Viejas opens stylish hotel to complement its gambling features

Wood, stone, water plus lovely artwork and tasteful rooms

The Viejas' artsy entrance.

offer soothing counterpart to casino action, fine dining

  Viejas hotel is an oasis, near a non-smoking casino area.

  

                               
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

IT'S SO SERENE and artful it's difficult to believe there's a full, total happening casino just feet away.
If you like to combine the pleasures of art and nature with a hit of gambling, Viejas Casino Resort near San Diego will satisfy both desires.
THOSE of us who live in many worlds nurture equal affection for city amenities and country calm.

Lobbies and hallways are prettily designed.

It's all available at Viejas, just a half-hour from downtown San Diego, and a world away from any other venue in the region.

The original Viejas casino, circa 1991.

THE RECENTLY opened hotel is small and inviting, more like a boutique hotel in San Francisco or New Orleans.
Artful use of color and natural elements gives an intimate, handcrafted feel. The design of public areas and guestrooms is intriguing and sophisticated.

Today's Viejas Casino Resort boasts a beautiful
 new hotel with enticing amenities and casino proximity.

Viejas is known for being on the vanguard, constantly refining the casino and, now, the hotel.  This operation is attentive to customers and clients, and heeds suggestions and critiques.
Our ground floor room faced the pool, with a private patio and a view of the fire pots, spacious pool and pretty landscaping.
WE VISITED the modern fitness center to watch some of the Sunday Chargers game on a large flat screen TV, and had the place to ourselves.

Wood, paintings,  flowers all add to the hotel's ambiance.

Relatively small, the hotel's 99 luxury rooms and 29 VIP suites convey a feeling of cozy elegance. Yet you're only a stroll away from the casino and the section closest to the hotel is smoke-free, another enticement for us!
The hotel complements this favorite playing place for San Diegans and their guests, offering a tasteful, beautifully appointed oasis.
Imagine a dip in the gorgeous pool, sunning in the courtyard or a spot of tea or wine from your patio as you count your winnings!
WOOD AND fossils, art and lithographs abound.  Several peaceful water sculptures offer the soothing and cooling balm of water and mist.

The Viejas pool is beautifully landscaped  and  some rooms view it.

The world class steak house, Grove, is a delight, with succulent sea bass and lamb chops and decadent desserts. Our waitress, Cathy, was attentive, witty and knowledgeable.
A wine pairing earlier in the evening tempted us away from the tables for a pleasant hour of nibbling, sipping.
All that might be plenty to lure us back, but add these features and we're over the moon to return:
*PIPED  music that is actually thoughtfully chosen -- Vivaldi, mellow jazz, subtle vocals.
*Impeccably trained staff from the

Veijas doesn't hold back on flowers or fine service.

waiters and barmaids on the casino floor, to the reception personnel who could work in any upscale Manhattan or Paris hotel.
*Relaxation when one wants it and the excitement of an alluring, Vegas-style casino with every game and machine one could wish for.
*Convenient business center, wi-fi in the rooms, plus a drawer safe so you can stash your casino chips or special necklace without worry.
THE VIEJAS Band of Kumeyaay Indians is the fifth tribe in San Diego County to open a hotel connected to its casino. The five-story Viejas hotel carries a $36 million price tag. Rooms range from $119 to $259 -- but if you're a player, you might receive a complimentary stay!

Seville's imposing cathedral, known worldwide, is one of the largest on Earth.

Be sure you use your flashy red and black Viejas players card.
We'll be back -- Viejas has it all!
www.viejas.com to let the fun begin!



NEXT UP: Seville beckons! With all its glories:  architecture, orange trees, flamenco, food.  It is the heart of Andalucia, with  one of the world's largest cathedrals! Remember to explore, learn and live.  Check us out Wednesdays and Saturdays at www.whereiscookie.com