Daytona Beach Shores, Florida....

Sounds awesome and very relaxing. We will be in Daytona in Feb. for the Daytona 500 race followed by a 5-day cruise. The place I have booked in Daytona is on the beach, not sure if its Daytona or Daytona Beach Shores. It also has a small kitchenette. Probably won't be in the room enough to enjoy the view.

 

I have been wanting to go to Florida and visit a few places again myself as well lots of nice areas down there.
Would like to visit Tampa and also Fort Lauderdale area again haven't been there since my early 20's definitely in a better position now to enjoy some of the fun activities and food down that way now

 

I use to live in Daytona Beach when I first went to college and had a job waitressing/bartending right on the beach. Had a lot of fun at that age there. Lol

 

I live in Tampa so if you ever find yourself heading this way I would be happy to offer my perspective.

 

What's the high limits baccarat area situation? I'll be down until at least the end of January.

 

I’m a slots player so have limited knowledge of the Hard Rock table games. Having said that I do know they cater to high rollers. They have several areas for high limit gaming that are open to everyone, BUT, there is one VIP room that is invitation only. You may want to contact the casino in advance if you think you may want to play in there. If you have time for dinner, I suggest Council Oak.

 

I've heard good things about Council Oak. Back in the day it was always Berns, but not so much in recent years. I did call them. What do you know about the cruise north of Tampa?

 

We only go to Council Oak if we are there gambling. We were there about 2 months ago and met Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe as they were also waiting to be seated.

In my opinion, Bern’s is still the best steak in Tampa Bay. I also make reservations in one of the smaller rooms. The menu has expanded over the years to accommodate anyone’s taste but we go for steak. Love their table side made Caesar Salad. The kitchen and wine cellar tour is a must for first timers but it sounds as though this would not be your first visit. We enjoy going upstairs after dinner to enjoy drinks and dessert. Makes for a nice evening out.

Not sure what you are referring to “cruise north of Tampa?” Gambling boat or Port of Tampa?

Don’t know your travel dates but January 27th is Gasparilla so downtown and Bayshore will be packed.Hotels and restaurants will be booked. Reservations highly recommended for anything.

 

I'm down several times during the winter. It used to be Pompano Beach, but it's now Clearwater Beach. Hotels aren't an issue, and I stay 3-4 weeks at a time, so the festival won't create an issue either.

I do enjoys Berns, but it has gone marginally downhill. They charge a lot for aged USDA Prime, and I can get Kobe up here, so it isn't as big of a deal as it used to be for me.

My understanding is that there is a gambling boat north of Tampa. Port Richey maybe. From what I can find, it doesn't seem intriguing, I just thought you might know something about it.

 

I know of it but not done it. They use to run those casino ships out of Clearwater/St Pete area and we went a couple of times but I didn’t care for it. Too small and not enough variety for my taste. But if you are interested in something other than the Hard Rock, the Beau Rivage offers 3 and 4 night charters flying out of the St Pete/ Clearwater airport.

 

Thanks for your help. Merry Christmas to you.

 

Same to you and Happy New Year. We’re supposed to have a mild winter so hopefully you will have spectacular weather while you’re in town.