San Diego is renowned for its beautiful beaches, hotels, and party atmosphere downtown. What only a select few know, however, is how cool their casinos are. If you’re not a gambler, like me, you might not necessarily be inclined to keep reading. However, don’t give up just yet. Even if you don’t gamble, you can appreciate the variety of options each San Diego casino brings to its guests. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be bringing to you the names of some of the most beautiful and loosest casinos in San Diego! This week features one of my all-time favorites, Barona Resort and Casino!

Barona Resort and Casino

You might recognize the name Barona Casino even if you’ve never visited it. Located in Lakeside, California, its picturesque setting as you drive up towards the entrance is beauty itself. Rocks border an exquisite man-made lake which is absolutely breathtaking. Founded in 1932 by the Barona Band of Mission Indians, its elegance is simply something you must experience to understand. The Barona Band of Mission Indians reservation houses many buildings you’d see in a regular town, such as their own church, fire station and public schools. In order to share their culture with Barona visitors, they’ve also established a Barona Museum, allowing visitors to get an in-depth look at the tribe’s culture and heritage and hopefully gain an understanding of this tribe’s fierce independence that has helped them make Barona Resort and Casino what it is.

The casino itself boasts over 2000 slot and poker machines, “certified loosest Blackjack in California” says the Blackjack Hall of Fame, and multiple roulette, craps, and poker tables throughout the casino. ATM machines are conveniently located throughout the casino for those looking to score the big one and a special “Club Barona” membership is available for those wanting to enhance their Barona experience. Membership is free and it takes just minutes to sign up. When you have your membership card in hand, insert it into any of the machines you’re playing on and it will automatically rack up points each time you use the card. The more you play, the more points you can earn. These points can then be redeemed for benefits such as buffet coupons, hotel deals, rounds of golf, and more. If you’re a casual player, membership isn’t for you. However, if you plan on visiting Barona frequently then I’d definitely recommend signing up. Special events happen seasonally, such as the infamous “Rapid Fire $100,000 Power Giveaway”. During the 13^th and 14^th of June, visit Barona, play any slot machine or video poker, and be entered to win your share of this $100,000 pot. A $1000 winner is announced every 15 minutes. The catch? You must have a valid Club Barona card inserted into your machine to be eligible. However, who wouldn’t want to try their hand at winning $1000 when all it will cost you is a little bit of time?

While many guests come to enjoy Barona’s casino, plenty more come to relax in the ambient resort, dine on delectable dishes, and perhaps play a round of golf or two. Barona Resort offers 400 rooms, with luxurious options such as 24hr in-room dining, day spa facilities and a fitness center. Free Wi-Fi is available and concierge services are as well if you’re looking to acquire tickets to nearby activities, set up a game of golf, and even arranging for transportation should you need it. Private rooms are available if you need to arrange a business meeting or plan an event. You can even plan your wedding here with options for either an indoor or outdoor event.

Barona Resort offers many hotel packages with various prices and perks included with each one. Looking for a Mother’s Day present? Perhaps treat her to a special day at Barona. The Mother’s Moment Package includes a one night hotel stay, one facial spa treatment, and $20 in free slot play! The price is $195 for Sunday-Thursday or $295 for Friday and Saturday. Offer is valid until May 31^st, 2009. Looking to fall in love again? Their Romance Moment Package offers a one night hotel stay, $100 dinner for two at their Oaks Steakhouse Restaurant, $50 breakfast-in-bed room service, and a surprise welcome gift! The price is $299 for Sunday-Thursday and $399 for Friday or Saturday. Standard room rates vary depending on the day you go, but range from the low $100’s to the mid $200’s and hotel packages can be less or more expensive then standard room rates depending on what’s included in each package.

A variety of dining options are available ranging from fine-dining services to food court options. Feast at their Ranch House Buffet where for $16.99 on a Saturday, you can eat all you want for one low price. With a wide variety of dishes like Italian, Mexican and Mongolian, guests are sure to find something to whet their appetites. Not into a huge lunch? Try the Food Court where you can pick up a pizza, a yummy fish taco, or old-fashioned chocolate malt. Work off the weight afterwards by playing a round of golf or relaxing in their day spa. Barona Resort and Casino is open year round. For more information, visit http://www.barona.com/

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