Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago

I keep coming back because the room is always comped, but I wouldn’t pay for it outright. Every time I stay, I find food and other debris. The 12th floor also always smells like marijuana. The staff are usually friendly and helpful, especially the gentleman at the hotel front desk late at night. I can’t remember the bellhop’s name, but he’s always really nice.

The main gaming areas and parking structures can get really loud and crowded on weekend evenings, but the staff on the floor and at the cages were courteous and efficient, so getting around was smooth. The place was clean and well kept, with casual dining options for a bite between games. I stopped at Ameristar Casino East Chicago while checking out the Northwest Indiana waterfront. It’s a huge, lively entertainment spot right on Lake Michigan. The gaming floor spans several levels, with a bright layout and lots of slots, classic table games, and a sportsbook. There’s plenty for visitors who want to try their luck.

For a birthday weekend, this was a huge disappointment. I didn’t feel comfortable or valued, and the place felt unsafe overall. Guys were walking around trying to sell jewelry like they were on a street corner, which was ridiculous. The main floor check-in service was decent, but the bar staff on the second floor were rude, didn’t know how to make the drinks I asked for, and overcharged me for poor service. The marijuana smell was there from the moment we walked in. The elevator reeked on the way to our room, and it got stronger as we got closer to our floor. The whole floor smelled like a marijuana party, and it lasted all night. I work in a field where drugs can cost me my job, so this was completely unacceptable. As a guide, I’d say avoid this casino and find another one.

The rooms don’t even have microwaves, so we couldn’t heat up his food. It had just been prepared and still wasn’t hot. We spent money on a food credit but couldn’t enjoy a meal in the restaurant, so we wished we’d just stayed in the room. Neither of us enjoyed the stay. Worst trip ever. Smoke was everywhere. The only places I didn’t smell it were at check-in, by the elevators, and in my room. The lobby, hallways on two floors, and restaurants all smelled of smoke, so I had to get my food to go. You can’t walk around, eat, or even get from the elevator to your room without smelling it. The walkways to the restaurants are now lined with slot machines, and cigarette smoke gets into the restaurants. I’d expect smoking in the casino, but not throughout the whole building, especially near food. Why not give nonsmokers a whole floor, since smokers can’t keep it in their own rooms? They got rid of the buffet during COVID, and the smoke made this visit bad enough that I can’t come back. I used to come here, and it was never like this before COVID. I spent all that money and couldn’t enjoy the stay. I don’t recommend it and won’t return. This was clearly a bad move.