Viejas Casino in San Diego County to open new “adult only” luxury tower

Located at I-8 and Willows Road east of San Diego, the Viejas Casino & Resort, owned by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, will open a new luxury tower, Willows Hotel & Spa, to the public on February 1st, 2018, according to the property’s website. Being marketed as San Diego’s premier adult-only all-suite hotel, the wellness-focused extension is phase three of the tribe’s redevelopment plans for the Alpine, California property. An updated version of the hotel check-in model, the new tower features unique Specialized Stay Packages, which eliminate the need for standard check in and out times, allowing guests to arrive at their convenience, and check out later, per day of reservation. In a December press release, Tribal Chairman Robert J. Welch, Jr., said, “You will be able to tell us what time is best for you to arrive, and your room will be waiting for you,” explained Welch. “And, even better, guests who arrive in the evening can check out in the evening, allowing for them to have access to their room for their entire stay.” Designed as a resort within a resort, the 159-suite extension builds on the property’s existing 203 luxury rooms and 34 VIP suites, Viejas Outlets, pool and lounge area, and will reportedly focus on a holistic approach to promote wellness. Amenities include seven treatment rooms featuring an abundance of therapies, a salt water spa pool, a slat sauna, tranquility garden, steam room, two hair stations, two each mani and pedi stations, two outdoor spa cabanas where guests can meditate and enjoy poolside message treatments and a 24-hour fitness center. Welch, said, “We're thrilled to add the adults-only pool and spa to this facility,” according to spabusiness.com. “Our spa will be world class and will attract a distinguished clientele from all parts of the western US to experience this modern, luxurious yet inviting concept,” said Welch. In addition to the suites and wellness areas, the new tower will house an expanded gaming space, and a trio of new restaurants including Locale Kitchen and Lounge, Ginger Noodle Bar and The Daily Roast, that will feature fresh, gourmet international food offerings. Currently, the 210,000 square foot casino features 2,000 slot machines, a 400-seat, 6,000 square-foot bingo room, approximately 55 table games, an off-track betting facility and for a more intimate racing experience, the Private Turf Club features full food and beverage service, as well as personal booths and monitors. The federally recognized Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians first opened the Viejas Casino in Sept. 1991 on the Viejas Reservation also known as the Baron Long Reservation, in San Diego County, CA. Prior to that, the Tribe operated the Viejas Bingo Room from 1977 in the nearby Ma Tar Awa RV Park, before moving inside the Viejas Casino in 1994. Since that time, the property has undergone a series of remodels and expansions, the most recent beginning last year.