A Traveler’s Dream
Touring some of the best casino hotels across the country
By Karrie L. Zukowski
For many, just a night away from home and top-notch amenities, are the best parts of any overnight trip to a casino. Today’s casino hotels strive to offer numerous options for any budget, unique amenities and never-ending fun and excitement.
Casino Player has scanned the country for the gaming industry’s best hotels and perfect getaways. These properties go beyond just the exceptional room—they offer even higher-level experiences like spas, pools and family amenities that everyone can enjoy. Here are just a few “must sees” on your travels.
FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL Battle Creek, MI
2021 was a thrilling year of winning and fun for Fire- Keepers Casino Hotel. The property celebrated its 12th anniversary, kicked off online gaming and sports betting, and celebrated the grand opening of their hotel expansion with a tightrope walk by Nik Wallenda, world renowned daredevil of the legendary performing family, the Great Wallendas. Wallenda’s walk was dramatic yet symbolic, as it signified progress and forward movement for FireKeepers as he moved from FireKeepers’ first hotel tower to the new tower, a span of more than 400 feet, at nearly 200 feet above the ground!
The new eight-story hotel was designed by JCJ Architecture, of Hartford, CT, and constructed by Clark Construction Company of Lansing, MI, in alignment with FireKeepers’ existing high standards of excellence. The current hotel has been designated a AAA Four Diamond award winner for the past six consecutive years. The new hotel rooms feature upscale, built-in décor, along with the latest in guest service technology.
“Our focus from day one was to design a second hotel tower with the upscale, vibrant, yet fun and friendly approach which has made our first tower such a big success,” stated Kathy George, CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel. “Our Get Your Vegas On brand is on display throughout the new design, and now paired with our Team’s great guest service, the guest experience at Fire- Keepers is truly unmatched!”
The welcoming 39,000-square-foot main level delivers a vibrant new Lobby Bar and front desk while increasing the focus on seven main pillars, which represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi: Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility and Wisdom.
FireKeepers’ signature restaurant, Nibi, one of Michigan’s finest dining experiences, has relocated to the new wing, with seating for approximately 125, and an interior that retains a focus on the tribal namesake, water, plus a new aqua-fire feature. Nibi also features expanded wine storage and presentation, as well as a private dining area for up to 20—perfect for special parties or small business meetings.
An exterior focal point added during the expansion is a 20-foot statue weighing more than 3,600 pounds, in the middle of a 15-foot pool of water and fountains. Titled the “Good Life,” the sculpture symbolizes tribal youth who live by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, who will enjoy the Good Life. The seven arms of the sculpture represent each of those teachings.
The hotel added convenience for guests by placing another Gapi coffee and sweets location to the main lobby. Gapi, the Potawatomi word for coffee, serves up coffee, snacks and treats daily from 7 a.m.– 11 p.m.
The project also provides a dramatically larger and more luxurious High Limit gaming area for slots and table games, delivering 50 percent more slot machines, including a blend of new games and longtime favorites, plus 10 table games. The room also features a new bar and Aurora Lounge, a restaurant exclusively for upgraded Red Hot Rewards Club Members.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). The mission of the NHBP is to provide leadership and development opportunities for tribal members and serve as a model to other Native Americans in areas of self- government, self-reliance and self-empowerment.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is easy to find online, in the app store, or in person, located just off Interstate 94 at Exit 104 in Battle Creek, MI, and has been named Best Casino by audiences in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, plus earned 13 first-place awards in the Casino Player Best of Gaming Awards 2021 in the Native Midwest category, including Best Hotel. To learn more about FireKeepers Casino Hotel, visit www.FireKeepersCasino.com.
LIVE! CASINO HOTEL PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, PA
Live! Philadelphia sits in the center of what is known in South Philly as the Stadium District. Walk outside the casino and you can stride across a parking lot or two to get to the Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park, the Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field, or Wells Fargo Center, home to the 76ers and hockey’s Philadelphia Flyers. Right down the street, you’ll also find Xfinity Live!, one of the sports and entertainment “districts” that has been one of the strongest food, beverage and entertainment attractions in the country.
Developers at Cordish knew that catering to local Philadelphians was only one of the requirements when they created Live! Philadelphia. The proximity to all the major professional sports venues meant an opportunity to serve fans of visiting teams who are in town on game day, as well as providing an overnight-stay opportunity for local fans.
That’s why there’s a world-class, 208-room luxury hotel featuring state-of-the-art technology in rooms at various price points, including two levels of suites offering breathtaking views of the city and are Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED with Forbes Travel Guide.
Serenity embraces you in every room, ranging from Double Deluxe Rooms to Penthouse Suites. Premium amenities invite you to linger a little longer in spacious marble bathrooms. Come bedtime, whenever that is, you’ll slide under upscale linens and nod off into a dreamy, restful sleep. And for the ultimate getaway, take it all in at the Penthouse suite. The fireplace that sets the scene for a cozy evening in the expansive, stylish living room. . . the marble-top bar for sipping late-night cocktails. . . the ultra-HD 6-inch TV for private in-room entertainment. . . the dining area to entertain your guests. Ultra-silky linens and mega-sized TVs in the king and double queen bedrooms draw you in and soothe you into a blissful, downy slumber. It’s a great time to plan your Live! Midweek Special, Stay & Play or Phill Phan Package!
The hotel is not the only aspect of Live! Philadelphia that is world-class. The casino included in the 510,000-square-foot property features a FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge, over 2,100 slots and electronic table games, and 150 live-action table games, including a dedicated poker room and a variety of food and beverage options that include a number of local favorites.
Live! restaurants include The Prime Rib, the top Zagat-rated steakhouse previously located in Center City Philadelphia for more than 20 years; Luk Fu, where the authentic flavors of Southeast Asia meet in South Philadelphia; Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and Guy’s Burger Joint; Philadelphia-favorites Lorenzo and Sons Pizza; Termini Bros. Bakery; Sang Kee Noodle Bar & Kitchen; Morty’s Deli; and Luckie’s Liquor.
Other highlights include unique offerings such as the R Bar—a unique interactive area featuring electronic table games arranged facing a 40-foot-long video screen. And everything in the casino points to the elevated Center Bar, another sports-themed bar with giant LED TV screens, communal tables, lounge seating and live music, offering a 360-degree view of the gaming floor.
For reservations, visit www.Philadelphia.LiveCasinoHotel.com or call 1-833-472-5483.
LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL MARYLAND Hanover, MD
Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland is the #1 tourist destination in the state, attracting more than 10 million visitors per year seeking a unique setting for world-class entertainment, accommodations, gaming, dining and incredible shopping at nearby Arundel Mills Mall. With its premier location midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland taps into one of the densest regional markets in the U.S.
The flagship Live! Hotel has earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond Rating to become the only accommodation in Anne Arundel County and the BWI Airport District to receive this recognition. Nationwide, only six percent of the 27,000 AAA Inspected & Approved hotels receive the Four Diamond status, distinguished for being stylish, having extensive amenities, and offering a high degree of attention to hospitality and service.
The hotel tower features 310 guest rooms, including 50 suites; a three-story, 4,800-seat entertainment and event venue; 40,000 square feet of customizable meeting space; new dining options; and the Live! Spa. Guests can play the day away, then relax and rejuvenate with world-class room accommodations, entertainment and amenities just steps away from the casino floor.
Live! Hotel creates a luxurious atmosphere for guests that is inviting and modern. Characterized by rich wood, polished marble, high ceilings accented with striking chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows, the public spaces create an extravagant allure. A lively bar and restaurant scene at David’s and The Lobby Bar at David’s spills out into the lobby, providing a stylish and energetic introduction to the Live! experience.
Guest rooms are equipped with the latest in technology, lighting and amenities, and each room provides a comfortable atmosphere for the business traveler or a self-indulgent respite for the gaming traveler. Warm gray colors with accents of polished wood on floors and furnishings give the oversized rooms a contemporary sense. The richness of the bathroom marbles, gloss accent tiles and polished metals add a posh, luxurious feel. Each room features a mix of the modern, with clean-lined furniture pieces and fabrics; and the traditional, with shaped base moldings and polished brass accents.
And being one of the top casinos in the country, Maryland Live! Casino is a haven for slot lovers. Situated halfway between Baltimore and Washington, in Hanover, MD, this expansive casino is a giant playground— a casino lover’s paradise boasting one of the nation’s largest gaming, retail and entertainment destinations.
The $500+ million Maryland Live! Casino features an exhaustive collection of approximately 4,000 of the most popular slots and electronic table games, including Buffalo Diamond, Buffalo Gold Revolution, Dancing Drums, Lightning Cash, Rakin’ Bacon and Shark Week Jaws of Steel. There are so many of the latest games and perennial favorites to choose from that no matter which slot you prefer, chances are you’ll find it here.
And that’s not all: more than 200 live-action table games give you more ways to play and more ways to win. Dozens of “dealer-assist” electronic table games get you in on the action at your own private table. A wide variety of table limits offer pulse-pounding excitement at every level. And with 24/7/365 gaming, any day could be your lucky day.
Maryland Live! Casino has redefined—perhaps even perfected—the casino experience. It’s simply a “can’t miss” destination for any casino lover, especially if you’re in search of a jackpot. For more information, visit www.marylandlivecasino.com.
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD Hollywood, FL
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion on Oct. 24, 2019. The resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441) and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is the AAA Four Diamond-rated, Green Lodging Certified hotel and is characterized by authentic memorabilia that surrounds stay, play and dine resort amenities. Its iconic Guitar Hotel brings 638 luxury guest rooms and suites to the resort. Designed to resemble back-to-back guitars, complete with guitar faces and brightly lit strings, this engineering masterpiece reaches 450 feet and is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling glass panes. The Guitar Hotel is truly an architectural marvel that redefines the South Florida skyline.
The 638 upscale guest rooms in the first-ever Guitar Hotel, 168 luxury rooms and unique swim-up suites in the adjacent Oasis Tower and 465 redesigned guest rooms in Hard Rock Hotel are a combined room count of 1,271 throughout the resort. All are outfitted with signature furnishings and Sleep Like A Rock bedding that is designed for guests to relax and recharge like royalty.
The 30,000-square-foot gaming area offers guests a selection of nearly 200 table games, 3,100 of the most popular slot machines and a new 45-table Poker Room. Colorful design elements and contemporary architectural details enhance the expanded layout.
The High Limit Slots room offers an array of favorite titles and the newest slots in the industry. The floor layout and contemporary design create a relaxed and stimulating atmosphere where guests enjoy hours of play in a private setting. Slot denominations range from one cent to $5 on the general gaming floor, while the high-limit slot area offers $1 to $1,000 bets. A Non-Smoking Slots Room is conveniently located near the Winners Way Garage.
Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s table games selection is the best in South Florida. Featuring live dealers, card players can choose from Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai-Gow Poker, Three-Card Poker, Casino War, Texas Hold ’em, Spanish 21 and Let It Ride. Guests can also enjoy a selection of video poker and video roulette games.
Additional amenities include the lush, “Bora Bora”-style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000-square-foot Rock Spa & Salon; dining, bars and lounges; and The Shoppes at The Guitar Hotel.
For more information, visit www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com or call 800-937-0010.
SEVEN FEATHERS CASINO RESORT Canyonville, OR
Seven Feathers Casino Resort is one of the most popular entertainment destinations in the Pacific Northwest. With a wide variety of concerts, events, trade shows and other entertainment options happening all the time, visitors can expect to enjoy more than the casino when they visit. The Seven Feathers Hotel is at the center of all this entertainment, and it provides premier accommodations and amenities for guests with all types of needs.
Seven Feathers Casino Resort offers 300 rooms that include 12 upscale suites, and the entire East Wing was recently remodeled in 2019. Guests of the hotel each have access to Ivy, a digital concierge service for the property. Ivy answers questions about the casino resort and helps guests communicate with the hotel staff. Every room provides chic, modern décor and elevated furnishings, including flat-screen HDTVs, Keurig coffee makers, Takelma Coffee, free WiFi and much more.
Just across the freeway from Seven Feathers Casino Resort, next door to the Seven Feathers Truck & Travel Center and around the corner from Seven Feathers RV Resort, is Creekside Hotel & Suites. Also owned and operated by the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe, this 73-room hotel provides another convenient option for entertainment seekers and offers a free continental breakfast with every stay. With two king suites with Jacuzzi tubs and King deluxe suites, guests at Creekside won’t need to sacrifice room quality, either. Visitors of both hotels can book ADA-accessible and pet-friendly rooms.
Guests staying at Seven Feathers Casino Resort will have a hard time missing one of the most popular amenities on the property. The River Rock Spa is conveniently located directly off the spacious hotel lobby. Open daily, the spa offers all types of relaxation and beauty treatments for those who want to look and feel their best. Beyond the hair and nail salons and the private massage chambers, spa guests can enjoy a serene meditation room, a soothing relaxation pool and a tranquil sauna, the entire day of their scheduled service. In addition to the individual and couples services, guests can purchase day passes to the spa to enjoy the amenities at their leisure.
Families are virtually assured to have a good time during their visits because Seven Feathers has activities for guests of all ages. The hotel’s indoor, heated pool is large and offers two hot tubs and a sauna. It is centrally located and is a nice, bright space with great natural lighting. Guests of all ages can explore the arcade and enjoy its many games and amusing decorations. The Gift Gallery provides a perfect place to shop for presents or souvenirs and even small personal items that may have been left at home. There is also entertainment in the room with scenic mountain views and plenty of channels to watch on the TVs.
Many guests at Seven Feathers visit specifically for the great entertainment acts that come through the property. There are national acts, like Old Dominion, Daughtry and Larry the Cable Guy on the schedule for the coming months, who will perform in the spacious Umpqua Grand Ballroom. Guests can also find shows like Hollywood’s Greatest Games, wrestling, car shows, bodybuilding competitions, tattoo expos and much more. Elements Lounge offers entertaining shows, comprised of local talent, every week from Wednesday through Sunday.
For a more intimate experience, the outdoor courtyard is a great place to sit and relax at any time of year when the sun is shining, equipped with a fire pit and calming fountain year-round. During the rainy season, guests can keep warm in the hotel lobby and enjoy the roaring fireplace.
No matter how guests find their fun at Seven Feathers Casino Resort, everyone needs to eat eventually, and that is where guests can turn to the many dining options available within the resort. In July, the Takelma Roasting Company was added as a new café with a bakery, pizza oven and grab- and-go food items to meet dining needs at any time, day or night. Guests can also choose from K- Bar Steak House, Cow Creek Restaurant, Steelhead Lounge and Elements Lounge. In early 2022, Stix Sports Bar will complete a massive transformation, but today, there is a temporary location called The Stix Fix available during the weekends.
There is always a lot going on at Seven Feathers Casino Resort, and many of the guests enjoying the property stay either at the Hotel or at Creekside Hotel & Suites. These two hotel options help guests with all types of backgrounds and needs get their desires met during their stay. For more information and reservations, visit www.sevenfeathers.com.
RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS Las Vegas, NV
Resorts World Las Vegas opened June 24 on the Las Vegas Strip.
Resorts World Las Vegas features an unrivaled gaming experience with the most innovative casino technology. With 117,000 square feet of gaming space complete with slots, table games, a dedicated poker room, high-limit areas and a sportsbook, the next-generation casino redefines the traditional gaming experience by introducing the most technologically advanced gaming floor all within one integrated resort. In total, there are 1,400 slot machines, 117 table games, a race and sportsbook and a dedicated poker room with 30 live tables.
“After years of planning and constructing this monumental property with some of the most innovative partners in the industry, Resorts World Las Vegas redefines the hospitality standard in Las Vegas with unmatched dining and entertainment, more variety of hotel accommodations than anywhere else on the Strip, and the city’s most progressive technology,” said Scott Sibella, president of Resorts World Las Vegas.
Resorts World Las Vegas’s amenities include exceptional accommodations— integrating three of Hilton’s premium brands into its resort campus. Resorts World Las Vegas is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct brands.
With a diverse collection of accommodations, each brand has its own entrance, lobby and distinct selection of guest rooms and suites. Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World features 1,774 full-service guestrooms and suites ranging from 400 to 3,300 square feet with smart, elevated amenities in a comfortable and refined setting.
Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World offers 1,496 contemporary guest rooms and suites ranging from 550 to 2,800 square feet, boasting luxe amenities and a curated art program.
Conrad Las Vegas: Premium King and Queen Accommodations.
The Conrad premium guest accommodations were designed by West Hollywood–based KNA Designs, who are known for their timeless contemporary hospitality designs around the world. Each one of the 550- square-foot Conrad premium guest rooms creates a strong connection between contemporary appeal, luxe amenities and curated art to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the globally connected traveler. The Conrad premium guest accommodations carry a bright color scheme with bold textures and a mixture of metal and organic contrasting elements. The theme of fluidity is carried throughout the guest rooms with wave-patterned carpeting and drapery. The in- room entertainment wall features an LED TV floating above a sculpturally textured white cabinet for a moment of quiet repose in the space. The bright and modern aesthetic of the Conrad rooms continues into the bathroom with elegant pops of red in the custom vanity niche and accent tiles in the glass walkin rain shower. A bold geometric, custom-designed LED mirror, double vanity, luxurious in-shower stone bench, rain-shower head and other premium amenities and luxe bath fittings further elevate the Conrad bathroom to a truly memorable experience.
Curated art pieces commissioned especially for Resorts World Las Vegas are inspired by the notion of the Chinese “Water Sleeve Dance,” which emphasizes the fluidity and versatility of line in color in space, further building upon the free-flowing theme that simultaneously bring a statement of elegance and sense of calm to the space.
Hilton Las Vegas: Deluxe King and Queen Accommodations
Thoughtfully designed with the discerning global traveler in mind, by internationally recognized interior architectural design firm Wilson & Associates, the Hilton Las Vegas guest rooms offer smart, luxurious amenities in a comfortable and refined setting. From a primary color palette of deep blues, golds and neutral cream tones, to rich textiles dotted with geometric, free-flowing patterns and statement artwork, the Hilton deluxe collection exudes a handsome, residential feel that’s both modern and warm. These 400-square-foot deluxe guest rooms seamlessly blend functionality with comfort, providing a custom-tailored space for both work and play.
All guest rooms are outfitted with modern tech conveniences, residential-style furnishings, modern light fittings and a contemporary yet luxurious sleeping environment. An intimate sitting area looks out to a backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip, which is perfect for morning coffee, midday emails or a nightcap at the end of the day. The sleek bathroom design features elegant ceramic tile, a generous walk-in glass shower, LED vanity mirror and custom vanity and fixtures. Additional amenities, such as an LED TV, mini-bar, and custom millwork wardrobes, are standard fare in all deluxe guest rooms.
Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts: Superior Guest Rooms and Suites
Crockfords Las Vegas boasts thoughtfully designed spaces and accommodations with lavish guest rooms and suites, upscale amenities and highly personalized service, providing a distinct experience that makes it one of the most coveted destinations on The Strip.
Guests at Crockfords Las Vegas can discreetly check in and enjoy private access to their accommodations via an exclusive entrance and stylish grand lobby that features a spacious seating area with chic oversized armchairs, twenty-six-foot vaulted ceilings dotted with shimmering mirror accents, a dazzling chandelier centerpiece and beautiful integrations of opulent stone that encapsulates Crockfords Las Vegas’s attention to detail. In addition to gaming salons conveniently located off the lobby, Crockfords Las Vegas guests also have complimentary access to the resort’s VIP pool and 24-hour, dedicated concierge assistance from highly trained service staff.
The Crockfords Superior guest rooms offer a tranquil escape, featuring a chic color palette of soft platinum, taupe and nude tones dotted with burgundy and gold accents that perfectly complement the stone-topped cabinetry, custom-upholstered headboards, and subtle carpet design. Each guest room features one king or two queen beds and elevated amenities, including sophisticated mini-bar options.
Dining
Guests can choose from over 40 food and beverage options at Resorts World Las Vegas, ranging from fine-dining and quick-service venues to original and exclusive concepts.
Created in collaboration with Esquire magazine’s “Chef of the Year,” ¡VIVA! celebrates Chef Ray Garcia’s modern take on regional Mexican cuisine set in a vibrant, lush and contemporary space. The bright and bold flavors of the food and cocktails, along with the rich and colorful design, set the stage for a fun and elevated dining experience.
Step into old-world glamour at Genting Palace, the culinary gem established by Genting Group in 1965, offering an exquisite menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine, seafood and exceptional dim sum.
Complete with a high-energy sushi bar and teppanyaki grills, Kusa Nori is a modern Japanese bistro, created by Resorts World Las Vegas, serving classic and innovative dishes from Japan including yakitori and teppanyaki creations, plus an extensive selection of sake.
From James Beard Award semi-finalist Nicole Brisson and industry veteran Jason Rocheleau, Brezza serves upscale and modern coastal Italian fare that embraces the traditions of Italy, offering handmade pastas, premier seafood, Brisson’s hand-selected heritage breeds and Creekstone Farms beef, paired with a beverage program including classic amari that honors Italy’s vast produce and historic wine region.
A second concept from Chef Brisson and Rocheleau, Bar Zazuo is a vibrant, chic café that brings alive the spirit and flavors of Europe by showcasing its regional diversity through hot and cold tapas, cheese and charcuterie and sweet and savory pastries.
A San Diego staple, Tacos El Cabrón serves Tijuana-inspired Mexican cuisine in a hip, casual setting.
Developed by local Las Vegas entrepreneur Billy Richardson, Marigold features American staples such as burgers, lobsters and housemade desserts as well as craft brews, signature cocktails and wine.
A Beverly Hills institution since 1991, Mulberry Street Pizzeria offers authentic pizza by the slice, and whole pies with specialty toppings such as Chicken Ranch, Eggplant Parmesan and Rigatoni.
Entertainment
A 5,000-capacity concert and entertainment venue, Resorts World Theater, is outfitted to host myriad affairs, from star-studded concerts to convention, corporate and sporting events. With innovative staging, the latest in technology and audio-visual capabilities and unrivaled amenities, this new-generation theatre introduces the next wave of superstar entertainment partners and engagements.
Upcoming headliners include three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood, who will bring her exciting, all-new residency, Reflection, to Resorts World Theater on Dec. 1 with shows running on select dates through April 2.
Next up is global superstar, Katy Perry, who will introduce a sparkling new, larger-than-life show on Dec. 29 with dates running through March 19.
On Feb.11, 2022, Five time Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan, lights up Las Vegas LIVE with his new residency for nine, unforgetable nights.
As the first integrated resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in over a decade, Resorts World Las Vegas seamlessly blends the technology and luxury appeal of an urban contemporary resort with the traditions and time-honored details of the international Resorts World brand.