Pechanga
The Pechanga Resort seeks to blend classic Native American style and culture in with the beauty and serenity of the area's natural setting. Inside the lobby are classic pictures of the Pechanga Indians and Native American arts and crafts adorn the hallways and other public spaces. Since opening in 2002, the casino has consistently been awarded the AAA rating of four diamonds. The hotel offers 517 guestrooms, including 91 suites. Amenities vary, but many include Jacuzzis and wet bars. With more than 188,000 square feet of space, Pechanga is the area's largest casino. There are more than 2,000 slots and 160 table games. Golfers will enjoy the reservation's Journey course, with more than seven miles of cart paths through pristine wilderness settings.
Pechanga Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 587-0484
pechanga.com
Pala
Pala's beautiful resort has 507 rooms, including 82 suites. The 18 grand suites feature Jacuzzi bath tubs, in-room safes, two 42-inch flat screen televisions and wet bars. All rooms offer high-speed Internet connections and free in-room coffee and tea. The Pala Casino offers over 80 tables and 2,000 slot machines with one of the finest high-stakes areas in the county. It's designed with feng shui principles to increase the luck of the players; some of the tables in this swanky lounge area have minimum bets as high as $5,000. Pala does not have its own golf course, but it does have a working relationship with several nearby courses and can schedule tee times and transportation. It has a similar relationship with local wineries and can arrange tasting tours.
Pala Casino
11154 Highway 76
Pala, CA 92059
(877) 946-7252
palacasino.com
Sycuan
This East County destination is a golfer's dream--its championship and par-3 courses have been voted the San Diego Union Tribune Reader Poll's favorites for five years running. The hotel is smaller than the others, offering only 100 guest rooms and 18 suites, but the quality more than makes up for it. All rooms offer excellent views of the courses or the hotel's two swimming pools. The casino's 63 tables and 2,000 video poker and slot machines offer all the action you need. If you don't smoke, you can breathe easy in this casino, which has one of the best non-smoker sections in the county, housed completely separately from the smoking area.
Sycuan
5469 Casino Way
El Cajon, CA 92019
(619) 445-6002
sycuanresort.com
About The Author
Jill Harness has written on a variety of subjects for more than 10 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "San Diego City Beat," "Mental Floss," Rue The Day! and Neatorama. Harness has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from San Francisco State University.
