Gambling Today

This great news for Gulfport, Biloxi and the Gulf Coast. There hasn’t been anywhere near as many hotel rooms available since Katrina hit. And we all know that on busy weekend the casino hotel room rates can get pretty steep and they sell out fast. It can be hard to get a room on the coast! It is good to see another hotel opened!
Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Courtyard(R) by Marriott(R) Gulfport — located at 1600 East Beach Boulevard in Gulfport — has opened as the coast’s premier beachfront hotel and meetings destination. The upscale property was to have begun its transformation on August 29, 2005, the day the hurricane reached land.

The Courtyard by Marriott Gulfport, converted from the independent Gulfport Beachfront Hotel, boasts a multi-million dollar renovation with fully refurbished guestrooms and the largest meeting and event facilities within a non-casino hotel on the Gulf Coast. Located among 26 miles of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico, the hotel is seven miles from
downtown Biloxi and minutes from the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport, Gulfport businesses, recreation, championship golf, casinos and nightlife. It is owned by Gulfview LLC and managed by Lane Hospitality of Northbrook, IL.

BILOXI, Mississippi — As reported by the Sun Herald: “The countdown is on to New Year’s Eve at Coast casinos, where high rollers will be entertained at posh parties and other guests will celebrate the occasion with complimentary champagne toasts and balloon drops on casino floors.

“…Exclusive parties for high-level gamblers are coveted invitations and spectacular productions.

“…For other Coast residents and visitors, there are lots of options for dining and fun. Traditionally, New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year and reservations are absolutely required for upscale restaurants. Diners should consider eating at off hours to avoid long lines at the buffets.

“…On television screens all around the Hard Rock, customers can keep tabs on all the public parties.

“…Palace Casino will put some extra bling in its balloon drops - at both noon and midnight - hiding free slot credits totaling $2,500 inside the balloons.

“…At Beau Rivage, the premier performance of Balagan begins at 11 p.m.

“…Silver Slipper plans entertainment all weekend leading up to New Year’s Eve…”

3 Doors Down is having another benefit at Hard Rock Biloxi.

For more information read:
3 Doors Down Benefit at the Biloxi Entertainment page.

This event will be a blast, don’t miss it!

Of course, when most of the casinos rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina they were going to make a lot of changes and upgrades. Beau Rivage made some tremendous changes, many that have been discussed here on the Biloxi Blog. But as I was surfing around BeauRivage.com, I am across a nice new features list that I thought most of you would find interesting.

Completely enhanced architecture and interior design scheme boasting contemporary ambiance infused with the resort’s signature Southern charm and elegance

Reconfigured casino floor including new poker room, state-of-the-art gaming areas and better-defined high-limits area

Enhanced atrium and lobby area featuring thousands of plants and flowers

Redesigned guest rooms and suites with fresh, contemporary decor and even more luxurious amenities including 32-inch LCD flat-screen TVs

A spa and salon with expanded service menu and new product line

Three new gourmet restaurants including BR Prime, Jia and celebrity chef Todd English’s OLiVES

New casino lounge – Breeze Bar – located at the heart of the action

Reconfigured retail promenade designed to enhance the shopping experience

Tom Fazio-designed Fallen Oak Golf Course

As always, when new stuff is opening or happening in Biloxi Mississippi and the whole Gulf Coast, we keep you updated here at BiloxiBlog.com!

You can also get more Beau Rivage information at Biloxi Casinos. 

Hurricane Katrina clawed through casino resorts here, sucking everything from slot machines to wall art into the Gulf of Mexico and Biloxi Bay. Only hours later, plans were being made to rebuild, refit and reopen the casinos that pumped economic lifeblood into the area.

Today, eight casino resorts are back. Not all at full throttle, but all ringing with the sound of slot reels rolling, dice landing and cards slapping onto felt tables. Gaming crowds are increasing, although they haven’t returned to pre-hurricane levels.

Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel lost its gambling barge in the storm in August 2005. “You could see straight through,” Erik Johnson, advertising manager, says of the hurricane’s scouring effect.

By law, the casinos were required to be on water, and Katrina took advantage.

When wind and water calmed, Rick Carter, now co-owner of Island View Casino Resort in nearby Gulfport, Miss., found his Copa Casino barge a wreck “on top of the Chiquita Banana building.” The multistory barge at Palace Casino Resort was left partially submerged. Most others washed away. Only the barges at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and at IP Casino, Resort & Spa on the inland side of Biloxi’s land bar floated on the 35-foot storm surge and stayed in place.

“All the way around us was complete devastation,” recalls Rich Westfall, director of community development at the Isle of Capri Casino Resort.

Carter says he and his partner, Terry Green, “had enough insurance money to go home and retire.” But he and other business leaders recognized a desperate need to put people back to work. Corporations began to plow hundreds of millions of dollars into the Gulf Coast to restore industry and livelihoods. Government aid arrived. And locals pulled together to rescue themselves and their cities.

“There’s such a pride in this area and can-do spirit that everybody just gets together and gets things done,” says Ali Bass, communications manager at Grand Biloxi Casino.

As major employers and contributors to the area’s economy, “Casino resorts are leading the recovery,” says Mary Cracchiolo, Beau Rivage’s director of public relations.

The healing is incomplete. Repairs and expansions continue, encouraged by a change in the law that now allows gaming on land, safer from any cousin of Katrina. Bare slabs are reminders of homes-that-were, and snaggletooth oak trees are only now leafing out fully.

But gamers are coming, many neatly dressed vacationers pairing the resorts’ casinos, dining and entertainment with the sandy beaches, fishing and golf that the Gulf Coast was known for before Katrina. Joining the travelers at the tables and slots are locals glad for a break from hard times and harder memories.

What’s there for players, partiers and people on getaways? Here’s a rundown of the area’s casino hotels.

Beau Rivage

875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (888) 567-6667; www.beaurivage.com

Atmosphere, decor: Mediterranean garden, with potted flowers en masse in lobby. Bold colors in casino. Large Italian mosaic in shopping Promenade. Young vacationers mix with retirees.

Games: 2,100 slots, 93 table games, 230 video poker games. Two-level poker room with 16 tables. High-limit salon ($500 to $10,000 a hand). Quietest gaming area among eight visited.

Rooms: 1,740 in 32-story building. Contemporary, chic, roomy. Two oversize chairs near window table, credenza with flat-screen TV, pillow-top bed, marble bathroom with soaking tub and step-in shower.

Buffet: European-kitchen decor, with chandeliers made of massed copper pots. Multiple stations. Free wine and beer in evening. Late-night steak and eggs, $9.99.

Restaurants: Worth a trip. Todd English’s Olives serves Mediterranean cuisine; butternut squash tortellini is delicious. BR Prime, steaks and fresh seafood in handsome black-and-red room. Jia, artful Asian dishes. Memphis Q Smokehouse & Barbecue; popular specials. Coast for burgers; Terrace Cafe for sandwiches; and Scoops, fresh gelato.

Entertainment: 1,550-seat theater. Upcoming headliners include the Four Tops, Kenny Loggins, Queen Latifah and Wayne Newton. Eight75 Lounge draws locals, too.

Shopping: A dozen shops, from sophisticated apparel and jewelry to souvenirs, on Promenade off lobby. The Roasted Bean (open 6 a.m.) is a morning magnet.

Extras: Pool has large balcony overlooking the Gulf. Spa and salon, 20,000 square feet; solarium overlooks pool. In casino, free table games, instruction cards.

Tip: Cookies-and-cream dessert at Olives ($12) is enough for four.

Ten words or less: Elegant, bustling. Only Gulf outside says you aren’t in Vegas.

Grand Biloxi Casino

280 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (800) 946-2946; www.harrahs.com

Atmosphere, decor: Welcoming. Contemporary. Buses unloading outside. Noisy, smoky but busy casino.

Games: 800 slot machines, 28 tables, including craps, blackjack, roulette, mini-baccarat and poker. High-limit area.

Rooms: 494. Quiet, comfortable in earth tones. Pillow-top beds, CD players, plasma TVs. Smoking and nonsmoking available.

Buffet: Grand Buffet for classics, Southern favorites and more. Crab nightly. Fresh veggies balance fried Oreos and fried Twinkies. Cakes cut on order, don’t sit out and dry.

Restaurants: L.B.’s Steakhouse, near check-in; calming Arts and Crafts decor. Asian Cafe, 24 hours, near casino. Lobby Bar for drinks, snacks. Starbucks in lobby. Lucky Dog hot dog cart.

Entertainment: Regional groups on weekends.

Shopping: Destinations gift shop.

Extras: Jack Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole Grand Bear Golf Course nearby (open to public, too). Free blackjack and craps lessons at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Spa and salon, 16,000 square feet; inviting water therapy. Walk-in pool above Highway 90.

Tip: Parent company Harrah’s and Jimmy Buffett plan Margaritaville Casino and Resort across the road.

Ten words or less: Lively. Popular with traveling gamers in Harrah’s players’ club.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (228) 374-7625; www.hardrockbiloxi.com

Atmosphere, decor: Energetic, exciting; consistent theme. White walls showcase rock artifacts, part of Hard Rock brand’s $45 million, 69,000-piece collection. Guests of all ages.

Games: 1,445 slots, 50 table games, six poker tables. Large room with Center Bar (”see and be seen”). High-limit area.

Rooms: 318. Sleek, open design with rock photos, barlike desk, maroon-and-white bedding, three-head shower, granite-top vanity, plasma TV and Bose CD music system.

Buffet: Satisfaction Buffet with windows on Gulf. Lobster claws and fresh sushi nightly.

Restaurants: Vibe, fusion cuisine, including beef and fish. Chef Demetrio Marquez hails from Tarrant County. Also, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Hard Rock Cafe and 24/7 Grille, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.

Entertainment: Hard Rock Live showroom; audience (1,000) stands on floor in front of stage with seating in balcony for about 400. Bar in rear. Mosh-pit style is popular with fans. Name and up-and-coming acts perform. Rise nightclub on 12th floor.

Shopping: Rock Shop for logo gear. Taunt for hip wear.

Extras: Rock CD on check-in. Video screens in mirrors of main-floor restrooms; co-ed sink area. Spa has co-ed wet area. Rock plays underwater at pool.

Tip: Don’t worry if heavy metal isn’t your bag. Many types of rock are on the PA.

Ten words or less: Fresh, exuberant, welcoming.

IP Casino, Resort & Spa

850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, (228) 436-3000; www.ipbiloxi.com

Atmosphere, decor: Lively, eager-to-please. Contemporary, with check-in, restaurant, lounge along wide, curving corridor. Mix of ages, vacationing families.

Games: 1,989 slots, 62 tables, poker room. On three-story barge that survived Katrina.

Rooms: 1,087. Pleasant, light. Blond furniture, gold comforter. Curtained closet. Bland elevator vestibule and hallways.

Buffet: Back Bay Buffet. Large, attractive room with dividers topped by art glass. Interactive food stations.

Restaurants: Carnaval de Brasil, churrascaria and tapas bar; salad bar includes seafood. Thirty-two for steak and seafood plus panoramas. Infusion Coffee Bar for beverages, sumptuous pastries, sandwiches, wraps. High Tide Cafe, American cuisine in well-appointed room.

Entertainment: Chill Ultra Lounge, dramatic space on lobby level. Highlights Sports Lounge for serious couch coaches. Live music in 32nd-floor lounge.

Shopping: Essentials gift shop. Some local crafts.

Extras: Eleventh-floor pool and cafe with great views, in-water lounges, live music Fridays. No-smoking slots area on third floor. Hand-crafted pottery “barnacles” decorate lobby of airy, inviting spa.

Tip: Garage isn’t well-marked. Note where you park.

Ten words or less: Shedding former “low-rent” rep. First to reopen after Katrina. Community-minded.

Island View Casino Resort

3300 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, (877) 774-8439; www.islandviewcasino.com

Atmosphere, decor: Tasteful, pretty design with roomy gaming floor. Soft jazz on PA. Friendly, locally owned. Away from Biloxi’s casino row. Landscaping second only to Beau Rivage’s. No neon.

Games: 2,100 slots, 45 tables. Moderately noisy. High-limit area.

Rooms: 562. Oversize with light, Caribbean feel. Luxe linens on pillow-top mattresses, plasma TVs, phones with memory, marble-top furnishings.

Buffet: Warm, earth colors. Four stations around curving room. Rotisserie cooks meats in view. Hand-made pizzas. Fresh veggies. Fresh bananas Foster.

Restaurants: Lovely ocean theme in Emeril’s Gulf Coast Fish House; Capiz shell chandelier, Gulf views, wine cooler with 4,000 bottles. C&G Grille, 24 hours, sophisticated decor and art glass chandeliers over upscale salad bar (couscous asparagus, Hawaiian chicken salad, etc.).

Entertainment: Live music at View Bar; occasionally, Emeril’s band.

Shopping: Gift shop; note locally made pralines and fudge.

Extras: Pool and spa expected to open in summer 2008. Golf course recently purchased.

Tip: No parking garage, but four city blocks of space in lots and on street.

Ten words or less: Spacious, attractive, noteworthy glass art (especially the callas near View Bar).

Isle of Capri Casino Resort

151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, (800) 843-4753; www.isleofcapricasino.com

Atmosphere, decor: Caribbean theme. Construction, expansion ongoing to 2009; several features in temporary locations with underdeveloped themes. Prime location at foot of bay bridge (closed since Katrina; some lanes possible in late fall). Second casino to reopen after the storm.

Games: 1,300 slots, 27 tables, poker room. Upstairs gaming is temporarily in podlike areas, formerly convention space. High-limit area. More slots on ground level.

Rooms: 720. Cheerful, tropical prints and colors. Rattan chairs, coffee service, bird-shape soap (macaw is Isle mascot). Pleasant, but feels somewhat dated.

Buffet: Calypso’s Buffet in temporary quarters. Rambling room with plentiful standards.

Restaurants: Bragozzo serves gourmet Italian in space with rich decor, cozy corners and a two-story wine tower. Taste of Farradday’s for prime rib, steaks. Compact, inviting Tradewinds Marketplace for fast foods, snacks.

Entertainment: Lava Bar downstairs with some live music, many TV monitors.

Shopping: Banana Cabana gift shop. Some kids’ items.

Extras: Two-level pool deck. Intimate 8,000-square-foot spa with couples’ specials.

Tip: Table 59 near enclosed fireplace in Bragozzo is most-requested.

Ten words or less: Big plans. What you see isn’t how it’ll be.

Palace Casino Resort

154 Howard Ave., Biloxi, (800) 725-2239; www.palacecasinoresort.com

Atmosphere, decor: Moroccan theme. On first floor, only the unusual chandelier in skylight survived Katrina. Third to reopen post-hurricane. Slots right inside front door. Noisy, smoky but has loyal following.

Games: 1,000 slots, 28 tables, high-limit areas. Poker bar.

Rooms: 236. Spacious. Plump duvets and embroidered pillows. Glass bricks between bath, bed areas of some rooms offer soft light for relaxing soak.

Buffet: Crab legs are large, very popular. Fried broccoli among Asian fare. Desserts include sugar-free choices.

Restaurants: Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood, honored for wine selection. Happy hour daily, bargain three-course meal ($29.99). Mideastern art, cozy booths, and charming leaf-shape ceiling fans. Palace Cafe & Bakery, pastries and whole cakes are serious temptations. Wahoo’s Poolside Bar & Grill.

Entertainment: No live shows.

Shopping: None.

Extras: Golf Preserve, a Jerry Pate-designed course. Cabanas at pool are least expensive among properties surveyed ($55 weekdays, $75 weekends).

Tip: Corner rooms with wraparound balcony are a find.

Ten words or less: Expansion should regain lobby, calmer mood.

Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel

1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi

(800) 747-2839; www.treasurebay.com

Atmosphere, decor: Very smoky downstairs. Gaming room upstairs has interesting art glass, eye-catching Chihuly-style chandeliers over stairs.

Games: 800 slots, 22 tables. Slots to each side of front desk.

Rooms: 80 now. Later in fall, 249.

Buffet: Infinity offers 10 stations plus hand-dipped ice cream.

Restaurants: The Den, off lobby; open 24 hours. Gulf-view CQ fine dining and Blu lounge expected to debut later in fall.

Entertainment: None now.

Shopping: None now.

Extras: Two-level pool with flagstone patio to open in fall.

Tip: Occupies 1960s-vintage hotel; could be retro cool when complete.

Ten words or less: A work in progress. Giant steps forward from almost total loss.

Biloxi’s best, coolest, mostest

Roomiest gaming floors: Island View, Grand, Hard Rock

AAA Four-Diamond rated: Beau Rivage, IP, Palace

Coolest pool: IP

Most polished: Beau Rivage

Most exciting: Hard Rock

Handsomest restaurants: Carnaval de Brasil, IP; Bragozzo, Isle of Capri

Best change: Treasure Bay, from pirates theme to contemporary

Must stop to shop: $10 Boutique at Beau Rivage

Great spas: IP, Grand, Beau Rivage

Linked to golf links: Grand (Grand Bear), Beau Rivage (Fallen Oak), Palace (The Preserve)

Best seat for dining alone: Kitchen-view counters at Bragozzo in Isle of Capri and Olives in Beau Rivage

Coolest amenity: Your-choice rock in your Hard Rock room

Source: MARY ELLEN BOTTER - The Dallas Morning News

BILOXI — The Broadwater Casino could be back on the table in the next few weeks.

Michael Cox, representing the Broadwater Development property owners, told the Biloxi Planning Commission Thursday they hope to soon have an agreement signed with an international entertainment corporation to develop the entire property.

The Planning Commission approved an 18-month extension of the preliminary site plans for a billion-dollar project on 261 acres. The original plans include two casinos, condotels, entertainment areas, a golf course and homes.

In a marathon of cases and decisions, the Planning Commission voted for an enlarged South Beach Condominiums, for allowing a group of property owners to have their land next to Palace Casino collectively rezoned waterfront and for 21-unit Briarfield Beach Cottage Condominiums on 1.07 acres. Gulf Coast Investment Developers, the applicant for a mixed-use project at 2490 Beach Blvd., asked to postpone its hearing until the Sept. 20 meeting.

The board voted against Clark’s Service Station rebuilding on the sand beach after hearing from Chevis Swetman, representing the Gulf Coast Business Council, and General Clark Griffith, who chaired the Reviving the Renaissance Committee.

The proposal was for a 3,825-square-foot convenience store made of brick, stucco and block and 12 gas pumps with a yellow-metal weather canopy. All gas stations in the city are required to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the gas station owners agreed to meet the city requirements.

Swetman said the Business Council is concerned that corridor areas, including U.S. 90, not develop into “a hodgepodge of poor land choices.” The Biloxi Coast is one of the last stretches of open beachfront in America, he said, where the view isn’t blocked by a wall of concrete buildings.

“Since Katrina we talked about what we should have done after Camille in 1969,” said Swetman.

Griffin echoed Gov. Haley Barbour’s comments that if U.S. 90 once again becomes lined with gas stations, pawn shops and billboards, “we have failed.”

Allowing the gas station on the sand beach also poses a significant environmental hazard, Swetman said. He told the Planning Commission the Department of Marine Resources is interested in purchasing the land with Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds for open space.

After the vote, Commissioner Jamey Hunt said he doesn’t want gas stations, fast-food restaurants or billboards on the beach, and “I don’t want condos all up and down the beach, either.” Commissioner August Parker suggested creating a scenic or historic corridor on 90, and the board decided to consider that at the October 18 meeting.

All the cases now go before the Biloxi City Council for approval or denial.

Source: Mary Perez of Sun Herald

NEW YORK — Former undisputed welterweight and two-time junior welterweight champion Zab Judah returns on Friday night, September 7 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Fighting for the first time since his 11th-round TKO loss to WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in June, Judah (34-5, 25 KOs) will meet Edwin Vazquez (22-10-2, 8KOs) in a 10-round welterweight fight.

“I am a three-time world champion,” Judah said in a recent statement. “I’m want a fourth title, I am the best out there, I have fought the best in the world, I’ve had a few diversions along the way but that’s boxing, when I am in top form no one can beat me. My camp has been very productive, I feel good.”

Judah has had one of the most storied careers in boxing. Judah has won every major title between 140 and 147 pounds. The WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO championships have all belonged to Judah. The southpaw from Brooklyn has a lot of speed and his power is underrated.

However, Judah has had a number of setbacks that many people remember more so rather than what he has accomplished. Judah underwent more than 18 months of suspensions and fines.

After squandering the welterweight championship in an upset loss to Carlos Baldomir in January 2006, Judah was suspended for one year and fined $250,000 for repeatedly fouling Floyd Mayweather that led to a melee in the 10th round.

Although Judah proved that he is a professional and force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division, he has lost three of his last four bouts with one no-contest. Judah hasn’t won a fight in more than two years since he stopped Cosume Rivera (TKO 3) in May 2005.

No one should count Judah out. The 29 year-old gave Cotto one of the toughest fights of his career on one of the biggest stages in boxing — Madison Square Garden — on the eve of the Puerto Rican day parade in New York City.

“Judah hurt Cotto in the first and third rounds and dropped Mayweather, although the ref declared it a slip. A win puts him squarely back in the game,” said Russ Young of Prize Fight Promotions.

Judah is obviously in a must-win situation, but should beat Vazquez, an unthreatening opponent who is not expected to have an answer for Judah’s speed and power. Whenever Judah has been pressured into a must-win situation, he’s usually focused and difficult to deal with.

Found this little excerpt from an article:

Signs of the devastation remain among the scattered signs of hope. Along the coastal highway, most of the twisted metal, concrete and other storm debris has been cleared, leaving vacant, grassy lots in many places where stately century-old homes once overlooked the white sand beaches.

In some places, front porch steps lead to nowhere and high-rise condominiums have sprung up where homes and businesses used to stand. About 13,000 families are still in government-issued trailers.

Casinos are a major driver of Biloxi’s economy - music from the Hard Rock hotel and casino could be heard during the morning service - and city leaders hope their presence in the community will attract new investment, particularly among smaller, mom-and-pop-type hotels and restaurants.

“We had a long way to go, but we’re coming back,” Holloway said, while acknowledging that doesn’t mean Katrina will be forgotten.

Source: WDAM 

BILOXI, Mississippi — As reported by the Biloxi Sun Herald: “Two years after Hurricane Katrina shut down the casino business on the Coast, gross gaming revenue soared to a record high of $122.4 million in July, 11 casinos are open compared with 12 before the stormand it’s difficult to keep count of how many more are proposed.

“Developers Donald Trump and the Golden Nugget have come and gone, but others - including singer Jimmy Buffett - are investing in the Coast.

“…Hard Rock Casino opened in June with huge numbers, continuing the Coast’s record of expanding its market share with the opening of each new hotel/casino/resort. Casino executives and Mississippi Gaming Commission Chairman Jerry St. Pé said a year ago on the first anniversary of Katrina they expect this trend to continue.

“St. Pé said the $500 million invested by MGM Mirage to reopen Beau Rivage a year ago is an indicator of what’s to come on the Coast…”

Source: Casino City Times 

Treasure Bay is pretty much the favorite casino of the Biloxi Blog. Of course the Beau Rivage is also on top of the list. But the Bay has always treated me so good, that they get the nod. I am glad to see the hotel finally open. Here is the article from the Sun Herald..

BILOXI - Earlier this summer the expanded casino floor and buffet opened, and now Treasure Bay Casino is welcoming its first overnight guests since Hurricane Katrina.

Erik Johnson, director of advertising, said several floors of the hotel tower opened this week and more will be available within about a month.

Adding to these first 91 rooms will be 70 more rooms and suites at the end of September. An additional 90 pool terrace rooms will then be renovated and ready for guests near the end of the year, Johnson said.

Completely renovated since the storm, the tower rooms were designed with plush fabrics and imported furnishings in keeping with the decor of the resort. The guest rooms feature pillowtop mattresses, high-definition TV, a choice of tub or walk-in shower and sweeping views toward the Gulf of Mexico or overlooking the swimming pool and the city.

Also coming in September will be the debut of the CQ fine-dining restaurant and adjoining Blu ultra-lounge on the ninth floor, along with retail and four conference rooms to accommodate weddings and small conferences. Joining Executive Chef Tim Miller are “a number of chefs coming back from Captain’s Quarters.” That restaurant was destroyed during Katrina along with the Treasure Bay pirate-ship casino. Treasure Bay management chose to bring back several of the most popular dishes from the original restaurant while giving the new steak and seafood restaurant a different name and updated style.

The infinity swimming pool area is also getting a complete makeover. A rock waterfall will spill into a lower pool and there will be cabanas, a fire pit and poolside bar. “The whole area’s being landscaped,” Johnson said, and they hope to use the area for events.

I will be keeping my eye out for fresh reviews about the Treasure Bay hotel, I am also trying to make a trip in the very near future so I can offer my own review.