Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America, which effectively means that it is owned by the US but isn’t one of the states. You will find it around 1,000 miles to the south-east of Florida, sitting between the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands, welcoming countless tourists every year looking to relax and unwind.
Sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails will be high on their list of priorities, but more than a few are also likely to head along to a casino if there’s one on offer. The Casino Atlántico Manatí is the perfect place to head to for those located on the northern coast of the island.
The Casino
Anyone who has been to a casino in the modern era will know that the thing that they’re most likely to come across will be a slot machine. The Casino Atlántico Manatí is no exception, with huge numbers of them on offer from the moment you walk in through the front door. Slot machines are loved by casinos because they’re such money-makers, but punters like them too because of the manner in which they often have large jackpots. The standalone machines will have decent prizes, whilst the progressive ones will often have eye-watering amounts, which is why they’re so appealing from the bettor’s point of view.
Table Gaming
Of course, many people know that their chance of winning the big prize on slot machines is limited, so they will often steer clear and head to a table game instead. The good news is that there are a number of table games on offer, sitting pretty in the middle of the gaming floor and with the flashing bright lights of the slot machines all around them. Roulette is a popular game thanks to the manner in which it is easy to play and understand what you’re doing, as well as the communal nature of standing around a table and watching the ball spin around the wheel, cheering and whooping as it comes to rest on a given number.
The randomness of roulette means that some people would prefer to steer clear of it and instead look at something like blackjack. If that is what you do then you’ll be pleased to know that blackjack is there for you to play. If you follow Basic Strategy then you’re able to reduce the House Edge, shifting the odds slightly more in your favour whilst still ultimately being on the House’s side. There are also other table games available to play, which will vary in popularity depending on who is in the casino at the same time as you. There are also electronic versions of some of your favourite games, such as roulette and craps.
Sports Book
For those of you that enjoy watching and betting on the likes of football, rugby and tennis, you will be pleased to know that there is a sports book on-site where you can catch up on the various sporting events taking place as well as placing a wager on them. If you’re a Premier League fan or a lover of La Liga, the likelihood is that you’ll be able to watch the action and decide what it is that you want to bet on as the matches take place. It is worth bearing in mind that not all of the casinos in Puerto Rico boast a sports book, so if that is something that matters to you then you’re in luck when it comes to the Casino Atlántico Manatí.
The Resort
Whilst the Casino Atlántico Manatí is, in many ways, the star of the show, it is located as part of a complex that also includes Hyatt Place Manatí and Longhorn Steakhouse. In other words, it is in a location where you can get a decent meal and have a good night’s sleep, if either of those things matter to you. In terms of Hyatt Place, the hotel is modern and welcoming, located not far from San Juan for relatively easy access. If you’re looking to embrace life in the tropics then you’re well-found, being able to explore the local area before heading back to the hotel to relax and unwind. There is a decent pool, for those that like to swim or simply cool down.
Amenities
The pool is outdoors, whilst the fitness centre gives you the chance to hit the gym if you’re that way inclined. Given how good the food is in the on-site restaurant, with plenty of locally sourced produce, some people will no doubt feel the need to burn off some calories. There are also bars on-site that give you the chance to get a cocktail and other drinks before enjoying numerous local attractions. If it’s the casino that you’re particularly interested in then you’ll be pleased to know that you can enjoy direct access to it from the hotel’s lobby area, which demonstrates how they are linked together literally as well as in a corporate sense.
Shopping
The shoppers amongst you will want to look for El Trigal and Manatí shopping plazas, which are nearby. If you’re the sort of person that loves their beach trips then you’ll be pleased to learn that there are numerous ones around, including the renowned Playa Mar Chiquita and La Cueva de las Golondrinas. If you want to take part in some beach-based activities, such as snorkelling or using a pedalo, then there’s a very good chance that you’ll be able to do so here. More than anything else, though, you’ll get to take in the amazing views, gorgeous sunsets and brilliant experience that being in the Caribbean offers you.
About Manatí
Founded by Don Pedro Menendez Valdes in 1738, Manatí is referred to as ‘La Ciudad Metropolitana’, or the Metropolitan City, by locals. It is also referred to as ‘Las Atenas de Puerto Rico’, which stands for ‘the Athens of Puerto Rico’. It had to be re-built after Hurricane Maria struck the island in the September of 2017, with about 1,500 residences in Manatí destroyed thanks to the breaching of the Río Grande de Manatí. The hotel had only opened three years before and was the first hotel to open in the city. Thankfully, the area has recovered now and the hotel and casino remain a major attraction for tourists.