A rarity in the American Southwest, Payson, Arizona is one of few communities that can boast four distinct seasons – as opposed to the arid desert landscape of much of the region. Located in the so-called “Alpine Region” of Arizona, Payson is home to mountainous terrain, bountiful valleys, picturesque autumn leaves and wondrous winter snowfall. It’s also home to the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, so make Payson the destination for your next vacation.
Open 24-hours daily, the Mazatzal Casino, owned by the Tonto Apache Native American tribe, is small at 38,000 square-feet, but packed with gaming adventure. Choose from 425 gaming machines – there are old-fashioned slots and state-of-the-art electronic games. If live gaming is more your style, double down at one of the Blackjack tables or ante up at a Poker table; there are four of each to choose from. There’s also a 150-seat Bingo hall and an intimate Keno room, so you’ll always have something to play.
Opened in August 2007, the Mazatzal Hotel is equipped with 40 two-room suites. Luxurious and elegant lodging was the goal of the hotel’s designers and most would say they succeeded. Each two-room suite is equipped with tile and granite design with wood accents, fluffy bedding and comfortable furnishings. Each suite also has a large-screen LCD television, refrigerator, complimentary coffee/tea services, wet bar and free wireless Internet access. Best of all, each room has beautiful panoramic views of the Payson countryside.
Two restaurants provide guests of the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino with all the food and drink that one would need for a great vacation. For something quick, The Grille is open 24-hours a day and serves up breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, barbeque and light meals. For something more filling, try the Cedar Ridge Restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, where you’ll taste a unique blend of international and regional flavors. Monday through Thursday, Cedar Ridge offers a full buffet for a great price. After dinner, head over to the Apache Spirits Lounge for a beer, glass of wine or cocktail.
You won’t have to look very far to find some kind of recreation or leisure activity in Payson. During the spring and summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, camping and hunting. Step into nature and explore all the things that the Mongolian Rim Mountains have to offer. Back at the Mazatzal Hotel, you can keep up with your exercise routine at the fitness center and then top it off with a spa, beauty treatment or a swim in the indoor heated pool.
If it’s entertainment you’re after, check out the Apache Spirits Lounge, where there are regular dance, comedy and musical performances. There are also several banks of televisions so you can catch all your favorite sporting events in the company of friends.
To find the Mazatzal Casino, fly into Sky Harbor International Airport and take a one-hour drive to Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, Highway 87 Mile Marker 251, Payson, Arizona 85541.
