52 Indian Gaming July 2011

Owned by the Kootenai Tribe ofIdaho, the Best Western Plus KootenaiRiver Inn Casino and Spa employs 170people in a scenic setting on the banksof the Kootenai River. The hotel hasreceived a series of BestWestern Direc-tor’s Awards, handed out annually basedon the highest quality standards. “We’reproud of our staff and our community,”said General Manager Tom Turpin.The facility is managed by theHagadone Hospitality Co., based inCoeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The hotel opened in 1986 as thebeginning of an economic resurgencefor the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. In2005, tribal members held a specialceremony to unveil a stunning renova-tion that transformed the facility. Thenew interior offers tribute to the historyof the Kootenai people, using river rock

and flowing water. Thanksto the success of this pro-ject, tribal students go on tohigher education and careerpursuits. The tribe alsomakes significant contribu-tions to regional education,community projects, fishrecovery and economicrevitalization.

Every guest room has aprivate balcony overlook-ing the Kootenai River,while plush beds and finefurnishings make a mar-velous retreat. Visitors can

also enjoy the Jacuzzi Suites or deluxeThree Moons Suite on request. SpringsRestaurant serves breakfast, lunch anddinner at the river’s edge. In the SpringsLounge, guests can relax and refresh

next to the big fireplace with river views.Amenities include an indoor

swimming pool and recreation centerwith Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, aswell as an outdoor sun deck andbanquet and meeting rooms for specialevents. The Kootenai Spa was designedby famed spa architect TAG Galyean,and includes two of his luxuriousflow-through tubs. The spa offers a fullmenu of massage, bodywork, aromather-apy, facials, hair services, manicures,pedicures and makeup, as well as sooth-ing hydrotherapy treatments.

www.kootenairiverinn.com

Year Hotel Opened: 1986Number of Rooms: 65 (3 suites)

Hotels in Indian CountryFrom luxuriously appointed rooms to spas and fine-dining restaurants, hotels have givenguests a host of new reasons to visit Native properties. In Part VI of this series, we look atnine hotels in Indian Country…

Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino & SpaKootenai Casino – Bonners Ferry, ID

July 2011 Indian Gaming 53

The Hotel at Jackson RancheriaCasino offers a truly Rancheria Style®experience with all the comfort you’dexpect along with exceptional service.Nestled in the rolling Sierra Foothillsof California, the newly renovated3-Diamond, 3-Star hotel offers 86 deluxerooms and suites conveniently locatednext to the casino.

Guests can refresh in the outdoorheated pool or soak in one of the hottubs. Dreamcatcher’s Club® memberscan enjoy a complimentary 15 minuteseated massage seven days a week. Fullbody massage also available. Hotelamenities include 24 hour front desk,

bell and valet assistance, complimentaryWi-Fi service, newspaper, luxury trans-portation, and wake-up calls. Guestsalso have access to the state-of-the-artbusiness center, which offers multiplework stations, fax/copy machine andup to date stock market information.

Coming this summer is a new Bistroat the Hotel, offering great hot and coldcoffee drinks as well as fresh pastries,salads and sandwiches. At the Minor'sCamp Arcade, there’s video fun for theentire family. Step inside, and step intoa safe world of adventure and fun. All kidsunder 18 get a free hot dog and bag ofpopcorn while they play. The newlyrenovated banquet and conference

center is now taking bookings starting inSeptember. Whatever size your event,from a small group to a large gathering,JacksonRancheria canmake it all happen.

The airy deluxe rooms have one kingor two queen beds, full length mirrors,desk, refrigerator, and a large luxurybathroom. Guests can step outside andenjoy the view from their privatebalcony. They can also upgrade to a

junior suite and enjoy a larger roomwith granite countertops, a fireplace,kitchenette, desk, wet bar, Jacuzzi tub,pillow-top king bed, bathrobe andcomplimentary suite of Bath & BodyWorks products. The largest and moststylish suites mix Tuscan flair with theultimate in luxury. Each suite includesseparate living and bedrooms plus apowder room for your guests.

Jackson Rancheria HotelJackson Rancheria Casino – Jackson, CA

www.jacksoncasino.com

Year Hotel Opened: 1996Number of Rooms: 86 (9 suites)

54 Indian Gaming July 2011

Nestled atop the Minnesota RiverValley, Prairie’s Edge Casino Resortprovides guests an escape from theirdaily lives. The staff strives to provideguests clean, comfortable and spaciousrooms that stand out above the rest.Also, the staff strives to meet the needsof guests by paying attention to detail through exceptionalguest service.

Each room offers guests all the comforts of home rightdown to the solid granite vanities. Whether guests stay in a

standard room or a suite, the staff makes the guest experienceone that will not be forgotten. The hotel provides guests witha tranquil pool area including a whirlpool, wading pool,sauna and exercise room. The tranquil indoor pool area also

includes a wading pool, hot tub, a sauna andfitness center.

The over 160 luxurious rooms and suites includesix whirlpool suites, two suites overlooking theriver valley, and four poolside rooms. Guests canalso stay connected with the wireless Internetaccess available in every room. Additionally, the 70rooms in the hotel’s brand-new wing, which wasadded this past May, are entirely non-smoking.

Other amenities include a casino with dedicatedsmoking and non-smoking areas, MeadowsBuffet, Firefly Lounge, Wotapi Deli, a highlyrated RV Park, entertainment and over 20,000 sq.ft. of convention and meeting space.

Prairie’s Edge Casino ResortGranite Falls, MN

www.prairiesedgecasino.com

Year Hotel Opened: 2003(New Addition: May, 2011)Number of Rooms: 160 (8 suites)

July 2011 Indian Gaming 55

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is aAAA FourDiamond resort that has morethan just slots, table games, poker, bingo,and keno. This luxurious resort offers funfor the entire family. It features a 2,400sq. ft. "free form" pool adorned with ahalf million Italian glass tiles and under-water music. Kick back and relax in thelarge outdoor covered Jacuzzi. Balanceyour mind, body and spirit with alittle help from the elements at SoaringEagle's full service spa. There are many

dining options available including theSiniikaung Steak and Chop House,Isabella’s, which offers Italian Cuisine,and all you can eat at the Firefly Buffet.Also, the youngest members of thefamily will find a favorite place to visit inSoaring Eagle with Kids Quest whichprovides an entertainment experiencein a safe, clean, supervised setting perfectfor children six weeks to 12 years old.Children will bounce, balance and beamwith smiles!

To create a unique experience witheach stay, a variety of accommodationsare available. Guests can choose a uniqueparlor room or a one-bedroom suite.

You can snuggle by the fireplace or sharea toast at the wet bar. Soaring Eagle'srooms have been designed to create amemorable experience: terra cottaterrazzo flooring, hallways with importedIrish carpeting, customwall coverings insubtle shadings, solid brass fixtures,original stained glass artwork and cherrywoodwork hand carved in NewMexico. Premium Suites feature KingBed Accommodations, In-Room Jacuzzi,Sitting Area and Fireplace. SuperiorRooms feature King Bed Accommoda-tions, In-Room Antique Pedestal Tuband Fireplace. Deluxe Jacuzzi Roomsfeature King or Double Queen Bed

Accommodations and an in-RoomJacuzzi. Deluxe Fireplace Roomsfeature King Bed Accommodations withFireplace. Patio or Balcony options areavailable for the First Class Roomsfeaturing King or Double Queen BedAccommodations. Turn down service isprovided for all rooms.

Soaring Eagle Casino & ResortMount Pleasant, MI

www.soaringeaglecasino.com

Year Hotel Opened: 1999Number of Rooms: 514 (18 suites)

56 Indian Gaming July 2011

Located in the heart of Wisconsin’slake-filled Northwoods, the St. CroixCasino Danbury Hotel is a small hotelwith big resort features. Fully integratedinto the casino, this entertainmentdestination is owned and operated by theSt. Croix Chippewa Indians ofWisconsin.The stylish organic structure offers amodern take on the “up north” look. Warm earth tones in

carpets, textiles, and wall coverings patterned on the naturalworld, and contemporary landscape artwork create a relaxingmood for guests.

The hotel features a convention center, 24-hour fitnesscenter and indoor pool with hot tub. All rooms providekitchenettes with microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers,ironing boards with irons, hairdryers, free wireless Internetaccess, and flatscreen TVs. Additional amenities in the sevenjunior suites include sleeper sofas in the living area, dining areas,desks, walk in showers, and wet bars. Guests may relax inJacuzzi tubs, separate living areas, or while watching either oftwo 50-inch flatscreen TVs in the four high roller suites. Theoutstanding two-level executive suites boast floor to ceiling viewsof forest or the charming small town of Danbury. The loftbedrooms with Jacuzzi tub and fireplace overlook extensiveliving, dining, kitchenette, and wet bar areas in the lowerlevel. Both levels include full baths. In-room complimentary

breakfasts are part of the executive suite experience. All hotelrooms are an elevator ride away from the gaming floor, threedining venues, and entertainment lounge/bar.

The hotel’s event center offers banquet service, a dance floor,sectional stage, cordless microphones, a zoned sound system,and full presentation capabilities. St. Croix CasinoDanbury alsooffers nearby accommodations in its western themed St.Croix Lodge. Eight suites feature full kitchenettes. Guests areinvited to relax around the Lodge’s indoor pool or breakfastroom, where complimentary continental breakfasts are offereddaily.

Guests who like to rough it are welcomed to the casino’sadjacent 45 site RV/tent campground that winds along theforested clear waters of the Yellow River. Campgroundfacilities include showers, laundry, and shuttle service to thecasino. St. Croix Casino Danbury provides a wide range ofhospitality options to satisfy everyone visiting the area forgaming and four season outdoor recreation.

St. Croix Casino Danbury Hotel & St. Croix LodgeSt. Croix Casino Danbury – Danbury, WI

www.danbury.stcroixcasino.com

St.Croix Casino Danbury HotelYear Hotel Opened: 2010Number of Rooms: 47 (13 suites)

St.Croix LodgeYear Lodge Opened: 1994Number of Rooms: 45 (8 suites)

July 2011 Indian Gaming 57

The new hotel at Thunder ValleyCasino Resort in Lincoln, CA is unlikeanything else in Northern California.Owned and operated by the UnitedAuburn Indian Community, the 297-room, 17-story hotel features 40 suitesincluding four 2,140 sq. ft. Beaujolaissuites. The Beaujolais suites offer guestsevery amenity including a state-of-the-art bathroom featuring a dry/wet sauna,two of the suite’s 10 flat screen TVsembedded in the mirror and bathtub,computerized bidet and a ceiling-filled jetted bathtub.Guests can also enjoy the Beaujolais suites’ butler kitchen,

custom-shaved carpets, plus pool table, personal exercise room,dining room and massage suite options.

All rooms feature wireless Internet and VoIP phones, flatscreen TVs, desktop work areas, 320-thread-count sheets,goose-down blankets and pillows, and European spa/showers.Each guest also receives a welcome call from the hotel conciergetending to their every need. From the moment they enter theornate lobby all guests receive and appreciate the VIPtreatment they experience at Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

Hotel guests enjoy spending the warm Northern Californiasummer days down by the pool and hot tub surrounded by 10private cabanas and the Coconut poolside bar. The expertbartenders at the Coconut bar offer mixed drinks and

handcrafted cocktails to all of the guests relaxing in thepool’s chaise lounge chairs.

Hotel guests can also have access to the 12,000 sq. ft. spaand 24-hour health club. The Spa at Thunder Valley featuresa variety of treatments including facials, massage therapy,pedicures, manicures, Lomi Lomi, deep tissue, hot stone andthe signature 24 ct gold leaf facial. The Spa creates a specialexperience for each guest with special offers like the Martiniand Manicure for $20, which allows guests to enjoy theirmartini of choice while receiving a perfect manicure.

Hotel guests can choose from several special hotel packagesthat bundle their favorite activities into one convenientpackage including Sweet Romance, Stay & Play, SpaTranquility and, during the summer months, the HotelConcert Package. Each summer Thunder Valley CasinoResorts opens its 3,500-seat amphitheater and brings in thebiggest names in entertainment. The 2011 Summer ConcertSeries includes award winning talent such as the Beach Boys,the Fray, Chicago and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Between the pool, spa and health club and the variety ofentertainment options, there is something for everyone atThunder Valley Casino Resort.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort HotelThunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, CA

www.thundervalleyresort.com

Year Hotel Opened: 2010Number of Rooms: 297 (40 suites)

58 Indian Gaming July 2011

Valley View Casino & Hotel isSouthern California’s premier gamingdestination at the best value. Whetherstaying in a deluxe room or a luxurysuite, guests will feel like winners beforethey even check-in. Exciting perks makeevery hotel stay special. A complimen-tary poolside breakfast is included dailyfor hotel guests, and the rooms comestocked with complimentary bottledwater. Additionally, Valley View Casino& Hotel does not charge any taxes orresort fees, and overnight valet and garageparking is always free. All rooms also

feature floor to ceiling windows and free high-speed Internet.Valley View’s Deluxe rooms feature 520 sq. ft. of comfort.Witha luxurious platform bed, 300-count sheets, 42” HDTV, a sit-ting area, imported marble and granite floors and counters it’llbe hard not to feel like a high-roller. The Luxury suites areperfect for relaxing in style and comfort. The 1,050 sq. ft., one-bedroom suites feature an oversized bedroom, a separateextended living room area including a sofa, coffee table, 52”HD TV, personal refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker andmuch more. And the luxury doesn’t end when guests step out-side of their room. They can take a dip in the infinity pool over-looking the vast Palomar mountain range, indulge in one of

Valley View’s seven delicious dining venues, take a spin on theirfavorite slotmachine – there’s 2,000 to choose from – or try theirluck at any of the 26 Vegas-style table games. Plus, Valley ViewCasino&Hotel is an adults-only playgroundwith a 21 and olderpolicy meaning guests truly get to relax and get away from it all.

Valley View Casino & HotelValley Center, CA

www.valleyviewcasino.com

Year Hotel Opened: 2001Number of Rooms: 96 (12 suites)

July 2011 Indian Gaming 59

In September of 2011, WildhorseResort and Casino will open a luxuri-ous 10-story hotel featuring spaciousrooms and deluxe suites. Guests canenjoy picturesque views of the BlueMountains through floor-to-ceilingwindows, wet bars and HDTV’s inthe comfort of their lavish room. The

building will also house retail space,meeting space, a fitness center, theWildRoast Coffee Bar, and a large indoorswimming pool.

“We want the new property to be abeacon so there's a sense of arrival whenyou get here," said Wildhorse CEO,Gary George. "When you come downoff of the Blue Mountains or travel westdown I-84, we want you to see the prop-erty and know that you have arrived."

The $45 million project will alsofeature an expanded gaming floor andfour screen movie theatre. Over 20,000sq. ft. of gaming space will also be addedto the casino floor along with 400additional slot machines. The four

screen theatre will be open365 days a year, and one ofthe four screens will be a3D theatre. The Children’sEntertainment Center andArcade will also be super-sized and located in thetheatre area.

Whether soaking in theswimming pool or hot tub,dining, shopping, taking ina 3D movie, visiting themuseum or playing golf,Wildhorse Resort & Casinois a great place to “staywhile you play.”

Wildhorse Resort and Casino HotelWildhorse Resort and Casino – Pendleton, OR

www.wildhorseresort.com

Year Hotel Opened: 1996(Remodeled in 2005)Number of Rooms: 99 (currently)

Wildhorse Hotel TowerOpens: September, 2011Number of Rooms: 202 rooms(34 suites)

60 Indian Gaming July 2011

Discover the Waterfront at PotlatchResort & RV Park situated on the PugetSound’s Hood Canal as you enter the beau-tiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington.The pristine resort is owned and operatedby the Skokomish Tribe of Washingtonand offers a wide variety of top lodgingoptions, including king suites, junior suites,one and two bedroom vacation cabins andspacious RV parking sites. The variety ofaccommodations gives guests the chance tostay a day, a week or a month on the waterand away from daily distractions.

At theWaterfront at Potlatch , guests willbecome intimate with the Puget Sound's Hood Canal, whichis one of the most magnificent bodies of recreational

saltwater anywhere in theworld. Enjoy fantastic beach-combingopportunities, water sports, boating, diving, golf, hikingand more. Its location makes it easy to reach from manyWashington State metro areas, approximately 1 hour and 45minutes from Seattle, one hour from Tacoma, and only about45minutes fromOlympia orBremerton.TheOlympicPeninsulais close enough to visit yet far enough away to escape.

All accommodations provide exclusive access to 450 feet ofwaterfront, allowing guests to walk directly into the water.Amenities include a private beach, cable TV, free Internetaccess, in-room kitchens, a public boat launch next door,convenient dining options, mooring buoys and the only water-front 50 AMP RV sites on Hood Canal.

The Waterfront at Potlatch provides room and RVaccommodations for the Lucky Dog Casino that is located twomiles south of the resort. Both Skokomish Tribal businesses arelocated on historic Hwy 101 near Skokomish, WA. �

The Waterfront at PotlatchLucky Dog Casino – Skokomish, WA

www.thewaterfrontatpotlatch.com

Year Hotel Opened: 2006Number of Rooms: 12 (8 suites)Number of Cabins: 4