Winter Wonderlands in Casino
Amazing deals & destinations await you as we head toward the New Year in a Casino
The holiday season is nearly upon us, and for many Casino Player readers this is the perfect time of the year to head out and enjoy a well-deserved getaway. (And let’s face it: unless you’re a billionaire banking executive, 2010 is a year that many of us are ready to put to bed).
If you want to get a jumpstart on 2011 and enjoy some of the very best casinos, discounts and amenities that the industry has to offer, take a look at the following properties. And if you happen to live in a cold-weather winter climate, this roundup contains some destinations that are guaranteed to make your friends and neighbors extremely envious.
Island Style
For starters, consider planning a trip to the laidback, sun-splashed Caribbean. The cozy Royal Beach Casino at the St Kitts Marriott Resort, at 35,000 square feet, is the largest Las Vegas-style casino in the whole region. It offers popular favorites such as blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, Let it Ride and baccarat. Along with these live games, the casino offers Poker Pro Texas Hold’em tables and electronic roulette.
In all, the Royal Beach Casino offers over 25 live table games with limits ranging from $10 to $5,000—along with more than 350 slot machines, with denominations ranging from a penny to $50.
Sports fans won’t want to miss the action at Royal Beach Casino’s Race & Sports Book. This book offers wagering on all major sporting events including live simulcasts from U.S. racetracks. You can bet on your favorite sporting events and live races while relaxing in the sports bar and watching all the action on 12 large-screen TVs.
Rooms With A View
The long-awaited boutique hotel at Valley View Casino in Valley Center, CA is scheduled to open on November 19, and we can’t wait to book a trip. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the picturesque Palomar Mountain range, this upscale adults-only hotel features 96 deluxe rooms and 12 luxury suites and is an easy drive from anywhere in Southern California.
Deluxe rooms feature stunning views of the mountains, as well as luxurious platform beds dressed with 300 thread count sheets and plush bedding; a spacious sitting area; 42” high-definition TVs; imported marble and granite floors; dual vanity mirrors; and separate enclosed showers.
Meanwhile, the Luxury Suites live up to their name with 1,050 square feet of living space. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The bedrooms features plush platform king beds and a 52” HD TV, while the separate living rooms features a second 52” TV, fold out sofa bed, coffee table, sitting table, personal refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave, free wireless hi-speed internet access and more.
We also love Valley View because they pile on the perks. A daily complimentary poolside breakfast is included for hotel guests, and the rooms come stocked with free bottled water. Additionally, Valley View does not charge any taxes or resort fees, and overnight valet and garage parking is always free.
If you love to eat as much as we do, the buffet at Valley View Casino is going to knock your socks off. Consistently named “Best Buffet” by readers of Casino Player and Strictly Slots in their annual “Best Of” polls, The Buffet features over 200 menu items including carved New York strip, Mexican, Asian and Italian cuisine, as well as endless decadent desserts. Go for dinner and you’ll find over 30 feet of fresh seafood including all-you-can-eat steamed Maine lobster, Alaskan King crab legs, jumbo shrimp, fresh rolled sushi, and much more. (And here’s the best part: join the Players Club, and your first buffet is absolutely free!)
It gets better. Ever wonder what you’d do with a million bucks? Thanks to Valley View Casino’s $1,000,000 Colossal Coin jackpot, you can have the chance to find out. This exciting “mystery jackpot” can hit at anytime, on any slot machine, as the total climbs towards a cool million. Be sure to use your players card every time you play any of the 2,000 slot machines in the casino, and if your spin sets off the Colossal Coin Jackpot, you win it all—in one big, fat lump sum. Plus, everyone playing when the jackpot hits scores $25 in free slot play.
For full details, stop by the players club booth. And for more information about Valley View Casino & Hotel, or to book your reservation, visit ValleyViewCasino.com or call (760) 291-5500.
Eagles, Birdies and Playboy Bunnies at Palm Springs
In famous Palms Springs—where Frank Sinatra once went to get away from it all—Fantasy Springs Resort Casino kicks off its fourth annual Playboy Golf Scramble, Nov. 12 & 13, at Eagle Falls Golf Course. Lucky golfers have the chance to play in this exciting event and take part in a scramble-format tournament featuring six beautiful Playboy Playmates, 40 Girls of Playboy Golf, and numerous celebrity golfers.
For a $5,000 entry fee per foursome, players receive exclusive access to the Friday night hors d’oeuvres and cocktail pairings party inside the resort’s newest ultra lounge, LIT, where they’ll also mix and mingle with the Playboy Playmates and celebrities. The following morning, the tournament tees off at 10 a.m. To wrap up the night, players are invited to the Awards Banquet, featuring more prize giveaways, inside the property’s picturesque 12th floor lounge.
To top it off, four golfers from the Playboy Golf Scramble will be randomly selected to win an entry into the Playboy Golf National Finals, to be held in March 2011 in Los Angeles. The entry fee also includes luxury hotel accommodations. To sign up for one of the tournament spots, call (800) 827-2946.
Also, throughout the winter, Fantasy Springs is offering the “ultimate golf getaway” with its Stay and Play Eagle Falls Golf Course package. Starting at $109 per night, Monday through Thursday ($159 per night Friday through Sunday, not including taxes and fees), the package includes overnight accommodations for two, a round of golf for one, and $20 in free slot play.
In addition to sunshine and golf, Santa will be riding in style this holiday season during “Santa’s Ultimate Sleigh Cash & Prize Giveaway,” which means one lucky player will drive home in a 2011 BMW 328i Convertible on Dec. 11. Just swipe your Fantasy Rewards club card at designated kiosks Sundays through Thursdays. Entrants must be present at the casino to participate in that night’s qualifier drawings. Four contestants will be chosen each hour between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Each qualifying player will choose a wrapped gift; one gift contains $1,000 free slot play, another contains $500 free slot play, and you can also score a ticket to play for a brand-new BMW.
Those who are chosen to compete for the BMW will return on Dec. 11 to see if they win the ultimate “Santa’s Sleigh.” Those who don’t drive home in the new Beamer will receive $1,000 in free slot play.
For more information or to make a reservation, call (800) 827-2946 or log onto www.FantasySpringsResort.com.
Holiday Magic At Tropicana Atlantic City
More holiday magic is in the air as the Tropicana hosts its sixth annual Holiday Spectacular inside The Quarter, its gigantic entertainment, retail and dining complex. In addition to the indoor snow, carolers, and a 25-foot tree in the center of it all, there will be a holiday musical light show running every hour—from noon to 10 p.m. during the week, and noon to midnight on Fridays and weekends. This free light show will combine interactive lights with an inspiring array of beloved holiday musical selections, from jazz to rock to international favorites.
The winter wonderland created in The Quarter isn’t the only holiday event going on at the Tropicana this holiday season. Guests can pick up two tickets to see Happy Holidays—A Magical Celebration as part of the Tropicana’s Holiday Room Package. For $82, the package also includes overnight accommodations, Sunday through Thursday, in a standard room with a 1 p.m. late check out and two coffees and two pastries at Starbucks.
On Dec. 11, hundreds of Santas will grab their sneakers and take part in the Trop’s 3rd Annual Running of the Santas. This event has become one of Atlantic City’s signature holiday events—with hundreds of Santas gathering to celebrate the holidays and take part in the traditional “run” which starts on the Boardwalk and ends in The Quarter. In addition to drink and food specials, A Dam Good Sports Bar will host the Sexy Santa Contest. This event features prizes for first, second and third place. Tropicana will also offer a special room package for Dec. 11 at a rate of $125 (use code TSANTA0). Tickets for Running of the Santas are only $10 if purchased by Nov. 30, $15 if purchased by Dec. 10, and $20 on the day of the event.
Tickets can be purchased through www.runningofthesantas.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which is working to find a cure for childhood cancer.
What are the holidays without a wish list? Well, there’s no better way to get everything you need than earning EZ Holiday Dollars from Tropicana. Through Nov. 28, Diamond Club members will have the chance to earn up to $2,000 in EZ Holiday Dollars that can be redeemed Dec. 1–24 in the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues at Tropicana. Plus, any Diamond Club member who earns 7,000 points can receive them for an additional $500.
The Trop’s entertainment lineup is packed this season. For Harry Potter fans, IMAX has a special showing of “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” (Part One), Nov. 19 through Dec. 16. Rock star Brett Michaels’ “Custom Built” Tour takes the stage Nov. 26; Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat XXXIII Championship Mixed Martial Arts is on Dec. 3; and you can enjoy an evening with 80s pop legend Cyndi Lauper on Dec. 10. For more information, visit www.tropicana.net.
Believe In Miracles At Harrah’s New Orleans
Come experience a white Christmas this holiday season on historic Fulton Street, right in the heart of New Orleans. Periodic “snowfalls,” dazzling lights, and decorations will transform the street into a winter wonderland. One of the city’s newest holiday traditions, “Miracle On Fulton Street,” brings the magic of the season alive in true New Orleans fashion. Visit with Santa and his reindeer, sip hot chocolate or spiced apple cider, and sample the traditional holiday menus offered by Fulton Street restaurants. You can visit Santa’s Shop and take home some official “Miracle On Fulton Street” memorabilia, along with a photo with Santa and yourself.
“Miracle on Fulton Street,” the holiday attraction based in the heart of downtown New Orleans, will bring the magic of the season alive for locals and visitors of all ages. This free event is open to the public, Nov. 28 through Jan. 4. For more information, visit www.harrahsneworleans.com.
One-Of-A-Kind Holiday Excitement At Reno’s Peppermill
If you want to immerse yourself in a glorious fantasy world (and hopefully win a bunch of money while you’re at it), check out the Peppermill in Reno.
Once you step foot inside of this amazingly unique property you’ll understand why this Reno, NV hotel-casino always scores tons of awards in our “Best Of Gaming” issue. This extravagant Tuscan-themed casino-hotel caters to all of your senses in an opulent, dream-like setting. It invites you to let go of your inhibitions, leave the outside world behind, and dive into the splendor of Reno’s most imaginative—and popular—resort.
If you haven’t visited recently, you’ll be amazed by the Peppermill’s incredible $400 million expansion—which has added new rooms, restaurants and a glorious spa. The three-story, 43,000-square-foot Spa & Salon Toscana promises to fulfill the true definition of the word “spa”—which is an acronym for Sanitas Per Aquam, or “health through water.”
Designed to celebrate the ancient baths of Roman times, this spa’s Tuscan architecture features mosaic-covered floors; gorgeous fountains and water features; and a stunning Caldarium that includes an indoor pool, a sun deck, cascading water features, soothing baths and a secret garden. Its 24 treatment rooms offer massages, facials, Vichy therapy, and some of the most innovative and rejuvenating treatments available anywhere.
Spa Toscana is offering a sampling of its packages, now through Dec. 24, through its website. The “Renew and Relax” package includes overnight accommodations in a deluxe tower room and a 50-minute Tuscan Ritual. Or you can try “Wine Down,” which invites you to envision a stroll through a vineyard on a warm Tuscan day. This package includes deluxe overnight accommodations and an 80-minute Vino Therapy Facial. And last, but certainly not least, “Time For You” includes overnight accommodations and a day pass to the spa, which will truly take your next casino visit to a new level of relaxation.
But don’t think that all of these lavish amenities have changed the Peppermill’s famously friendly setting, or its focus on rewarding loyal players. The casino’s Passport Players Card offers loads of comps that can be redeemed in all of the property’s ten restaurants, or to get free luxury hotel rooms, suites, or tickets to see major entertainers. As for promotions, some of the current favorites are “PepperMillions”—where more than $150,000 will be given away, plus a 2010 Mercedes Benz. The Peppermill is also serving up the $1,000,000 Mr. Money Free Play game, where guests play online daily for a chance to compete and win a share of a million bucks in free play.
Check www.peppermillreno.com for more information.
Elsewhere In the Silver State…
The Resorts At Wendover
In Wendover, Nevada, the Rainbow, Peppermill and Montego Bay resorts provide guests with terrific dining options, plenty of live gaming action, comfortable accommodations, and world-class entertainment at the Peppermill Concert Hall. This $21 million venue invites you to enjoy an intimate concert experience with some of the biggest names in music and comedy. None of its 1,000 seats are more than 90 feet from the stage, which has hosted performances by Willie Nelson, Jay Leno, Vince Gill and ZZ Top. Upcoming shows include Scott Stapp of Creed (Nov. 13); Rodney Carrington (Dec. 4); and Dana Carvey (Dec. 18).
Players at these Wendover resorts can participate in a $3,000 slot tournament every Tuesday this month, as well as free Bingo tournaments (handing out $6,000 per day) on November 14 and 15.
Western Village Casino
Meanwhile, east of Reno in Sparks, Nevada, Western Village Casino offers a warm environment that welcomes locals and out-of-towners alike. Four delicious restaurants are on the premises, including the Steakhouse, Pancho & Willies, Marina Café and the Sports Deli. The gaming action stays hot throughout the winter due to variety of promotions designed for members of its Passport Club. Rack up points by playing your favorite games, and you can earn drawing tickets that can win you cash—or, a brand-new Audi A3. The grand finale cash and car drawings will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
Rollin’ On The Colorado River
Located just 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin, NV is a one-of-a-kind resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Located on the banks of the spectacular Colorado River, sunny skies prevail here 300-plus days a year with an average temperature of 75.4 degrees—which means ideal weather for snowbirds who come to take advantage of the city’s multitude of outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for a premiere gaming resort without a big-time price tag, check out Harrah’s Laughlin, which offers guests a superior vacation value with truly excellent customer service. With its full-service resort and round-the-clock casino gaming, guests can go for the slot jackpots (or a big win at the tables) while taking advantage of some fantastic seasonal “stay and play” packages.
Golfers should surf over to www.harrahslaughlin.com and investigate the packages offered through the Harrah’s Laughlin website. For as little as $40 per night, you can grab a two night stay plus a round of golf (including cart rental) at the course of your choice— Desert Lakes Golf Course, or Laughlin Ranch Golf Club.
Meanwhile, through December 29, the Laughlin’s Best Value Package invites you to enjoy a beautiful room at Harrah’s Laughlin and a 2-for-1 buffet for only $25 per night. (Any way you slice it, that’s a heck of a winter bargain!) For more information, visit www.harrahslaughlin.com.
Winter Wonderlands in Casino.
