Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races - one night stay

I was in the area for business and had a free night at the hotel and a decent free play offer and food comp. Hotel was very quiet. I’d be surprised if it was 10% occupied. No breakfast but they did send up a coffee maker when I asked about morning coffee. Staff was very friendly and all were wearing masks as were the guests that I saw (and me) Fitness center was not open.

Casino was also very quiet. 25% full at best, some areas were very quiet. All no smoking now, which was great. I had little problem finding slots that I wanted to play. Drink service was no longer free which I thought was odd. Servers were friendly but a little scarce. Bars all closed. Only every third machine was turned on. They did a good job with working out social distancing They have converted the event area to an additional slot area. Three places in the food court were open and all had customers. I had a deluxe hamburger and it was good.

Best thing about the short visit was that I walked out about $250 ahead and only played on free play to get it.

They seem to be trying hard to creat a safe environment. 90% of the patrons were wearing masks. Staff were roaming to find people who were not following the guidelines. I understand that this is not a business model that will last long term but I enjoyed the quieter and cleaner environment. Many times it felt like being there at 2am but without the smoke and drunks.

 

I wanted to add a little more info. Smokers could do their thing In a designated area near the normal main valet drop off. The shuttle from the hotel dropped us off near by. We had to lift up the section rope to get in and out, but security was savvy to the game. The shuttle hours are significantly reduced. They ended at 730p. I walked back to the hotel around 1030p. It took about 15 min, but was good exercise - lol. You could ask for a taxi or uber if you did not want to walk. I chose to leave my car at the hotel since I planned to have a few adult beverages while playing.

 

I visited there last Friday, mainly to play craps. Wasn't sure what to expect with it being a Friday and the reduced capacity limits, so I got there early, around 9:15 - the casino is closed from 4AM - 8AM for cleaning. It was like a ghost town when I got there, and I quickly discovered they don't open the craps table till 10AM. I went ahead and signed up for a spot, not sure if a lot of folks would show up or not... LoL.. I was the only one playing until almost 11. $15 limit up until I left at 2:30. One table open, was never full until around 2PM. The dealers told me that was typical for daytime but that it did get busier in the evenings. They had plastic dividers up, and the pit boss cleaned the dice after ever shooter. I only saw one couple without a mask while I was there. Drink server came around fairly frequently but as stated above, not free. I didn't have any since it's a long drive home for me. I also was lucky and came out a bit ahead for this trip.

 

This casino is abysmal when it’s fully operational, and we are not in the middle of a pandemic. By the way, the “free” beer they give out is natural light

 

I have to agree with you for the most part @EastCoastVegasFan!, unfortunately, even at a 3 hour drive, it's the only real option for me. I actually enjoyed it a bit more this time than usual, partly cause I won a little money, but also because of the smoke free atmosphere. Their comps went to the crapper for me when they switched over to that MyChoice program. Looking forward to the new CET complex that's in the works hopefully next year in Va.