caesars windsor information needed

I found a couple of threads about the area but the information may not be current.

I'll be staying one night (a weeknight) in the Augustus tower during the week between Christmas and New Year's eve. I have been to the casino before many years ago when it was casino windsor and I was mostly a slot player. I'm now mostly craps with slots and other table games being played occasionally.

Questions:

1. I'm coming from the US, where should I exchange money? I used to just exchange at the casino but I'm open to advice if there is a better option close to the border. My credit card has no foreign transaction fees so I'll only be exchanging cash for gambling activity.
2. What should I expect for the craps minimums and odds on a weeknight? Are there any side bets (A/T/S, fire, etc.) offered? I prefer $5 or $10 tables.I'll play a $10 over a $5 if it is less crowded.
3. Any food suggestions? I have a TR card but have only played one day at a property in the past two years, I don't have any reward credits so this could be in the casino or a short walk/drive from the casino.
4. I believe the casino is smoke free and pay for alcohol. Any recommendations on a decent bar in the area? I'm not looking for a club but somewhere with a decent selection of booze and low volume music.

Thanks in advance.

 

I can only help with the first question. Your best bet (no pun intended) would be to exchange it at a bank on the Canadian side. You'll pay a few percent in fees as opposed to the actual bank of Canada rate, but there won't be a lump sum fee and will probably be the best rate you can find.

 

On a weeknight there should be 10 dollar craps ( not sure about 5). Don't know about side bets.

Food selection is off. Nero's is a solid steakhouse but that is at the pricey end. Buffet is OK but probably dinner only on weekdays. Legends is pretty men had food. Artist cafe is not great. There is a Johnny rockets which is pretty good, but if you are using credits they are worth half there.

Bars in the area i don't have much experience with. I believe there is an Irish pub just a bit down the street that was ok

Augustus is the family tower. Rooms are fine, but Augustus is by the lobby and colosseum and separate from the casino. They don't let kids in the forum tower because you would have to walk through the casino to get there. Main consideration is from Augustus you would need to walk through casino to get to spa ,pool, and exercise room.

 

For a bar, the first one on the river heading downtown was nice for a break from the action. It has kind of a split personality- heavy promotion of Crown Royal, a number of TVs on different sports channels, a cocktail list, and some decent wings.

I wouldn't eat at Nero's unless you were comped or wanted to choose from the weekly specials. It isn't really bad, just not good. The sports bar had some weird food offerings and wasn't that good either.

 

If its not to late to provide this info, a good a craft brewery just a few blocks away is Craft Heads Brewing Company. I have never been, but the The Keg Steakhouse & Bar - Riverside has a good rep. Windsor has fire bet for craps.
Under "Things to Do" on Caesars website they have their current exchange rate so you can compare rates elsewhere.

https://www.caesars.com/caesars-windsor/about/plan-a-trip#.WGCfavkrJPY

 

You might be able to get money from the ATM, depending on your card. Having no transaction fees is great. But, I have read the the exchange rate some banks give clips off a little.

No real answer from me on the BEST way, except this. Do not get too much money that has to then be exchanged back where you pay twice.

 

(too late for you visit, but)
1. Just bring US cash and exchange at the cage as you need. Exchange rate is comparable to banks.
2. You will see $5 tables at times but usually $10. They deal 5X odds (used to be 10X) and offer Fire bet. Commission on buy bets is up front which sucks. Beware of "Crapless Craps" table if they still have it.
3. There's a small restaurant called Taza in the Augustus lobby. Surprisingly affordable for a hotel restaurant especially for breakfast. I'm not a big fan of Caesars buffet. Windsor is famous for its pizza. Capri Pizza is the closest and will deliver to Caesars.
4. Smoke free and no free drinks but prices are not crazy. Lots of bars/restaurants on Ouellette about half a mile from Caesars. I'm not an expert on that area but Loose Goose is a fun place with good food.

 

(duplicate post)

 

Thanks for the replies even those after my trip, I thought I would give my updates.

1. I ended up exchanging money before I left at my local US bank (PNC), the rate was slightly better than the casino but close enough that I would just exchange at the casino if i returned.
2. All craps tables were $15 minimums on a Thursday night. I'm not sure if they were higher due to the holiday season. I left mid-morning on Friday and there was at least one $10 table open in the pit.
3. I tried Johnny Rockets and the artist cafe. They both were unremarkable but served their purpose. The food was actually above average at the artist cafe but service was slow.
4. I did not arrive at Caesars until the evening as I wound up at a Detroit casino for a few hours to catch up with an old friend who could not cross the border (passport issues). The plan shifted to stopping off at the beer store for a six pack and had a few more from the bars on the casino floor.

Other notes:
1. The room was fine but was only used for sleeping, a shower and drinking a few beers. The front desk were friendly enough and check-in only took a few minutes.
2. I thought having a smoke free casino would be odd but I liked the change. I'm not a smoker but it still feels weird to be in a bar without smoke and I thought it would be similar for a casino.
3. I came out around even on gambling which is a win in my book. I did not do well on slots but made some money back at the tables.