Odds Are, Groups Will Love These High-End Casino Resorts
Been there, done Vegas? It can't be denied: The neon-drenched Nevada city is the go-to for would-be thrill-seekers and high-rollers.
But if your group seeks more than just a casino getaway, consider these alternatives to Sin City. We've uncovered some of the most luxurious casino resorts in North America—hot spots that go well beyond the casino floor, with deluxe accommodations, fine dining, golf courses, spas, shopping, entertainment, outings, attractions and so much more.
Bet It All on Beau Rivage
Located on the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Beau Rivage—French for beautiful shores—is steeped in Southern charm. This waterfront casino was built in the image of the Bellagio and, though smaller than its Vegas strip counterpart, boasts Mississippi's tallest hotel. This AAA Four Diamond-awarded MGM resort features more than 1,000 larger-than-average guest rooms; 26,000 square feet of shopping; and a booming casino with slots, table games, a poker room, and a high-limit lounge. Also on-site are the Fallen Oak championship golf course and a European spa and health club.
Groups receive special treatment with covered parking and exclusive motorcoach check-in. Luggage is unloaded and brought to guests' rooms and gaming packages are distributed to each group member. A separate lobby for groups and motorcoaches creates a convenient, hassle-free way to gather. Beau Rivage will build special packaging for tour operators, involving side trips to New Orleans, Mobile, or Pensacola, as well as hub and spokes, shrimping, sailing, or antebellum home tours. Sunset and dinner cruises are also available.
Make a Play at Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun is an enterprise of the Mohegan tribe, or Wolf People, located near the Thames River in Uncasville, Connecticut. Nestled in the heart of New England, the casino resort is just a few hours' drive from New York City and Boston. The expansive space—named Best Casino Hotel for 2018 by the USA Today 10Best readers' choice awards—has it all: Situated on a 185-acre property with two hotel towers and 1,500-plus guestrooms and suites, it also offers a golf course, shopping mall, three entertainment venues with live concerts and sporting events, and two Indonesian-inspired lavish spas. With 48 dining options, Mohegan Sun has cuisine to delight every guest. Let's not forget: There are three casinos and 300,000 square feet of gaming!
The recently opened Aspire hotel offers an impressive VIP experience, with private check-in and elevator entry, butler service, and complimentary access to the Thirty Three premium food and beverage experience. Comix Mohegan Sun's comedy spot will soon expand to include Comix Roadhouse, a Texas-style bar and restaurant with live country music, mechanical bull riding and line dancing. Tour operators: Ask about bonus packages offered to motorcoach guests.
Place Your Wagers on Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Milwaukee-based Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, owned and operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community, is as much an entertainment destination as it is a gamers' mecca—it's even known as the Midwest's largest entertainment destination. Its top-of-the-line hotel features breathtaking views of the downtown skyline; Northern Lights Theater hosts headliners, up-and-coming acts, comedy shows and more. Bingo, off-track betting, slots, poker, table games and an elite Player's Club are all part of the Potawatomi Casino experience.
Groups will enjoy special packages like Reward Plays, food and beverage coupons, and upgraded packages for group hosts. There are pick-up and drop-off areas at the bus lobby and a lounge where groups can assemble after arrival, before departure, and for excursions into metropolitan Milwaukee, where more exciting activities await.
Spin Reels at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
In central Michigan, within the Isabella County Reservation, is the Saginaw Chippewa tribe's Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The casino features 500-seat bingo, 3,000-plus slots and more than 70 table games, plus a new high-stakes area and new poker and nonsmoking gaming rooms. The new Ascend sports bar features games all week long and live entertainment on weekends; big-name acts perform year-round in the newly remodeled entertainment hall. During summer, outdoor concerts are available.
Resort groups could enjoy a full-service salon and spa, 516-room hotel, indoor pool, and year-round outdoor Jacuzzi. Dining options range from casual to upscale. Visitors venturing into the surrounding area may experience golf courses galore and Ziibiwing Center, highlighting the history and culture of the Saginaw Chippewa and other Great Lakes Anishinabek tribes. Soaring Eagle offers group incentive packages for day trips and overnight stays.
Cash in at Caesars Windsor
Situated on the Canadian side of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, with sweeping views of the river and downtown Detroit's city lights, is Caesars Windsor. This AAA Four Diamond-awarded resort houses the 20-plus-floor Forum and Augustus towers with 758 well-appointed guestrooms. A full-service spa, indoor pool, boutique shopping, entertainment and live music, a restaurant and nightclub, and two floors of gaming with slots, gaming tables and more round out the venue.
It's a quick drive into the United States, where more restaurants and activities abound, among them Detroit Tigers baseball, Lions football, Pistons basketball, and Redwings hockey games. On the Windsor side are museums, gardens, art galleries and historic landmarks for groups to explore.
Raise the Stakes at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Seneca Niagara Casino is a favorite not simply for its many amenities, but also for its stunning setting on the Niagara River and its proximity to perennially popular Niagara Falls. With 147,000 square feet of gaming space—including more than 3,600 slot machines, 90 table games, Keno and live poker—it's a must for avid gamers.
On site there's a 604-room, Four Diamond-rated hotel; eight shops; 10 restaurants, spanning the spectrum from fine dining to on-the-go; and a full-service spa and salon. You'll also find plenty of entertainment at this prime performance destination, along with an exhilarating nightlife scene. Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino sweetens the deal by offering appealing packages for charter and overnight groups.
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Beau Rivage.
