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Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel
1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
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Sh
Review №1

All I can say is they need more service for alcohol there theres a lot of people winning and you know how that goes seems like everybody but us but its great time it really is but it now I dont know how long theyre staying open or if theyre going to cut smoking out like everybody else is all you have to do is ask and theyre there for you which is pretty good. Bunch of riffraff in there you know what Im saying people wearing suits and stuff like that so its pretty cool and you can stay there and hang out theyre hard to get drinks so even water pop whatever at night so just remember have a good time and dont lose your money

Ch
Review №2

I had a bad experience with this casino. When you first walk in you have to have your mask down so they can take your temperature and for the camera to see your face. When I went up stairs, the officer stared me down, and then ask me to pull my mask down. I responded stating that I already pulled my mask down downstairs, why do I have to do it again. The officer said that he wants to see my face. I explained again that I already pull it down downstairs and the camera seen my face. The officer started following me, continuing to ask me to pull my mask down. At that time people are still coming up the escalator and he is not paying them any attention. Now the officer is asking for my ID, when I did do anything wrong. I asked the officer, why do you need my ID, I didnt do anything wrong. He stated that I look young, I told he no. The reason why is because he didnt start with asking for my ID but asking for something I have already did. I felt discrimination in that situation because he didnt ask others to pull their mask down when the walk up. And after me he really started asking people for their ID but didnt ask to pull their mask down. If that was the case there would have been a line coming off the escalator. They officer ask me to leave, and I did, knowing that it was not about my ID. When I went downstairs and told the employee working at the door that I just being harassed. The gentleman state it what am I supposed to do about it. I ask if they could get someone to help. They call another officer who was clearly not understanding what I was going through, and did not want to understand. Again the officer upstairs ask me three time to pull down my mask before he ask for my ID. The greeting I had was very uncomfortable today and not professional. The question that this organization should be asking themselves is why this officer was asked me to pull down my mask first. And if it is standard, why didnt they ask every person to do it. This happened 10/5/20 around 5:30pm.

Je
Review №3

I put 1000.00 in the wheel of fortune game and and didnt hit nothing had to put $500 in the other machines all around the casino nothing not one machine was hitting they were announcing jackpot winners in there was none over a thousand barely its just I dont know it was it bad attitude kinda like in there Ive never had a machine not paid I mean it did not go back up to a thousand one time it went straight down all the way down and then went to from 200 to 400 and then straight down that is not thats not cool. I mean all these retirees going around in there but you know yeah theyre being entertained but whos there not paying out nothing

Da
Review №4

The Metro’s favorite place to play when all other entertainment options have been exhausted. Las Vegas style casino with out the Vegas vibe and buzz. Kentucky Derby type racing without the fanfare and fast horses. High stakes betting with out the high stakes. I only get there every couple years, I always have fun. But one night is enough, especially since I have a gambling addiction...

Ho
Review №5

Room was comfortable and quiet. So many options for food and entertainment.

Se
Review №6

Unsafe practices during this covid. Not using the front rotating door to prevent people from touching the door handles, not using covered glasses for drinks to protect guests (none available), not taking temperatures of people as they arrive to prevent guests that have fevers from entering, tables are not set up to prevent people from being at least 6 ft apart. This is definitely a covid-19 hotspot

Th
Review №7

Hope someone of importance reads this. If you have an RV and are passing through dont plan on stopping here! Parking lot is massive there was no need to harass us for tailgating before the big horse race for the Kentucky Derby... Weve been to plenty of other horse tracks and casinos and never been bothered. Rubbed us wrong right before going into the casino so needless to say we didnt spend any on the slots they just lost out. Security should do a better job of keeping an eye out for vehicles being broke into not harassing traveling RVs.

Ho
Review №8

BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE! This is the worst casino I have been to. I’m a truck driver and we travel all over and have stop at many many casinos and when I tell you to by pass this one I’m doing you a favor, it’s horrible! no play backs at all takes all the fun away! We play tables and slots Nothing! we have gave This place a try 4 times too many, after this weekend they will be permanently removed from the list! I lost right at 4000 and my husband probably about the same without even getting a play back I don’t mind losing my money along with having a good time but I hate feeling like I’m being robbed!!! Save yourself the time and a trip Bypass this place!Updated: as I’m sitting here eating waiting on my husband to run out of that place I found something I like about this place the Greek Salad is really good! But not good enough for me to go out of my way for it !

Ti
Review №9

Horrendous experience. They would not let me give them my money. Completely unejoyable and absolutely zero fun. Cant gamble. Cant drink. There is a way to enforce rules and protol without making people uncomfortable. They should not act like corrections officers while enforcing the rules. There is no need for them to be open if this is how they will continue operate.

No
Review №10

Positive: Cleanliness and friendly environment Negative: No

Ja
Review №11

Facemasks were required and you were able to play table games with glass in between players. Also had a smoking and non-smoking section which was nice.

Jo
Review №12

Nice place (hotel no pool open or buffet rooms are clean) casino staff not friendly at all cant seem to win machines too tight

Ho
Review №13

The bright Lights from the parking lot/outside shined through the shear curtains with no option to close them. Otherwise, it was a nice stay.

Mi
Review №14

Great clean room, the king suites are awesome. Super clean. The staff were perfect. The cleaning crew were on top of cleaning up after each person. It was nice to be able to smoke in the casino, well vented and very clean. The food was good, and its a fun time for everyone. My first visit, wont be the last. They checked everyone coming in, stayed on top of people not wearing a mask. Great place!

Mi
Review №15

Had a good time. AJs Steakhouse is a good place to grab dinner after you win or loose. Just plan on spending about 50 bucks a person when you go.

Ap
Review №16

Love the atmosphere at this casino. Enjoy the large number and variety of shots. Appreciate the new layout of machines for social distancing.

Ry
Review №17

Easily the best casino Ive been to in the Midwest. Theyve got a fairly large area with virtual and live table options for many popular games.

Jo
Review №18

Went to the bathroom, put chair up against the slot machine. Came back and someone had cashed my machine out. Security found the guy and he ran. Casino would not give me the money that was stolen from me. $146.00. This multi-million dollar casino would rather loose a customer for life and everyone I know than reimbursement me this money. What a joke. Be careful.

Ve
Review №19

Positive: Always a great experience at the hotel. Negative: I still think the price for rooms are a little high.

Ja
Review №20

You could literally live happily ever after at this place. Staff is extremely professional and kind. Its truly a dream experience if youve never been. Dont believe me go check it out. You wont regret it!

di
Review №21

Only been here a couple of times so its not fair to say but the machines seemed tight. Rooms were nice as was the staff. Food was good and priced right.

Ho
Review №22

Prairie Meadows is a nice, clean and friendly hotel. They worked hard to keep guest safe and comfortable despite the covid-19 crisis. Ill definitely stay again when Im in the area.

St
Review №23

Awesome big rooms, lots of safe precautions with covid I can appreciate. Loved having restaurants and casinos on site so we didnt have to go out in the cold. Will definitely be back! Also AJs steakhouse was amazing!! I will be back.

mi
Review №24

We were psssing through and stayed overnight with a service dog at holiday inn express. Beautiful stay we planned on going to casino in the morning and we’re treated very rudely by security. He would not let us into the casino with my service dog. This is illegal! I have papers saying she is allowed in anywhere!! Never ever had such a poor experience. Would never recommend your casino!!!!!

Ja
Review №25

Large casino with pretty good selection of different machines. Smoking and non-smoking sections. Easy to get lost!

Ja
Review №26

A complete casino and racetrack resort. Modern decor, multiple floors, slots, table games, sports book, simulcast betting, restaurants, and hotel. One thing that can be improved is the diversity of the slots to include more that have cinematic amd interactive bonus rounds. For example, Willie Wonka, Wizard of Oz, The Simpsons, The Flintstones, Shark Week, The Three Little Pigs, etc.

Ab
Review №27

I have to admit I never seem to win anymore but I love the atmosphere. The machines are set well. They follow guidelines and are doing their part to keep everyone safe. It allows for a fun experience

ry
Review №28

Always have a fun time! There are a bunch of slot machines that get updated quite frequently with newer ones. The popular and classic slots are spread throughout the casino. Smoking section has more of a draw as it has the flashier machines up front. Whatever you decide to bet whether pennies to dollars Im sure you can find a game to try your luck at.Also they have card games such as blackjack and poker, roulette, craps and digital versions of all games.

Br
Review №29

Very spacious casino with racetrack next door. Table games and of course slots it was a very good expierence ended up only winning 40 bucks. My co worker won 600 on slots play wheel of fortune. Overall great casino.

Mi
Review №30

Ive never played the horses before. They only had one window open. This guy was trying to help me while 4 were behind me going a little nuts tryig to lay down their bets. It would sure be nice if they had a window open a for beginners or maybe even a class. There is so many betting options for the horses for a first-timer it would have been nice to have some extra help without inconveniencing the people behind me

Ho
Review №31

Our first time staying there - it was terrific. Best room we’ve had in a while during our travels!

Gh
Review №32

Gambling is not an inborn instinct; it is an acquired habit, and a habit that is as addicting and harmful as any chemical drug. Gambling is not an amusement. It is based on a desire to get something for nothing at someone elses loss. Even in bingo, the game is fixed for the operator to win; and the easy, painless game is addicting. Gambling is wasteful. It siphons off money that ought to be circulating and producing benefits for society. It does not enrich the government, even if it is legalized and taxed. The idleness, theft, swindles, drunkenness, bad debts, domestic problems and poverty it produces cost the government far more than the tax dollar it brings in.

Ma
Review №33

Nice place. It is a casino and would like to come back and watch the horse races. One thing that stood out was the amount of trash on the grounds entering the casino. As much money as these places absorb from the community they could keep the masks, cigarette butts, and assorted other garbage cleaned up from the main area. Detracts from the appearance to me and in many ways speaks to management of a large business to me. Nice large non smoking section and have taken precautions to help with COVID.

He
Review №34

Love the atmosphere. Plenty of truck parking. Always have fun playing here because the Slots are not stingy which is a good thing. You never feel like you cant win!

Cr
Review №35

We came for the horse races and it was really fun! We stayed outside and watched the races - there was live music, kids dancing/playing, drinks/food available for purchase - all in all a great night w friends and no cost to get in. Good date night and you dont even have to gamble

Ja
Review №36

Good place to gamble. Best in iowa in my opinion. Many slots to choose and rhe hotel is clean and comfortable. But locks on tv preventing anything PG13 and up

Ts
Review №37

So we decided to go gambling as we regularly do and at the door we were told masks are now mandatory. We were floored. Even explained we had medical conditions that exempt us from mask wearing but we were denied. We refused their masks and turned around and left. We (used to) frequent Prairie Meadows and dropped a lot of money in there but unless mask wearing becomes optional again, we will find other ways to spend our money and locations for entertainment. We will not put our lives at risk for others needs nor would we ask or expect others to do that for us. A mask should be a choice for each person. I havent worn one yet and I wont start now. All the places refusing entry without a mask are discriminating against people who have certain illnesses. Now weve become the target but its OK with others if we put our own health at risk. What has this world come to?

Ki
Review №38

Great Table Games! Now you can play two hands on the Ultimate table!

Tr
Review №39

Go across the street for dinning!!+5 Stars for their friendly Security guards.-5 Stars Food quality & pricewaisted @ $50!The Security guards are the most friendly ones Ive talked to -5 Starsthe restaurants seem a little pricey & in the Meadow Cafe there drink menu is missing prices. We had breakfast there & last night we had a snack at The Paddock. Lets just say for the price in both locations I was expecting tasty food. Both locations were more on the bland side. Wont be eating from those locations again. The shakes and ice cream were melted, watery & expensive... The quality was poor on the ice cream.

Ga
Review №40

Had a nice time. Had rude customer that floor worker refused to confront even after complaints to her. Hotel stay was great what little we stayed in the room. Walked out a winner no complaints

Ro
Review №41

Great place to lose your money....if your very lucky play the tables..

Cr
Review №42

Safe place to play slots and have fun. Everyone wears mask and safely distanced at games. Staff and security politely enforce policy.

Ca
Review №43

Great clean and modern hotel. Staff were very helpful. Live horse races were fun to watch. We ate at AJs , Seth the bartender was awesome and the food was delicious.

Sa
Review №44

Stopped for some quick play and to eat lunch. Covid restrictions have reduced restaurant availability, but now the only open restaurant is a small Cafe with the racetrack. Overpriced minimal food. We had stopped here in June, also during covid, and the buffet was working as a regular restaurant with decent food and choices. Totally disappointed now. Play was poor, promos were messed up. Weve had better stops!

Ph
Review №45

THIS CASINO DOESNT CARE ABOUT ITS LOYAL PLAYERS! Before it closed down due to covid-19 I was getting rooms, dinners, & $ for promos. Now I have done nothing but lose lose lose. I go & dont even use my card anymore b/c I feel like thats the only chance Id have at winning. No such luck w/ that either.

Bi
Review №46

Fun place. Most times the slots will let you play.The horse racing is great, always a good time.

Sh
Review №47

Nice casino.even won 150 going there for the first time.

Bo
Review №48

Iv gone to this place more then 100 times over the last 15 years. And am a firm believer that the slots are rigged to take peoples money and not give anything back. On the tables as soon as you start winning they will switch out dealers or mess with the dice just to mess with your flow... but they have all these rules you have to follow ... maybe Im wrong but the overall experience is not all that.

Ra
Review №49

The only reason that I am rating it so highly. Is, because AJs Steakhouse was awesome

Ja
Review №50

Payouts are terrible for slots! Bonuses are few and far between. You have to wait for a server to get any drink and I was there for 4 hours and only had 1 server come by. Dont waste your money here!

Bl
Review №51

I Luv Dat Place.... I Hate Da Changez N Da Mazkz.... But I Ztill Luv Goin Der

To
Review №52

Great people and staff and good environment as well as Slots that pay off.One of the best Casinos Ive been too.

Ly
Review №53

Molly at the paddock is super friendly and very helpful, and goes above and beyond to serve me food. My sister and I will definitely be back to see molly when we’re hungry :)

Le
Review №54

Took my Girlfriend to the Casino for her very first time. Great time

Sa
Review №55

This is a fun place to visit, and you can win some as well! From time to time you can also receive a free gift!

Th
Review №56

Nice and clean good service they really doing a great job on prevent people from getting sick I was kinda surprised how good of jobs they were doing great job guys keep up the good work.

Ke
Review №57

Had a fabulous meal in the casino restaurant, AJs Steakhouse. The casino was clean with safety measures in place that didnt retract from the experience. Had RV parking that wasnt too far ftom the entrance of the casino. Staff were friendly.

Jo
Review №58

Love the place, little hard to get a drink at times.. The video black jack is a trap, if you win take it and run.

Ho
Review №59

Its all about us how we serve ourselves with these people asking employees so therefore this much respect in love from these people very much positive nice place nice people they mean well they only job they asked if you need anything at all time its beautiful place I love it go check out

Br
Review №60

Always have had a good experience here until lately. I have tried to call 3 different times to cancel an existing reservation and have been placed on hold each time for nearly 20 minutes without anyone ever picking back up the phone so I can successfully cancel our reservation.

He
Review №61

Its a nice place to spend time and sometimes money its kinda tight lately but sometimes it pays good Wich means a better time...

je
Review №62

It has a good variety of games lots of rooms but still took my money like any other casino in the world

jw
Review №63

So masks are not “mandatory” and the hotel receptionists are policing everyone about it. I walked outside to the car and left my mask at the bar with my wife. I come back in and the receptionists yelled across the room “sir do you have your mask”? Seriously leave people alone and let them take their own risks and make their own decisions. If people want to wear masks and social distance then they should be encouraged (not coerced) to. Usually love prairie meadows but not impressed with the control freaks. This isn’t fun for anyone!

St
Review №64

Addicted lol jk but its really nice here. I always have a good time here, win or lose.

Ro
Review №65

Because you can get money and all your workers are so nice

Th
Review №66

Great place.friendly staff.ajs Resteraunt was excellent.

lo
Review №67

Price high for lack of amenities available at this time! No pool, workout, cafe, and room cleaning available and we would have liked to see a price decline due to this! No sleep all night due to party in room next door which did not make for a good stay!

B
Review №68

A perfect place to get away and enjoy the fast action of racing. There is free parking as well as valet. Large outdoor space. A patio like atmosphere. Plenty of seating, including shaded areas on the main apron of the track. A close up area to view horses and jockeys up close. Plenty of space by the finish line and winners circle to take a memorable photo. The staph is super friendly and will help you wager. Certain days have live entertainment and there is always plenty to eat and drink.If the horses are not your thing, the inside is jam packed with and awesome casino. There are a few restaurants and bar area and a small concert stage for intimate entertainment experience. If all of that makes you tired, they offer beautiful hotel rooms to stay in.Overall it is a fantastic place to have fun and let loose like the slots!

Ma
Review №69

Had a fun time, played several hours. Payout wasnt good!!

E
Review №70

Nice casino, table games are good here, not overcrowded, has horse bets.

Ma
Review №71

Love the cinnamon glazed cashews ️️️I recommend bet large, you just might come out even...Walmart isnt very far, thank goodness ️️

Ri
Review №72

Nice clean hotel and the casino is one of the best out here.

Hu
Review №73

I visited the casino around lunch time on a Friday. The slots were decently busy but I was still able to find a couple to gamble on. This place is very big with multiple levels for almost any kind of gambling you want to do. I left with less than I arrived with but maybe you’ll have better luck! I’ll be stopping by to gamble more when I’m back in town.

Ma
Review №74

Very generous slots and a friendly roulette wheel! Everybodys temperature is taken at the door, whch aint such a bad thing, but... wearing masks is mandatory except, when smoking or drinking. Admittedly, Im not a big fan of mandated mask policies in the first place, but that rule is just plain silly. But their intentions are good and just like Mom used to say, At least they mean well.

Je
Review №75

Its a clean casino, with less than generous payouts. Not enough smoking areas, with inconveniently located drink stations. Some of the hot food outlets are tasty, but overpriced. The ice cream is the best. Nothing special, unless your into horse racing.

To
Review №76

Eww cigarette smoke is so nasty... i shouldnt have to breath in other peoples unhealthy disgusting habits just to game.

al
Review №77

Nothing much nothing much going on because of covid but AJs Steakhouse is superior

Me
Review №78

Love the new Sports Book! Been waiting so long! Glad Iowa wasnt last like usual. Looking forward to Poker online! Would be great for the state of Iowa. William Hill was definitely the way to go. Have used many sports book and by far they hands down are the best. Live lines by far are the best of any Sports Books Ive used (and this girl tried a lot!) Prairie Meadows has been a great thing for the community and love the expansion.

Da
Review №79

I come here for the parking, nice and quiet

Ch
Review №80

Great place to hang out and have a good time if youre not afraid to lose a little bit of money or win payouts are good

Jo
Review №81

I wold give it five stars if it werent too cheap on payouts. My God, the tables, slots rarely lost on a week long visit. Not again!

ma
Review №82

Lots of options as far as gaming, betting on books, and they have smoking and non smoking gaming areas. They are also thorough with keeping machines and seats cleaned.

Ta
Review №83

Me and hubby went last and normally we have a good time, my only problem was the amount of people saving machines with no money in them. Why is this allowed???

Ta
Review №84

I always win and they got good pay outs

He
Review №85

Prairie Meadows are very customer conscience. I had a wonderful and safe experience. I havent had such a good time in quite awhile.

My
Review №86

My husband and I love coming out here for a relaxing, fun evening.

AJ
Review №87

As good as this casino is.. You literally cant get anything to drink (water or soda) or food from 1 till 8am at least during the virus anyway, but you would think they would have figured that out!!

DE
Review №88

1st, time there, liked the different slot games, will go back

Do
Review №89

Good truckstop with plenty of parking, fenced in off leash dog area, and other amenities.

Ma
Review №90

Good to have horse racing back. Great atmosphere with outdoor seating.

Ca
Review №91

Positive: This hotel was very clean and had a nice cocktail lounge in the lobby. The casino and racetrack attached to it had a lot to do. This was a last minute plan to stay here on our way back home. The staff took extra precautions due to Covid 19.

Ch
Review №92

I was impressed better than Meskwaki casino!!

Je
Review №93

Had a good time. all of the employees we interacted with were friendly and helpful

Da
Review №94

We did not stayed in the hotel but we decided to stop by for the Casino. We did not made it in because they required for customers to wear masks. If you’re worried about the virus then stay home. Period. But I understand it’s the casino/hotel’s policy

Sh
Review №95

Nice casino with horse races an lots of slots and table games

Me
Review №96

Completely amazing. Cant wait to come back

Al
Review №97

Always a great place to read relax place wagers or slots and table games.

Mi
Review №98

Very nice hotel and casino.Clean rooms

Pa
Review №99

Great place and have social distance guidelines in place.

Ca
Review №100

Not to bad slots are tight though didnt win much.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4 Rating
  • Address:1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
  • Site:http://www.prairiemeadows.com/
  • Phone:+1 515-967-1000
Categories
  • Casino
  • Event venue
  • Hotel
  • Racecourse
  • Tourist attraction
Highlights
  • Live performances:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
  • Wheelchair rental:Yes
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