impressed about the young man at the Danish and restaurant how he kept his cool on trying to take care of everyone checking out and buying cakes and trying to do the kitchen too I was very impressed with this young man need more like him. And if the lady that was standing there watching him that worked there was his supervisor or to be ashamed for not helping I hope she was very impressed with him too need more young men like him. Will not be back there again