Where will the road take YOU?

Destination Diaries

Belterra Casino Resort & Spa

By Angela Ash

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I have one word with which to describe Belterra Casino Resort & Spa, and that word is FANTASTIC!

Situated under an hour's drive from either Louisville or Cincinnati, the location could not be more convenient.  Just a few minutes off I-71, it is right down the road from the Kentucky Speedway and the quaint little town of Vevay... full of delightful eateries, museums, and antique shops.  It truly feels a world away, but the gas gauge protests otherwise. 

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The hotel was definitely designed with escape in mind.  This is definitely not a place where one "visits", but where one "stays".  There is a difference, and the folks at Belterra have easily mastered the differentiation.  Every modern amenity is at your fingertips, but the scenery and ambiance are not spoiled by the often stark and bland attributes that they often convey.  In other words, imagine a beautiful garden retreat... peaceful and serene, but with wonderfully efficient hair dryers, fluffy towels, and the most comfortable mattress in this hemisphere.  Yes... you have arrived.

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The bathrooms are both beautiful and functional, and each deluxe room comes complete with a large whirlpool tub.  An upgrade to a suite will provide even more elegance and yes, a bigger tub! However, all of these rooms are spacious, with more area to just "move around in".  Again, this is the perfect scenario for a long weekend getaway.

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Situated on the banks of the lovely Ohio River, many rooms offer a lovely view.  After hours playing the odds, it is so relaxing to sprawl out in a comfortable lounge chair and watch boats sail by, or see the sun set, or rise... depending on just how long you were chained to the new "Cheers" slot machine. 

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And, as denoted in the name, there is a spa! With so many services offered, ranging from a full service salon to the best pedicure in town, the Beleza Spa and Salon offers everything you could possibly need to feel pampered and relaxed.  If getting that heart rate going is more like what you have in mind, the cardiovascular fitness center is available. 

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If you'd still like to stretch your legs a bit, and spend the day on an 18 hole championship golf course, guess what?  Yes... Belterra has that covered, as well.  This is an aesthetically beautiful course, with sweeping views of the Ohio River and Log Lick Creek.  There is a large pro shop right on site, as well as a driving range and practice bunkers.  It is easy to see why it was voted one of the Top 30 Casino Courses in the United States!

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You can also cool off after a day on the course at the luxurious swimming pool. Whether relaxing in the super comfortable chaises, or taking a lap or two, this is the perfect place to catch some rays. Private cabanas are also available to perfectly complete the total experience.

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 To top off your hotel stay, spend some time in the cozy lobby bar.  With a fine selection of spirits, and live music on the weekend, this is the ideal place to unwind.  Inpsirationally decorated for the holidays, with a warm fire ablaze, this is the place to unwind!

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 After working up an appetite, Belterra has everything from gourmet meals to quick bites up their sleeve.  The Ultimate Buffet is one of my absolute favorite casino buffets. A lot of buffets boast that they have it all, but in this case, it is actually true!  Pasta, pizza, wood-burning rotisserie, steak, seafood, and an extravagant salad bar await... all in a comfortable, pleasant setting.  If this weren't good enough, the buffet is about to undergo a major renovation.  I can't wait to see how they manage to upgrade absolute perfection!

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If a romantic dinner is what you have in mind, then Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse will not disappoint!  This award winning restaurant has become an absolute favorite for steak, seafood, and other delectable items to tempt your palate.  In a warm, cozy atmosphere, it will literally beckon your return.

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If you would prefer a more casual option, the selections abound!  The Aquarium Cafe offers tasty dining in an exciting area surrounded by aquatic life.  Diners may choose between a leisurely meal of steak, pasta, or chicken pot pie in this fantastic setting, or they may enjoy a quick burger or pizza at the bar. 

If you can't tear yourself away from the casino floor, the Casino Cafe offers up sandwiches, chicken fingers, and 24 hour breakfast... just steps away from the action!

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Believe it or not, that is not all!  Ben & Jerry's and Starbucks also find a home at Belterra, as well as the Sweet Spot, an absolute heaven for the sweet tooth.  With candy offered by the pound, as well as special treats, flowers, and gifts, make sure to add this to your to-visit-list. 

And if you'd like a lovely meal just off the golf course, no problem! Open seasonally, the Out Of Bounds Grill serves up wonderful meals with fresh ingredients and the carefully crafted cocktail.

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I suppose I have intentionally saved the casino for last, but not at all going for the "best for last" option.  Everything at Belterra is technically "the best".  The casino is a riverboat fittingly dubbed "Miss Belterra", and has over 38,000 feet of gaming space!  There are over 1,500 slots and video poker machines, as well as both smoking and non-smoking areas for the comfort of all.  Your favorite table games are also present, from craps to blackjack. 

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Belterra is also proud to offer a live action poker room.  A proud host of the Heartland Poker Tour, poker is a pretty big deal here are Belterra. They recently had poker greats Greg Raymer and Darvin Moon in for the tournament, with Raymer being victorious.  The tournament is expected to return in March 2013.  But on the regular day, the poker room is always abuzz with promotions and daily tournaments which, as every player knows, is the "meat and potatoes" of poker.  The room has a comfortable, almost "homey" feel, but don't let that fool you.  The action is there, and on any given night, a $100 buy-in could multiply ten-fold.

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Belterra is also proud to belong to the Pinnacle Entertainment family, and offers the mychoice rewards program.  It is simple to sign up, and it is FREE! I realize that there are a lot of casino loyalty programs around, but this one is seriously, well... awesome.  While players can earn the usual comps for meals, hotel stays, merchandise, slot play, and cash, they can also work towards trips to the Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas, and to the immaculate Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.  Really... how cool is that?

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If you're in for even more excitement, make plans to see your favorite artist at the Centerstage Showroom.  Regularly hosting legends and new, breakout talent, this is an amazing concert venue!

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Belterra Casino Resort & Spa is the absolute definition of an escape.  There is excitement, relaxation, and anything and everything else that can be imagined.  Borrowing a line from one of my favorite Disney films, it is "practically perfect in every way".

Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
 777 Belterra Drive
 Florence, Indiana
 812-427-7777