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The road to Pala Reservation curves through an ancient, river valley as it winds east from the freeway. After leaving California State Highway 15 behind, the land opens to sweeping hills. Lazily cruising along offers time to decompress from everyday concerns. Driving down from Los Angeles or up from San Diego to the casino makes it easy to leave the urban buzz behind. I soon discovered that my nearest casino was a great escape and such a fun one at that.
The Pala Casino Resort rises above the pool
The AAA Four Diamond Pala Casino Resort rises midst hills that were still green in mid-summer hues. I entered the complex and drove just beyond the casino, to the hotel entrance and then swung my car up to valet parking next to a vast, cascading fountain. Door attendants guided me into the lobby and pointed towards the reception desk. Not a slot machine could be seen but a wall of windows opened onto the grand lawn, swimming pool, and spa surrounded by green. This is a casino resort I can relate to, I thought.
Take a virtual tour of my nearest casino on my YouTube channel:
So many casinos leave me feeling like I’m navigating a noisy maze – you can find your way in but it’s not easy to get anywhere else. At most casinos, my head feels pummeled with incessant beeping and bells. It’s exciting to a point but at Pala, the gambling fun is more measured. “No Smoking” neon signs glowed on columns throughout my nearest casino. The expansive gaming spaces are laid out logically and the casino parking is simple to get to. I didn’t have to hike the length of a football field to get to my room either.
Complementary Privilege cards make it easy to rack up points and track winnings.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a night out with a one armed bandit but prefer not being pestered into it like an over-zealous date. My partner loves playing cards. I can’t maintain a Poker face so my inner Bond-girl gets a vicarious thrill just watching him play. Pala offered us lots of entertainment and when we worked up an appetite, there were nearly a dozen eating options to choose from.
The Cave, the lobby’s wide, central bar and restaurant, drew me in for an afternoon cocktail. Later we shared an entree there and enjoyed watching the couples and families surrounding us. The nearest casino restaurants ranged from a central food court with several sit down cafes and a sweeping patio; a spacious and popular buffet; a coffee counter with tempting pastries and ice cream; the cool underground Cave Wine Bar and finally a fine dining steakhouse, The Oak Grill.
Patio dining outside the Luis Reys inside the Pala Casino
The Oak Room is a world apart, quiet and refined. It makes a wonderful spot for a special occasion dinner. A friendly sommelier is happy to share suggestions for wine pairings. There are intimate tables and a private dining room as well.
I was lucky to be at the Pala Casino on concert night and the inner lawn was laid out with rows of chairs before a wide stage for UB40 and several other bands.The music started just before 8 pm as the night sky was beginning to darken. Several dedicated bars remained accessible during the night and we found plenty of space to dance.
Before we left in the morning, I had time for a dip in the pool and checked out the Spa.
The Casino is on the Pala Indian Reservation but inside there are few reminders. If you pay attention at the entrances, you’ll find huge framed displays with some of the Tribal history detailed in pictures and artifacts. I loved studying the pictures and wished there was more information about the people in the area. Next time I visit my nearest casino, I’ll leave time to learn more. The Pala Tribe Cupa Cultural Center and Mission San Antonio de Pala are nearby.
The Pala Casino and Resort is kicking off an expansive renovation which includes larger suites in a new 349 room tower, creating a multi-pool and entertainment complex along with expanded gaming and casino bar space. The renovations should be done in 2018. I look forward to returning to my now favorite and nearest casino for another sweet and fun escape.
Thank you to the Pala Casino and Resort for sponsoring my visit. As always all opinions are my own.
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Looks like a great resort! I like how you didn’t have to walk forever though a maze of slot machines to find your room–such a plus for a casino resort! The Pala Resort & Casino sounds like it has a good balance between gambling, relaxing and great food. The rooms look comfy too!
Thanks, Jenna, It was a lovely spot to visit – especially with the rooms close and comfy.
The Casino on the Pala Indian Reservation sound well worth a visit but I’m not clear on where it is.
Hi Carole, Sorry it wasn’t clear but in the first paragraph you’ll see that it’s just east of Highway 15 between Los Angeles and San Diego counties. It’s south of Temecula as well, if that helps.
This is such a comprehensive overview of Pala Resort! I’d probably spend more time exploring the pool area and trying out the different restaurants. That Luis Reys patio looks so enticing and calming, I wouldn’t mind spending a few hours there.
I loved discovering those pillows and couches on the patio. They’re especially enticing in the evenings.
Definitely looks like a fun place, Elaine. The cuisine looks most enticing. Would love to visit Pala Casino.
Thanks, Doreen, I wish I’d found some chocolate treats to show you!
the only casino that I got the chance to just see and have done nothing was in Marina bay, it was so different in my eyes. Lovely to hear how it is on this kind of travel. stunning
Thank you, Ferna. It is a stunning setting and has something for everyone – from dedicated gamblers to those looking for a relaxing and fun destination.
While it says Casinos and I think it’s more like an “entertainment complex” 🙂 – shows, food, games, and nice hotel – a fun and exciting vacation is guaranteed. @ knycx.journeying
That is a great way to describe Pala! The coming renovations will definitely up the ante on entertainment too.
THis is a great weekend getaway that my family and I would enjoy. Seems like there is something for everyone. I am not big on casinos but I would definitely enjoy the pool.
More family fun to come with the renovations through 2018
OMG your pictures are amazing! This seems like a lot of fun. Was is difficult to book a room there?
Why, thank you so much! I enjoy taking and sharing pictures. Not difficult to book, affordable too and they’re building more rooms soon.
I’m not a fan of casino. But this looks like a great one to spend a short holiday. Hopefully travelers don’t lose too much haha
Our family has a cool way to gamble. We set a budget and if we lose that, then that’s just the price of entertainment. It makes it easier not to get carried away!
This looks like a beautiful place to relax for a few days! The shrimp in pineapple look amazing 🙂
Thanks, Katie, that Teriyaki pineapple appetizer was incredibly tasty. I could’ve just eaten more all night long!
It looks like such a nice hotel and casino. Perfect for a nice weekend away. The Oak Room looks like a great place for a romantic dinner for sure.
Pala has some classy choices for special occasions – romantic or otherwise. I hope you visit one day.
Wonderful property. The casino is fine but everything else here seems more enticing. I think you are doing the right thing by focusing on the surroundings of the casino rather than the casino itself.
Thanks, Jitaditya, I so enjoyed all the resort had to offer and having the gaming close was just another entertainment. Plus I love people-watching!
I am not usually a fan of casinos, but always happy to enjoy a good one and this certainly seems like one. The room, food, concert…everything looks great 🙂
I’d definitely go back for the right concert and stay the night. Makes for a fun and easy get-away.
I really enjoyed reading your description of the drive into Pala Resort. It felt like I was a passenger with you! The food at the Wine Cave looks and sounds delicious and I really like that they have concert nights! I’m not a big casino goer, so it’s nice to know there’s more to do there.
Thank you, Kim. I really enjoyed the drive too. Lots to do there and it would be fun to visit with friends or family with something for everyone.
Having never been to the US, the idea of visiting a casino on my first visit has never really appealed to me. However, your post might have just convinced me otherwise for a break in between. Sounds like a lovely resort!
It’s a unique spot for a US visitor and with the Native American history also another lens to see the country through.
I can see myself lazying on the patio all day on the fluffed cozy blue cushions, sipping a cool refreshing drink. Casinos are so much fun.
I can imagine you lounging there, Punita. Thanks for stopping by.
I have heard about this casino but I have not seen it. We often stop at other casinos, not necessarily because of the slots but because of the food and amenities. A lot of times they are a great choice to break up our road trips. It would be nice to stay at one. More when you feel away from the city (that is why I like Northern San Diego County so much). #WeekendWanderlust
I like the way you travel, Ruth, and you make a great point that stopping by a casino is a nice way to break up a road trip. Thanks for stopping by.