That the megalithic Crown Casino in Melbourne is the largest casino in the southern hemisphere is made clear when stepping foot in the casino’s grand atrium, filled with exquisite mosaic panels and a massive water, light and sound display. Situated on the banks of the Yarra River, Crown’s two – soon to be three – hotels and casino complex caters to 200,000 visitors every day.
Licensed for over 300 table games, Crown Casino offers the regulars – Blackjack, Poker, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette – on a full-time basis, while frequently rotating other games. The casino floor is also home to 2500 poker machines and many more electronic games, including Rapid Roulette, an electronic version of Roulette founded at Crown. If Poker is your game, be sure to check out the separate Poker Room in the Crown basement.
Crown’s current two hotels, Crown Towers and the Crown Promenade Hotel, offer two ways to travel. The Crown Towers’ rooms – all 482 of them – are luxurious, with oversized guest rooms and magnificent views of Melbourne and the Port Philip Bay. The Crown Promenade Hotel, with 465 guest rooms offers excellent space and comfort at a very reasonable price.
Food at the Crown complex leaves more than a few options to visitors, hosting more than 26 restaurants, fast food venues and food courts. Crown offers a dining atmosphere for any style and price-level. Try the Cantonese cuisine at Silks or dine casually at the Automatic Café.
Choices for after-dinner drinks or late-night socializing are more expansive with Crown’s 30 bars and pubs. Bistro Guillaume – Le Bar features an elite atmosphere with a man bar and two private dining rooms, Rooms Blanc and Noir, while the Sports Bar provides a more low-key atmosphere where you can catch the game with friends and enjoy a fine array of international beers.
When you’re ready to pamper yourself, Crown Towers – Crown Spa offers the highest luxury in health and beauty treatments, features a 25m indoor pool, a full gymnasium and two championship tennis courts. The Crown Promenade Hotel offers The Deck, a “leisure center” with gym, spa, pool, and two large outdoor terraces.
In keeping with the Crown tradition, the complex has several entertainment venues, including several nightclubs, each with a unique blend of musical taste to suit your mood. Like it live? Then check out the big-name live shows at The Palms at Crown or the up-and-coming bands at LIVE.
If adventure is your game, Crown doesn’t disappoint. The M9 Laser Skirmish and the Kingpin boutique bowling lounge offer plenty of it. If you care more to take a break from the action, visit the Village Gold Class cinemas and accompanying video game arcade or shop at the many upscale boutiques like Prada, Louis Vitton and Versace.
Find Crown Casino at 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Melbourne 3006, Australia – twenty miles from the Melbourne International Airport.
