Gila River Resorts & Casinos unveils a Las Vegas-like luxury style experience here in the East Valley.
This year, Gila River Resorts & Casinos transitioned its Wild Horse Pass location from a hotel to a resortlike staycation. The $180 million expansion welcomes a new tower with 200 rooms, two pools, an event center, a BetMGM Sportsbook, the only Topgolf Swing Suite in the state of Arizona and Prime, A Shula’s Steakhouse on the rooftop.
Views of the two new pools at Gila Resorts & Casinos’ Wild Horse Pass. PHOTO COURTESY OF GILA RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS
The espresso martini delight. PHOTO COURTESY OF GILA RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS
Prime, A Shula’s Steakhouse sits on the rooftop of the new 200-room tower. PHOTO COURTESY OF GILA RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS
“When out-of-towners plan a trip to Phoenix, they usually think [of visiting] Scottsdale. We want to change that narrative and have them experience Chandler,” says Daniela Vizcarra, the Chandler-based resort’s public relations manager. “We [also] want them to think of us before planning a trip to Vegas.”
A peek inside Prime. PHOTO COURTESY OF GILA RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS
With a newly amended tribal gaming compact, Arizonans can now experience Las Vegas-style table games including roulette, craps and baccarat. “Gamers from across the country have been flocking to the Southwest to experience the new offerings, many of which can only be found in Arizona at Gila River Resorts & Casinos,” she says. “The Topgolf Swing Suite is like a mini, private casino all in one. We have two bays where you can play virtual golf, football, baseball, hockey and zombie dodgeball.” The space also features a full bar and kitchen, blackjack tables, tabletop games, BetMGM kiosks, floor-to-wall TVs and a broadcast booth.
The old-fashioned, smoked. PHOTO COURTESY OF GILA RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS
Gamers can also put their bet on Prime. Sitting on the 11th-floor roof of the Sunrise Tower, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Estrella Mountains all while indulging in its nontraditional steakhouse menu. “With offerings such as truffle mac and cheese, filet mignon and tableside gold flake cocktails, there is no better place to experience upscale cuisine than Gila River,” Vizcarra notes. And, on Dec. 13, don’t miss the steakhouse’s elevated dining and wine pairing experience, Bubbles Around the World, part of the Sip & Savor Wine Dinner Series that was developed by Majdi Kayyali, corporate vice president of food and beverage. Reserve a spot quickly as the intimate experience is only open to 20 people per dinner.
An inviting lobby awaits at the reimagined Gila Resorts & Casinos’ Wild Horse Pass. PHOTO COURTESY OF GILA RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS
“We needed to elevate our brand to keep up with our guests,” says Vizcarra. “We want to cater to our guests and give them the best experience possible.” Gila River is looking forward to the opening of its fourth property, Santan Mountain Casino in South Chandler, coming in 2023. Bets are, it will be just as riveting. playatgila.com
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