Viejas Casino & Resort
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the region’s 10 properties.
A sure bet for: Traditionalists eager to be in on San Diego’s evolving casino landscape. Viejas exemplifies how Indian gaming has transformed into a vibrant, multi-faceted resort industry. The casino, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has grown from a bingo hall to a full-scale casino, then to a glam hotel, entertainment and shopping complex. And it’s not done — Viejas is currently undergoing a multi-million expansion, which will nearly double the hotel accommodations and add new dining options and more slots.
“We’re always trying to raise the bar and we’re trying to bring a high-end luxury feel,” said Fernando Gaspar, media manager for Viejas.
“It’s just the beginning.”
Gaming: The casino floor has more than 2,000 slot machines, eight different kinds of table games — including six-card poker, EZ Baccarat, and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em — an off-track betting lounge and a newly-built bingo and slot parlor, with its own snack bar and free play offered during guests’ birthday month. In the last remodel, the casino was upgraded into a more contemporary, chic space with modern design touches. And with the latest revamping, the main casino floor is expected to have a more cohesive look and feel.
Dining: In addition to the sumptuously styled, AAA 4-Diamond awarded Grove Steakhouse — offering caviar service, steakhouse classics and adventurous dishes like a game trio of venison, elk and wild boar — Viejas has a 24-hour café serving everything from breakfast to burgers, and the North of the Border taco shop. But for many visitors, it’s all about the 550-seat buffet. “The buffet is one of the main features at Viejas … and one of the biggest features is the unlimited beverages. No one else has that,” said Tony Canicosa, the director of food and beverage. Bottomless beer, wine sparkling wine, are included in the price; on weekends, endless margaritas and Bloody Marys are also served. Guests are allowed to bring two drinks each onto the casino floor. You won’t be drinking on an empty stomach though: the buffet options are also seemingly endless, with scores of distinctive choices, such as charcuterie boards, fresh-pressed paninis, a giant seafood selection and a cheesecake bar with three rotating flavors a month. The property’s expansion will bring an Asian concept restaurant and an upscale dining venue. The 80-seat café will grow to 200 seats.
Hotel: While the two current hotel towers aren’t skyhigh, they’re not short on refined amenities. The 237 rooms, including 34 VIP suites, are smartly designed and emanate the feel of a boutique hotel. The Penthouse Suite is designed for entertaining a crowd. About 2,000-square-feet, the hip and sleek suite has a dining table that seats 10, a separate living area, wet bar, a TV embedded into the bathroom mirror, a king bed with a built-in TV at your feet, his and hers closets, a dual-sided, indoor/outdoor fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. The showstopper is a private movie theater with a 90-inch HDTV and six plush reclining chairs.The new hotel tower will be all-suites.
Amenity spotlight: For sun worshipers who want to luxuriate partially in the water, the resort’s expansive pool features multiple Baja shelves. High-end touches in the glamorous cabana area include private safes and its own lap pool.
Final spin: If you want to party, the casino’s four bars each have a different theme, such as whiskey or tequila. If you don’t want to party — or even gamble — the Viejas Outlet mall has more than two dozen specialty shops, the 12-lane Viejas Bowl and SoCal’s largest outdoor skating rink.
Viejas Casino & Resort
5000 Willows Road, Alpine. (619) 445-5400 or viejsandiegouniontribune.noticiases.info
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