The Western U.S. has no shortage of superb Native American gaming resorts that can bring Vegas-style flair to any event. And while substantial casino offerings might be a big draw for these unique properties, what’s equally appealing to planners and groups is the wealth of diversions, activities and event spaces that add up to a well-rounded meeting.
Here’s a look at nine top Native American casino resorts in the West, and how they’ve upped the ante for group fun that goes above and beyond knowing when to hold ’em.
Pala Casino Resort and Spa, Pala, Calif.
Within striking distance of several of Southern California’s premiere golf courses and famed wineries, Pala Casino Resort and Spa offers its guests top-destination appeal along with the bells and whistles they’d expect at a premiere stand-alone resort property.
“From a casino/resort standpoint, we offer guests excellent entertainment opportunities, both gaming and non-gaming,” says Alonzo DiCarlo, director of sales and catering for the resort.
The property has an adjoining nature trail where guests can take a stroll through the unspoiled natural surroundings. Or, for the more adventurous crowd, there’s the Pala Raceway about a mile from the casino.
In 2009, a $100 million renovation and expansion was completed at Pala, which included expanded floor space, new restaurant options, additional parking and a complete renovation of all meeting and lodging spaces. And, according to DiCarlo, expansion and improvement of guest experience is always ongoing at Pala. “For business groups, we like to welcome VIPs with customized amenities like special wines, craft beers, gluten-free desserts, flowers or imported chocolates.”
Thunder Valley Casino and Resort, Lincoln, Calif.
Renovation has been the theme at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort. With a hotel that’s only four years old plus several planned expansions, such as further lodging additions at the hotel by the end of next year and an expansion of the outdoor dining and event space, Thunder Valley’s offerings can only grow with the property. Nestled in the Sierra Foothills only about a 15-minute drive from the resort—about two hours from Tahoe—is the property’s Whitney Oaks Golf Club, which has also recently undergone a complete renovation and includes facilities large enough to host banquets. Or, for even larger groups, the resort’s nearly 10,000 square feet of flex space in Pano Hall can be molded to fit anything from a meet-and-greet banquet to an orchestrated trade show with several separate booths and speakers.
“For guests who’ve never been to the property, it will be very memorable, from the service to the hotel room,” says Sandra Cortez, catering sales manager for Thunder Valley Casino and Resort. PageBreak
Casino Del Sol Resort, Tucson, Ariz.
Word has been spreading about Casino Del Sol Resort since its opening in November, 2011, according to Kim van Amburg, the resort’s senior vice president. And things just keep getting better, too. In 2013, Casino Del Sol Resort became the first casino resort in Tucson’s history to receive the Forbes Four Star Travel Guide Award, and the first in Arizona to be added to the AAA Four Diamond List for that year. Casino Del Sol has no shortage of F&B options, either, including Tequila Factory, which has more than 120 varieties of tequila available, plus a dinner menu chock-full of Latin favorites. Perhaps one of the resort’s biggest lures for meeting planners is its flexibility as an independent property.
“We see a lot of meeting planners interested in negotiating commission for a lower rate, meeting room rental or audiovisual concessions. When you’re with an independent property like this as opposed to a franchised property, you have that flexibility,” says Kim van Amburg, senior vice president of Casino Del Sol Resort.
Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale, Ariz.
As one of the newest properties in the rapidly expanding Scottsdale area, Talking Stick serves as an excellent visitors’ hub. Along with the expansive property’s usual offerings, which include gaming, lodging and restaurant options, Talking Stick has a nightclub, sports bar and a spa with a balcony that overlooks the property’s golf course. And at the top of the hotel is the Orange Sky Restaurant, which according to Michael Maggart, director of sales at the resort, is something truly special.
“Orange Sky is can’t-miss—a great place to have a cocktail, and the sunsets are amazing,” Maggart says.
Currently, the resort is undergoing a renovation to its outdoor space that includes a new 4,000-seat performance venue and upgrades to their pool area, both of which should be ready for the hot summer in the Southwest. Pool events, according to Maggart, have been extremely popular in the past, especially given the desert weather patterns.
Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip, Wash.
While it’s another relatively young property on the scene at only five years old, Tulalip Resort Casino has seen expansion not unlike that of larger and more well-established properties. The recent opening of two new restaurants and a new lounge are only starters, as the coming years should see more expansion of the Four Diamond property.
“The destination will continue to grow. One thing that keeps happening here on the Tulalip Reservation is there is always new shopping and new enterprise,” says Donna Cappa, director of sales and operations for Tulalip Resort Casino. “If there was such a thing as tribal chic, I think we’d have it.”
According to Cappa, one of the major draws of the venue is that it’s far enough away from urban settings—40 miles north of Seattle—that visitors feel as though they’re “getting out,” but there is still plenty to do without having to worry about shuttling visitors around too much. Tulalip is situated on one end of Washington’s 400-mile Cascade Loop, a driving route traversing some of the state’s most awe-inspiring natural draws. “For us, it’s convincing someone to come out of the city and take a look; once you’re here and you can see it, it really is amazing,” Cappa says. PageBreak
Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton, Wash.
Just 15 years ago, Little Creek Casino Resort was a minor gaming destination in a small town on Puget Sound. Today, it offers a full-fledged casino facility, several dining choices, 190 guest rooms, an events center and much more.
“It has a little bit of everything for everyone—it just feels comfortable,” says Michael Bonakdar, Little Creek Casino Resort’s marketing director. “There’s so much beauty out here that people can wander off for at least a couple of hours during a visit.”
Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort, Worley, Idaho
Straddling the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort is a destination blending the glitz of Vegas with the serenity of nature.
With a spa that includes a new wing along with 10 new treatment rooms, plus approximately 15,000 square feet of renovated meeting and lodging space, the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort offers the usual meeting fare, but also offers two new restaurants and a world-class golf course that's been named one of the top 100 in America and No.1 in Idaho.
“The spa is a must-see, as is the Circling Raven Golf Club,” says Amanda Weinclaw, principal sales manager of hotel sales and catering for the property. But the best overall draw, according to Weinclaw, is that “you’re neck-and-neck with nature.”
Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, N.M.
Fresh off the heels of a complete remodel, Isleta Resort & Casino’s appeal is growing both for repeat visitors and new ones.
“We continue to add to the experience that will evoke curiosity from all. From our newly added ‘live keno’ experience, new and exciting slots, to bowling, laser tag and a round of golf with views to relax and invigorate, we truly have it all,” says Pam Gallegos, CEO of Isleta Resort & Casino. In addition to gaming, golf—it’s home to a 27-hole course—and spa amenities, the resort is nestled in New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains and is only about 30 minutes from skiing, hiking and “New Mexican cuisine unlike anything your taste buds have ever experienced,” Gallegos says. Just north of the resort-proper is its Fun Connection complex, which offers groups carefree ways to unwind—from bowling and billiards to laser tag and arcade games.
Inn of the Mountain Gods, Mescalero, N.M.
A snazzy resort set against a backdrop of forested hills, the Inn of the Mountain Gods is ideal for getting away from it all without leaving it all behind.
The 273-room property offers a modern casino, 40,000 square feet of event space and diversions that include skeet-shooting, horseback riding, fishing, big-game hunting and an acclaimed 18-hole golf course. Foodies will appreciate the four dining options, and a lively sports bar also adds to the allure.
