The Golden Moon & Silver Star

If you're looking to escape the daily grind of city life, the Golden Moon and Silver Star Casino Hotels (also known as Pearl River Resort) are just a short five-hour drive from the northern suburbs of Atlanta. Hop on Interstate I-20, drive west to Mississippi, and you'll arrive at an exciting casino resort that has everything a gambler seeks: the newest slots, lots of table games and a brand new poker room. Let the good times roll!

Upon our arrival on October 11, 2008, the front desk clerk at the Golden Moon Hotel greeted us warmly. The entire check-in process was efficient, and took less than ten minutes. We experienced no problems with the valet and bell services.

Our room on the eighth floor of the Golden Moon Hotel was small, however the bathrooms have been recently redesigned and modernized. There was an in-room safe in the closet, a decent-sized TV and an adequate supply of pillows and blankets. The drapes needed a good washing, but overall the room was adequate, and better than it was during our last trip in 2007. There was not a hint of smoke in our non-smoking room. Yippee!

The very best part of this resort is its Las Vegas-style casino action. The Golden Moon Casino features soaring ceilings and a great selection of slot machines, which range in denominations from one penny to one dollar on the regular floor. There are more expensive machines in the high limit area, into which we never ventured. There are also table games of all kinds for those gamblers interested in a more social form of gaming. Of our recent gambling experience, the slots were humming, we were winning, and it just felt so good. However, the cocktail waitresses were a bit rude and in short supply. If you want to drink while you play, mix one up in your room, and take it down to the casino. You'll get faster service (and it's allowed by security)!

The 24-hour Bistro Café serves up delicious pancakes and sandwiches to keep your energy level high for more gambling. The buffet at the Golden Moon is better than last year, but not all items are wonderful. Stay with classic favorites, like fried or grilled chicken, pizza and vegetables, and you'll enjoy your meal. If you're unsure what a food item is, it's best not to put it on your plate.

There's a nice array of gift shops along the walk around the Golden Moon, and you'll find unique items for you, children and your home. The gourmet restaurant and lounge located in the enormous ball at the top of the hotel offers great views of the surrounding area. There is both an indoor and outdoor pool, plus a Jacuzzi at the Golden Moon. They are usually clean enough, but crowded with excited and (often) screaming children.

The Silver Star Casino and Hotel is located right across a 4-lane road, but is connected by a sky bridge with a very convenient moving sidewalk. The casino at the Silver Star is more closed in than the spacious casino at the Golden Moon. The ceilings are much lower, and you don't experience that great open feel found at the Moon. However, the selection of slots and table games are just as good as the Moon's. The Barbecue Restaurant and Ice Cream Shop are worth trying, but if you crave a buffet dinner, I'd stick with the one at the Moon. Also located in the Silver Star is a spacious (yet very crowded and loud) arcade for the younger set. Be careful, though. You can spend just as much money (if not more) entertaining the kids in the arcade as you would to entertain yourself in the casino. The rooms at the Silver Star are not as updated, and often require a long walk to get to them. There are also several rooms at the Star with no windows! This is great for sleeping in late, but will provide quite a claustrophobic experience. If you get one of these rooms, ask to be moved.

Overall, the Golden Moon and Silver Star Casino Hotels (Pearl River Resort) are worth the drive from Atlanta. The closest casino to Atlanta is Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina. The drive is shorter by two hours, but it doesn't have table games, and the slot machines are much tighter. So go ahead, and get out of town! The Golden Moon and Silver Star are fun spots for a girls' getaway, couples' getaway, or just a plain old getaway. I can't wait to go again soon!