42 Indian Gaming May 2018

Viejas Casino & Resort recently opened its new luxury tower, Willows Hotel & Spa, as the third phaseof its latest development plans with a ribbon cutting ceremony, an exclusive VIP party, and a mesmerizingfireworks show. By maintaining the artistic theme ofnature, the new tower embraces a relaxing atmosphereby customizing the guest’s stay. The 159 all-suite, adult-only tower features a lush new saltwater pool, an extravagant full-service spa, salon, and fitness center, plus three new restaurant concepts. The San Diegoarea’s premier gaming destination has been redefined toaccommodate guests with an unparalleled experience.

Welcoming an invitation-only guest list to the grandopening celebration for Willows Hotel & Spa, GeneralManager Todd Simons praised the lush adults-onlytower as “the first in this market” and the Viejas Bandof Kumeyaay Indians, who now employ a growing teamof 2,100.

Upon arrival to Willows Hotel & Spa, guests are greetedwith a personalized check in experience that is tailored totheir unique accommodations and describes the array of luxurious built-in amenities therein. Each suite features an ultra-modern contemporary design and has the functionalityof a smart room, which can find information, act as an alarm,play music, and more. A pillow preference program allows gueststo choose from a selection of plush bedding options to ensurea restful night’s slumber and select rooms feature a WellnessExperience including items such as Vitamin C-infused showers, which add to the guests’ ability to reinvigorate. Eachsuite features products from Whish Beauty, whose trendsettingbath and beauty products are naturally sourced, organic, andmade in the U.S.

Those wishing to relax poolside can enjoy the all-new saltwater pool with amenities designed to nourish the mind andbody. From outdoor meditation to poolside massage treatments,

the adults-only pool is complimented by a brand-new spa, which offers full salon and spa services, idealfor anyone who seeks to be pampered, while a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center allows gueststo maintain their exercise regimens uninterruptedduring their stay. Spa highlights include a salt sauna,private spa pool, steam room, and outdoor cabanaswhere treatments can be provided. This offers theperfect balance across the AAA 4 Diamond, ForbesTravel Guide 4 Star rated property and complimentsViejas’ other family-friendly and high-energy poolenvironments.

To satiate the refined tastes of the hotel’s visitors, three new restaurant concepts featurefresh, gourmet international food offerings.Locale Kitchen and Lounge, the signature eatery

OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

L-R: Tribal Treasurer, Sam Brown; Tribal Councilman, Kevin Carrizosa; TribalSecretary, Rene Curo; Miss Kumeyaay, Autum Brown; Vice Chairman,Victor Woods; and Tribal Councilman, Gabe TeSam.

Viejas Casino & Resort Opens Brand-New Luxury Tower: Willows Hotel & Spa

May 2018 Indian Gaming 43

In a move of commitment to its employees and their overall health, Isleta Resort & Casino recently opened a newfacility for employee healthcare, located right on the resortpremises.

“Offering free on-site health care is an excellent example ofour commitment and care for our employees,” said GovernorJ. Robert Benavides. “I am proud that the Pueblo of Isleta hastaken this important step, which will further aid in keeping ourteam members healthy, as well as attracting outstanding talentto our Resort & Casino.”

The new facility is an expansion to a smaller clinic, alreadyoperational at the Resort & Casino. The new facility will offerexpanded staffing and more treatment rooms. The service isavailable to the employees of the Pueblo of Isleta and IsletaResort & Casino, and will provide service for routine walk-insor urgent care type illnesses. Family members of the Puebloof Isleta and the Resort who are covered under Blue Cross andBlue Shield may also be treated at the clinic. The clinic can treatpatients ages two years and older. There is no copay requiredfor clinic visits.

Isleta Resort & Casino Unveils Free Employee Health Clinic

L-R: Isleta Resort & Casino CEO, Harold Baugus, and Isleta PuebloGovernor, J. Robert Benavides, cut the ribbon for the new clinic.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort recently hosted an official ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand openingof the spacious new Bingo Hall.

The anti-fatigue custom seating and state-of-the-art audio,visual, and lighting systems will comfortably accommodate 800players, allowing for increased bingo attendance, and addingover 160 sessions to Thunder Valley’s bingo schedule.

“Thunder Valley is excited to expand our bingo capabilitiesand to continue providing an award-winning experience at ourAAA Four Diamond Destination Resort,” said Dawn Clayton,General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

The ceremony was led by Clayton and Thunder ValleyExecutives. Members of the United Auburn Indian CommunityTribal Council helped complete the honors of cutting the ribbon.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Grand Opening ofNew Bingo Hall

with farm-to-table California inspired cuisine, serves lunchand dinner in the sophisticated atmosphere. Ginger Noodle Bar offers up classic and contemporary Asian fare in a comfortable and modern setting, while The DailyRoast features popular Starbucks products and serve the

grab-and-go needs of guests 24 hours a day.In a speech at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Viejas Tribal

Chairman Robert J. Welch, Jr. said, “We are proud to give backto our community in so many ways. We will continue to worktirelessly to be authentic and unwavering.”

44 Indian Gaming May 2018

The Kalispel Tribe recently unveiled plans for a new $10.5million casino and comprehensive economic developmentproject, Kalispel Park, scheduled to open later this year. The60-acre Kalispel Park, located on original reservation land inCusick, WA, includes a new casino, fuel station and fresh market, RV resort with tiny homes and storage unit rental.

“The Kalispel people have long envisioned expanding theireconomic footprint in the Pend Oreille Valley,” says TribalCouncil Member and Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs, Curt Holmes. “Since the early 1970s,our Tribal elders identified this land, now named KalispelPark, as a location for future economic growth and commerce.The tribe first opened Kalispel Metal Products and KalispelCase Line in the mid-70s, followed by the addition of theKalispel Career Training Center in 2011, Kalispel Rest Areain 2014 and Kalispel Auto Sales in 2017. “Bringing new economic development to our backyard offers business andemployment opportunities not only to our tribal members butalso to the entire community,” says Holmes.

The tribe broke ground on the project late last summer, and

construction has continuedthroughout the winter andspring. Kalispel Market, KalispelRV Resort, and Kalispel Storageare slated for opening this summer, and Kalispel Casino will open later in the fall. Develop-ment of Kalispel Park hasbrought about 50 constructionjobs and will add more than 75

full and part-time positions when complete.Once one of the poorest Native American tribes in

America, with a population of just 100 in 1911, the KalispelTribe has persevered through many decades-old challenges.Through its multi-generational vision and long-term commit-ment to self-sufficiency, the tribe gained traction with its open-ing of Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, WA, in 2000.Through 18 years of careful business planning and strategicgrowth, the tribe is now in the position to undertake the development and construction of new businesses in Cusick.

Kalispel Casino will bring gaming entertainment to thePend Oreille Valley, beginning with more than 100 slotmachines. While table games are not included in the initial layout, the tribe will measure demand and potentially addthem later. Kalispel Casino will offer a loyalty club and will continue exploring opportunities for crossover with the program at Northern Quest Resort & Casino. The casinowill feature a restaurant with seating for 70 guests and a banquetroom that provides seating for up to 150 guests, becoming a newgathering place in Cusick for families and large groups.

Kalispel Tribe Announces New North Casino and Unveils $10.5 Million in EconomicDevelopment Projects

OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

Surrounded by excited casino guests, the manage-ment of Cahuilla Casino located in Anza, CA recently helda ribbon cutting inaugurating their new non-smokingroom. For many loyal customers, it was the happy culmination of many years of repeated requests to the property management to have a section dedicatedexclusively to the non-smoking patrons, and they cameout in droves to celebrate.

“Our guests had asked for a great non-smoking roomfor a number of years. We heard, we listened, and nowwe delivered,” said Michael J. Broderick, Cahuilla Casino’sGeneral Manager. “The team and I are very proud to be giving our guests what they asked for – a non-smokingroom where we will have the newest and best slotmachines that are in the market.The response has been fantastic and this is only the beginning. The entire casinoteam is working right now on bringing more new and innovative features to Cahuilla Casino, and we can’t wait to telleveryone about them.”

Cahuilla Casino is known for its small size, laid back atmosphere and extremely friendly staff. The casino carriesover 349 of the loosest slots around and is open 24 hours, 365 days a year, for players 21 and older. The casino is an easydrive from major points in Southern California. ®

Cahuilla Casino Opens a New Non-Smoking Room