Two early 20s guys looking to take a break from work and couldn't find the money/time to go to vegas this summer so we were thinking of driving down to florida for a guys poker trip.

from my reasearch it seems like Tampa and Ft Lauterdale are the two options as far as a few different poker rooms

Which would you recommend for two 24 year olds? It's mainly a weekend poker trip but I imagine we'd want to check out the town/city when we're not playing...bars/restaurants/etc...

What would be you most bang for the buck so to speak

South Florida is the better option. You have 10 different rooms to play in between Dade (Miami) and Broward (Ft Lauderdale) counties, so you'll be able to scout out the games and choose the room you like.

And when you're not playing, you can be 24 year olds in South Beach. 'Nuff said.

Last year I stayed on south beach in two hostels, one was called "the tropics" it has a big pool with lots of topless European girls gallivanting around it, the other one was just called south beach hostel I think, this one had a bar and lots of European girls but unfortunately they were not bearing there breasts so I cannot recommend this one as highly, although it was a little closer to magic city possibly the best **** hole card room I have ever encountered it's hilarious and you have to go !! Try to observe the English only rule hahaha I wouldn't even bother with any major casino I'm yawning just thinking about them. On the way there and back be sure to hit up all the greyhound tracks these are the softest games you will ever see !

I should also mention these hostels are within a couple of blocks of south beach and are under 30 bucks a night. You guys could get a private room but I recommend staying in a mixed dorm this way you really get to see what it's all about.

I think you need an out of state ID to stay at these places.

Don't waste your time with going to Tampa, it is absolutely miserable compared to Ft. Lauderdale/ Broward area. If you're looking for a little nightlife/beach as well as some poker I'd recommend staying on Sunrise Blvd in Ft. Laudy. Right on the beach and there's alot of bars and restraunts to choose from.

If you guys are renting a car and it isn't just a poker trip this is by far the best area to be in. If you guys are looking to play a lot of poker I'd stay in Dania Beach closer to the hardrock.

The main reason we are going to is poker
He's marred so were not really looking to go clubbing or partying

We are both on a tight budget so I figured Tampa is 3 hours closer to us than ft lauterdale (driving from Atlanta) so that saves us time
And money on a budget mini vacation

I figure if the poker scene isn't too much different than ft lauterdale than its worth saving the money since I would bet hotels/accommodations/dining options would e cheaper than south Florida/Miami/ft lauterdale

We're not lookin for the highest action or best rooms...are Tampa poker rooms "good enough" for two guys on a 3-4 day trip on a budget?

Or are the games that much better in the ft lauterdale area to spend the extra as money and more importantly extra time driving down?

Thanks!

I'm playing at Derby Lane and Hard Rock in Tampa and St.Pete it's fun and you can beat the game at least here. It's wilder then Vegas where I also play from time to time.

+1 to this, given your revised statement about being on a tight budget.

As you say, S. Fla is 3 hrs more on the road, that's 1/3 less day for playing. Play cash @ THR, Derby Lane for tourneys. S. Fla is also more expensive in general, from my understanding.

Not too sure about the motel situation, but I'd look to stay on the other side of the bridge in St. Pete for safety's sake. Pretty sure the area surrounding THR isn't the best.

If it's this weekend, the weather should be gorgeous. That God-awful tropical storm that hung around dumping rain on us all for days is finally moving out. Anytime one of those storms go by, it takes all the moisture with it, leaving 3-4 days of gorgeous, sunny weather (except the humidity, which of course spikes).

Have fun

150% ft.lauderdale (where im from). Multiple cardrooms all within 20 min of each other - Seminole hardrock, seminole casino literally next door, Isles casino, coconut creek casino, Mardi gras, gulfstream.

So many options to play. Plus the ft laud bar scene is really beachy and chill, and the water is amazing with fishing options etc.

Also miami is barely 30 min away if your looking to do the nightclub stuff.

Hope this helps, anything else just pm me