The Players Lounge
 
Years ago, I am not sure how many, but it was quite a few, when due to a quirk in the system, I obtained the casino’s premium level "Diamond Card". I was then able to continue as a top level rated player for several yeas.The perks of the card were mostly nonsense. Gimmicks, of dubious value which were deemed  “privileges” and promoted to rubes to get them to gamble more and more always striving to reach the next level. 
 
I really did not take advantages of the "benefits" but there was one perk that I found interesting; it was access to the "Diamond Club". Yes, the  “exclusive” Players Lounge. In the casino world this is the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Holiest of holies.  A place devoid of the hoi polloi, the regular people. This was the hangout of the VIP’s.
 
I had seen the entrance to the players lounge in casinos in Vegas and AC over the years.  Usually a burley security guard stood by as an attractive  hostess sitting at an ornate desk would carefully check identification against some mysterious computer record before granting people access.  Those judged eligible would pass through large double doors into a world I could only wonder about.
Many times I had fantasized about what occurred behind those doors.  
When the day came to go to the lounge the first time, I made sure I dressed a little better. Although I always try to look presentable, on this day I ditched the dockers and put on dress pants and a sports jacket. I instructed my traveling companion to do the same. He objected but complied.
Now you have to understand where I was coming from at that time.  I had preconceptions about the lounge and I just wanted to try to fit in. I was figuring it was a Great Gatsby type party with flowing champagne and dancing to a full orchestra. If you have ever read a gambling related magazine, such as Casino Player, seen a casino travel print advertisement or television commercial, you undoubtedly have seen the depiction of the casino patron. The men are usually in in a tuxedo and the women are attired in a low cut gown. They are youthful, ridiculously good looking and smiling broadly.  Although I did not expect tuxedos and gowns I did expect a well heeled crowd.
 
I  had scheduled the visit to get to the diamond lounge close to the opening as I had plans for later. I went to the lounge area, which in this particular casino, required I take an escalator to the second floor. Walking up I found that there was a considerable line of people. “Is this the line for the Diamond club?” I asked.
“Yeah, and they are late. It should have opened ten minutes ago.” replied a man with coffee and nicotine stained teeth.
“Oh,  I guess that is why there is a line?” I said.
“No, there is always an opening line. The people get here early and get on line. If they time it right they can have lunch now and then dinner before they leave.” (Note: I do not think this is still allowed, but I am not sure.)
As I thought about it I realized that there must have been lines outside these places when I went by in the past but I never really paid attention.
Eventually the lounge opened and I finally made my way in. Upon entering, I saw it beautiful. There was a gorgeous bar to the left surrounded by tables with comfortable chairs. Floor to ceiling windows provided a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean. My companion and I were shown to a table and our drink order was taken. We were then invited to partake in the buffet.
Before going to the buffet I surveyed the room. There were no ridiculously good looking people in tuxedos or gowns.  As a matter of fact most of the people were dressed more for gardening than going out to a public place.  More interestingly, none of them looked like the “high roller” of television of the movies. Many looked like they lived pay check to pay check or public assistance check to public assistance check.
Heading up to the buffet, my mouth was watering in anticipation of the savory treats that awaited me. I queued up on the buffet line and surveyed the area. This does not look too big I thought. Getting close I saw that it did not have a lot   was a lot to offer. There was salad, a carving station with roast beef, a pasta, a couple of soggy vegetables and some other cheap filler items. My companion, a big eater, looked to me and said, “The Buffet in the casino is a hundred times better than this after this we are going to eat.”
While I was eating, my friend drew my attention to people that were placing food items into pocketbooks and satchels.
If these folks need to take food with them they should not be gambling, especially at the level to get access to this place I thought.
After eating I returned to visit the dessert area. Very disappointing selection consisting of a few sweets that looked nice but tasted terrible.
Leaving a tip on the table, my companion and I went to the bar and ordered cocktails. The bartender was good and the drinks were very well made with top shelf liquor. (Note: my understanding is now much of the liquor is “middle shelf”)
After exiting my companion said, “Well thanks for lunch, but honestly next time we come here, lets eat someplace else. I would rather pay and have a good meal than have stuff I do not want for free.”
He has a point I thought.
 
Bottom line, in my experience in visiting players lounges in several casinos is some are better than others but none are really that great. If you enjoy a good cocktail it is a great deal for you but the food leaves a lot to be desired.
 
 
 
 

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