Chandler, Arizona – a large suburb of Phoenix – is home to the Gila River Reservation, land of the Pima and Pee-Posh Native Americans. With three casinos, an equestrian center, two golf courses, museums and a racecar driving school, the Gila River Reservation is a hotbed of activity waiting to please your entire family. One of those casinos, the Gila River Casino – Lone Butte, may not be the largest in town, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Open daily 24-hours, Gila River Casino – Lone Butte packs a lot of gaming into its 60,000 square-foot gaming floor. Choose from 475 slot machines, 400 electronic games, 10 gaming tables and a new large-capacity Bingo hall. Pull the lever to your fortune on one of the classic slot machines or test your luck with virtual Roulette and video Poker. Live gaming can be found at both the gaming tables – Blackjack and a few varieties of Poker – and the Bingo hall.
While the Gila River Casino – Lone Butte doesn’t have its own hotel, its sister facility – Gila River Casino at Wild Horse Pass – does. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, a 500-room, four-star facility designed to cater to your every need. Each room gives guests stunning views of the golf course, the mountains and the nearby river, as well as mini-bar, complimentary coffee/tea services, Satellite television and Internet access. There are also a number of nearby hotels unaffiliated with the casinos where you’ll find affordable and presentable lodging.
If you get hungry at the casino, check out the Slots Lovers’ Deli & Bar, a small, but active deli serving all your favorite sandwiches, snacks and light meals. For keeping yourself socially lubricated, the bar serves beer, wines and a full range of cocktails. If you decide to head somewhere else for your meal, check out Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant for a truly local flavor; savor a hot empanada or get your favorite flavor-filled burritos and wash it down with a Dos Equis Mexican beer.
For guests of the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, the range of available activities is astounding. Start your day with a workout; there’s a full fitness facility with free weights and cardio machines, an indoor tennis court, jogging trails, bicycle rentals and biking trails. There are two golf courses to choose from and there’s also horseback riding if you want leisurely interaction with Mother Nature. When you’re done, get a professional massage or beauty treatment at the Spa; your body will thank you later.
At night, visit the Firebird International Raceway to take in one of the racing or motor sport events that regularly take place there. For the club scene, take a short drive into Phoenix for nightclubs, bars and dance halls that suit your individual taste. Afterward, come back to the casino to win some cash.
To find the Gila River Casino – Lone Butte, fly into Sky Harbor International Airport and take a 20-minute drive to Gila River Casino – Lone Butte, 1200 S. 56th Street, Chandler, Arizona 85226.
