The joining place of American, Mexican, Spanish and Native American culture, Tucson, Arizona is the second-largest city in the state and one of the most diverse in all of the American Southwest. But, no matter what you come for, be sure to check out the Casino Del Sol, a behemoth casino owned by the Pascua Yaqui Native American tribe.
Open daily 24-hours, the Casino Del Sol gives gamers 240,000 square-feet of gaming floor to keep them busy. There are over 1000 gaming machines – both traditional slot machines and the more advanced electronic gaming systems. There are also 60 tables with Blackjack, Pai Gow, Casino War and a variety of Poker games. For laid back gaming, visit the newly completed Bingo hall. If you’re planning on gaming here often, become a member of Club Sol, where you’re rewarded with points for winning and losing.
Looking for some place to stay the night? There are plenty of options. The Arizona Inn, just off the center of the city, was built in 1930 and presents guests with a choice of 95 well appointed rooms. Each room has free Internet access, television, free coffee/tea services, walk-in closets and individual private patios. For something larger and more mainstream, try the JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort and Spa, where you’ll choose from 575 rooms and suites. Basic rooms offer all the basic amenities as well as access to the exquisite health club and spa facilities.
If you start to get hungry during your gaming extravaganza, you won’t have to leave Casino Del Sol to get a bite to eat; there are five restaurants. For something luxurious and doubtlessly flavorful, try Bellissimo, the casino’s signature restaurant, open daily from 5PM to 11PM. For something quick, try Slice, a small venue which serves fresh-made sandwiches, salads and brick-oven pizza. After dinner, visit the Tequila Factory for a taste of the drink that originates in the Southwest US and Northern Mexico. There are hundreds of varieties and a night of sampling them all is certainly not wasted.
For leisure, there’s a lot to choose from in Tucson. If you want a break from the casino, visit the health club and spa at the JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort and get a serious workout and massage. For something more nature-oriented, take a horseback ride through the desert, bicycle through the city’s bike trails or play a round of golf on one of the professional 18-hole courses.
At night, check out Stage 21, Casino Del Sol’s live entertainment venue, if you’re in the mood for some heart-thumping music. For a big-name show, try AVA, a large theatre at the Casino that has hosted Van Halen, Toby Keith, The Scorpions and Gwen Stefani. For something more intimate and relaxing, try La Botellia, a Lounge separate from the casino floor that offers great energy and live entertainment on weekends.
To find the Casino Del Sol, fly into Tucson Airport and take a 20-minute drive to 5655 West Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85746.
