A new luxe bar with more gaming space and the renovation of the smoke-free gaming area and a longtime restaurant are the newest components in Pala Casino Spa & Resort’s $170 million expansion.
Pala is among several Southern California casinos that are undergoing expansions and in May, the resort debuted its remodeled pool complex. Construction hasn’t yet started on a planned second hotel tower, but Pala unveiled its latest renovated spaces on Friday, June 29.
Here’s a look at what’s new:
Luis Rey’s: Situated across from the Pala Cafe, a large blue lighted sign flanked by music notes makes the revamped restaurant/bar hard to miss. The space is about double the size of the former and features an open, airy dining area with a handful of booths that leads into a large bar where guests can sit inside or outside. The outdoor area has a large lounge where breezes roll in with vistas of the surrounding hills and trees.
“We wanted to add elements that would energize the space,” Bill Bembenek, Pala’s chief executive officer, said. “A big asset we have is the natural surroundings and we wanted to invite that element in.”
The menu hasn’t changed much because the dishes offered were extremely popular, Bembenek said. A variety of burgers, tacos, sandwiches and salads are among the options.
It space includes a larger stage for live music. Bands perform Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
New gaming space and Marquise Bar: What was formerly the Infinity Room, which hosted intimate performances from tribute acts and also gatherings for Pala’s 60 Plus Club aimed at senior visitors, has been transformed into a 10,000-square-foot gaming area where the Marquise Bar sits center stage.
The oval-shaped bar has hundreds of strands of sparkly crystals that hang above, adding a glitzy vibe. One side of the bar has video poker machines installed.
And although there are 12 draft beers to choose from the name of the game at the new bar is cocktails, including ginger sweet peach tea and drinks made with mezquila (a blend of mezcal and tequila). A raised lounge area next to the bar features five spacious lounge tables and teal upholstered chairs where people can sit and relax.
The gaming options in the area include blackjack and roulette tables along with 300 new video poker and slot machines.
“That space was under utilized when it was the Infinity Room,” Bembenek said. “It sat vacant on the nights when there were no shows.”
He said the new space allows guests a more comfortable and spacious experience.
Smoke-free gaming: The 15,000-square-foot smoke-free gaming area of the casino got an upgrade with the addition of glass partitions that separate part of the smoking areas with the non-smoking areas.
“The addition of the glass and HVAC system allows guests to feel they are not cut off from the casino, but can still enjoy a smoke-free environment,” Bembenek said.
The space features 300 games including slot machines, video and live poker along with cashier services.
Guests can enter the smoke-free casino through the hotel entrance by using the resort’s valet service.
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