Luxury and Fun at del Lago Resort and Casino

Guests at del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo, NY might be tempted never to leave the premises no matter how long their stay. With an onsite spa dedicated to pampering guests, a casino offering about 1,600 slot machines and 66 table games, a congenial staff, luxurious guestrooms, a restaurant run by Fabio Viviani of “Top Chef” fame, and a 1,650-seat theater with musical acts and comedy lineups, a getaway to del Lago Resort and Casino makes for a delightful retreat in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. Indeed, a guest’s most pressing problem might be choosing what do first.

Fast, Friendly Check-In

Arriving one sunny afternoon, I glide into the lobby, curious about what the Resort and Casino will look like. Here in Upstate New York, not far from Rochester and Syracuse, we don’t have the boardwalk of Atlantic City or the flashing lights of the Las Vegas strip. To me, the interior is a soothing mix of mid-century modern with a very contemporary twist.

I ease my way forward toward reception, foregoing complementary champagne in favor of a bottle of water. The vibe is one of casual elegance; I feel like I am visiting the weekend home of a well-off uncle. Vaulted ceilings, a reception desk lit with actual lamps, dark wood cabinetry and shelving, soft lighting, and armless sofas and chairs make this space seem like a tastefully furnished den, one where the adults mingle and chat. The atmosphere is welcoming and unintimidating to first-time visitors but sufficiently sophisticated to appeal to VIPs.

I like that there is no barrier wall between guests and reception staff as in so many hotels; visitors can tell right off that this particular Resort and Casino emphasizes the comfort of its guests. After a quick and painless check-in—no unnecessary waits, no mix-ups, just good, friendly service—I head to my guestroom, my stroll surprisingly filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows in the walkway to the elevator bank.

Deluxe Suites, Junior Suites, and More

The 200-plus guestrooms at del Lago, which opened in 2017, mix luxury and comfort with contemporary electronic needs. I delight in an in-room iPad on which I can control my junior suite’s temperature and also make a dinner reservation at Portico. A wet bar stocked with wine, water, snacks, and coffee makes me want to lounge about forever—which I comfortably do on the sofa in the living area while wearing the Lago robe I find in my closet.

The junior suite features a powder room as well as a delightfully large bathroom with double sinks, a rain showerhead, and a vanity where I feel like a glamorous movie star as I prepare for an evening of fun.

Headliner Entertainment, Craft Cocktails, and Dance Music

In addition to gaming, drinks, and dinner options, del Lago’s theater known as the Vine (with a capacity of 2,400) offers entertainment options as varied as Chubby Checker and the Wildcats of “the Twist” fame and country singer LeAnn Rimes. The Vine has hosted comedian Jay Leno, musician Clint Black, and musical groups Air Supply and Grand Funk Railroad. This theater offers a varied tableau.

Looking for even more energy? Check out Centrifico bar for specialty cocktails as well as beer and wine (some of which is locally sourced). On weekends, live DJs keep the party going.

With a chunk of time to fill before my dinner reservation, I head to the 90,000 square foot casino for a date, I hope, with Lady Luck. What I like about this gaming floor: it is spacious and airy. I don’t feel crowded as I try to choose which of the hundreds of slot machines will be my lucky one. I am drawn to ones with names that resonate with me—Fire & Ice, Rainbow Warriors Sapphire Guardian, and Call of the Moon. Table games—think roulette and craps—as well as poker are also available. Check del Lago Resort and Casino website for a full list.

Dining at del Lago Resort and Casino

Portico by Fabio Viviani

Conveniently located in the casino, the 120-seat Portico restaurant (which has an additional 70 seats on its terrace) offers easy tranquility and fine dining. With tables situated widely apart, I have a bit of space of my own as I enjoy a cool cocktail before moving on to lobster and avocado salad with honey grapefruit followed by a crab and shrimp fettucine special. My server is friendly and the meal is well-paced even as more diners arrive. I see a large table of women—a girls’ weekend away? a bachelorette party?—and smaller ones with couples, groups of friends, and the occasional solo traveler.

Feeling indulgent—how often does one get to experience the work of celebrity chef Fabio Viviani?—I opt for a cappuccino and an artfully presented strawberry semifreddo with strawberry pearls. Dessert delights, as does the entire experience. Born in Florence, Italy, Viviani embraces locally sourced foods and is the author of a number of cookbooks, including Fabio’s Italian Kitchen and the Café Firenze Cookbook.

Other Dining Options at del Lago

More casual dining opportunities can also be had at del Lago Resort & Casino. Sociale Café is perfect for breakfast and light bites, and the Farmers’ Market Buffet features healthful choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try Smashburger’s burgers and milkshakes and head to Moe’s Southwest Grill if you happen to be in the mood for a quinoa bowl or burritos. Pizza can be had at Ciccino’s, and a hot dog cart is conveniently stationed near the Poker Room.

Blissing Out at Spa del Lago

Up to this point—my stay, my room, the service, the dining, the gaming, the entertainment—have all been really good, but for an absolute day of bliss, head to the Spa at del Lago. I had booked a deep tissue massage (thanks to Alison, the masseuse who treated me) but spent some serious quality time in the eucalyptus steam room.

Had I known how good the spa’s service would be, I would have booked more treatments—like a warm wild lime scalp massage and an espresso mud wrap. And possibly a hair treatment or two. Seriously, if I could just move in and stay there, I would.

What makes this spa so special? It’s new, of course, and clean and airy and bright. The staff are friendly and accommodating. But this place, indeed this entire facility, does service right. Guests at the spa, and at the hotel and casino, are making an effort to get here, and the staff seems to realize that. Clients are appreciated and attended to well by staff. Couples massages are also available.

For those a bit more motivated than I was, a fitness center and wellness classes (hot yoga!) are available.

Destination del Lago

Del Lago is a great destination for a bachelor party, wedding shower, or even a class reunion, wedding, or corporate event. An outdoor tent with chandeliers that is set up every April provides an appealing venue for weddings and galas.

Del Lago Resort & Casino is about a 40-minute drive from Rochester and from Syracuse and is located near Cayuga Lake.  

Activities near del Lago Resort and Casino

The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located nearby for visitors who need a dose of nature. Bring your hiking shoes.

Seneca Falls offers a bit of history and a charming town to visit.

The Finger Lakes region was named the Best Wine Region in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awared 2018. Check out a winery or two.

For Bashful Adventurers

• A solo trip to del Lago Resort & Casino is an ideal getaway of sorts—there’s plenty to do here, and a visitor need not venture offsite if she doesn’t want to. And don’t worry about gambling while female—I noticed plenty of women in the casino on my visit.
• I felt comfortable dining alone at Portico by Fabio Viviani, but room service is also offered and is very much an inviting option. I could have curled up with a book and a movie and a good dinner in my spacious junior suite.
• Sign up online for the resort’s mailing list to get the latest deals and schedules, and reserve early! The hotel has a high occupancy rate, particularly in the summer months. Del Lago does partner with other nearby hotels, so if you are staying elsewhere, you can still take a shuttle to del Lago Resort and Casino.

Del Lago Resort and Casino, 1133 State Route 414, Waterloo, NY 13165 (at Exit 41 of the New York State Thruway)

—Lori Tripoli

Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications.

Contact Lori at loritripoli@bashfuladventurer.com.

 

 

 

 

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