Sanremo Casinò

The building itself is magnificent. But the casino didn't feel like the experience we expected. The people going into the private area weren't what we had pictured, so there’s no need to dress up, jeans and a polo are fine. We ended up at the slot machines because they felt livelier than the upstairs room.

We only gamble now and then, but like to visit a casino while on holiday, so we stopped in at this one in Sanremo. The staff at the entrance were friendly, and we started in the large room of slot machines, trying a few and cashing out when we weren’t enjoying them. Then a machine downstairs took a large bet without playing. We asked for help, but while a staff member pressed buttons, another 20 euro disappeared. The manager came over and kept pushing us to continue playing. I said no and asked for our original 24 euro stake back. By then five staff members had gathered around us. I told them the pressure felt intimidating and only made us more determined not to be pushed into leaving without the money. The manager took some notes and told us to wait. We talked amicably with one staff member while the other three drifted away. At least half an hour later, someone reluctantly handed us a piece of paper and told us to go to the cashier. We did get our money back, but the aggressive treatment at the start is why I’ve given this rare one-star review.

We figured we should see the place for ourselves. The actual games are upstairs, and you need ID to get in. Downstairs and on the mezzanine, it’s packed with slot machines. It was noisy and crowded, and I didn’t see the appeal. If that’s your thing, go for it, but Sanremo has so many other lovely things to do that this felt like a waste of time.

It’s a charming, old-school casino, though naturally it’s neither as large nor as glamorous as Monte Carlo. It sits in the middle of a wonderful town, close to the beach.