River Rock Casino Resort
Photo Courtesy of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
Las Vegas and Reno aren’t the only players when it comes to gaming while you’re on vacation — there are a slew of unexpected spots that cater to those who like to gamble while still indulging in all the trappings of a traditional luxury hotel. Here are a few of our favorites.
MotorCity Casino Hotel, Photo Courtesy of Detroit Entertainment LLC
Detroit
This Midwest metropolis has spent years trying to rebuild, and MotorCity Casino Hotel certainly helps the cause when it comes to providing high-stakes entertainment. The 16-story property, which has nearly 3,000 slot machines and more than 50 table games, nods to Detroit’s vibrant history with music-related motifs and automobile paraphernalia.
Book the Sleep with the Band package and you’ll get an overnight stay and two tickets to a show (Cedric the Entertainer on September 17; Toni Braxton on October 12) at the intimate 1,500-seat Sound Board venue.
Vancouver
Travelers often visit Vancouver for the unparalleled outdoor adventures, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get in some gaming, too. Located in Richmond, a suburb of the city, the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended River Rock Casino Resort is British Columbia’s biggest casino, with 90,000 square feet of gaming space.
You can play seven different kinds of poker, take in a show, swim in the large saltwater indoor pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Opt for the latter with the Spa Package, which includes an overnight stay, a buffet breakfast, two massages and take-home spa gifts.
Upstate New York
Nestled between Albany and Rochester, the Four-Star Lodge at Turning Stone Resort Casino is the primo hotel within the expansive resort complex. While you can try your luck at the 120,000-square-foot casino stocked with all the requisite games (including bingo), you can also indulge in fine dining at the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Wildflowers at Turning Stone and a treatment at Skana Spa.
Golfers will want to take advantage of the Champion package, a deal available between September and October that includes three rounds of golf at three different courses, plus unlimited replays and a two-night stay.
Ho Tram Resort Casino Vietnam, Photo Courtesy of The Grand Ho Tram Strip
Vietnam
If one of Vegas’ hotels found itself in a lush tropical setting instead of the desert, then it might resemble something like Ho Tram Resort Casino Vietnam. This gambler’s paradise is located about 2.5 hours southeast of Ho Chi Minh City on the beach of the South China Sea.
The entertainment complex houses plenty of amenities (pools, restaurants, spa and golf) and a large casino with a private VIP gaming area for high rollers. Book the Poolside Cabana package for individualized pampering in between activities.
Washington
The majestic state of Washington has a couple of adventures for thrill-seekers, too. At the Spokane area’s Four-Star Northern Quest Resort & Casino, book the Rafting Adventure deal, which includes a three-hour white-water rafting excursion, an overnight stay and a $20 dining credit.
On the western side of the state, the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Tulalip Resort Casino (located about 40 minutes from Seattle) captures the essence of the region with the Culture of Tulalip package, a promotion packed with a $40 dining credit, tickets and transport to Hibulb Cultural Center, a $20 gaming credit and a Coast Salish (the local indigenous people) history or art book.
San Diego
About 30 minutes from San Diego sits Viejas Casino & Resort, an entertainment complex located on a 1,600-acre reservation. The resort offers many gaming- and entertainment-related promotions, but we’re partial to the Romance package stuffed with a $100 food and beverage credit, chocolate-covered strawberries, turndown service and a late checkout that will certainly come in handy after you’ve walked around a casino floor with more than 2,000 slot machines all night.
The Darling, Photo Courtesy of The Star Entertainment Group
Sydney, Australia
Casino gaming usually doesn’t come to mind when thinking of Sydney, but the Aussie city has The Darling, a supremely stylish resort that houses a booming casino and other high-end facilities, including an outdoor pool, a spa, fine-dining restaurants and luxury shops.
Top-notch onsite entertainment options include theatrical productions (Singin’ in the Rain, now playing), comedy shows (Guo Degang and Yu Qian, October 9) and music (Dionne Warwick, November 17).
Biloxi, Mississippi
You can combine a Gulf of Mexico beach getaway with a couple of nights at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi. When you’re not treading water at the swim-up bar in the hotel’s outdoor pool, hit the casino floor — there’s a blackjack tourney with a $100,000 prize on August 27.
The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, also in Biloxi, has a prime gulf-front location and all the amenities you’d expect from a major casino resort, including more than 2,100 slot machines and a 16-table poker room.
Use the Tom Fazio-designed golf course to let off some steam if things don’t go accordingly in Texas Hold’em.
The resort’s theater is a popular spot for catching famous acts. Upcoming shows include Vince Gill (September 22 to 23), Chubby Checker (October 1) and the Beach Boys (October 7 to 8).
