It’s a Gaming Nation at Pechana, Temecula, California
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Leave your misconceptions of tee-pees and feathered hats at home because the only place you'll see those items are on display in a shop. As a true oasis in the middle of nowhere, Pechanga Hotel and Casino offers more than just a weekend getaway. It's hidden among the endless hills of dry brush in a rural town by the name of Temecula, in southern California, known for its vineyards. (Click photos to book The Pechanga Hotel and Casino.)
Upon entering the hotel, I passed by copper-colored statues of the Pechanga band of LuiseñBook The Pechanga Resorto Indians. The characters portrayed are participating in rituals common in their culture. One of the statues is caught frozen in time; he's artistically drawing some sort of tribal message on a rock near a waterfall.
Continuing inward, I walked along a covered illusionary bridge surrounded by flowing water. The pleasant trickle prepared my ears for the clinking of the many slot machines. The automatic doors opened and immediately I was sucked into the exciting world of entertainment. On my right was the entrance to the Pechanga's 90,000 square foot casino, but deciding to save money I went to the front desk to check in.
I learned that the 14-floor hotel boasts 522 spacious rooms. I was fortunate enough to be housed in a one-bedroom suite on the 12th floor, one level below the rooftop lounge. After inserting my magnetic keycard, I entered the room, surprised to find the suite seemed more like a luxurious apartment in uptown New York.
Immediately on my right was the wet bar and kitchen area. I noticed a refrigerator near the wet bar, packed with all sorts of goodies; from Snickers candy bars, to soda and beer, this thing was stocked. There also was a snack tray placed above the refrigerator filled with even more snacks. Of course there is a charge for each of the items, but being curious I decided to take out one of the beers.
To my surprise, a small digital display asked me to make my selection, but then informed me that one beer was being charged to my room as I picked it up. Right after that began a countdown from 30, which was the amount of seconds I had until the transaction was official. Quickly I put the beer back in its place. The menu stopped counting down and read "item replaced." Interestingly enough, there also were sensors on the snack tray and candy bars. After reading further instructions, I learned I could lock the refrigerator with a personal code so no one could have snacks and drinks billed to my room.
Now intrigued by what other types of fancy gadgets I would find in this room, I walked to the living room. Opposite a nicely decorated couch and end tables was a television with a few remote-control looking devices. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that there was a wireless keyboard, Nintendo 64 controller and TV remote. The next 30 minutes or so were spent playing with all the options on the television. I learned how to order movies, any of nine Nintendo games and even how to check out of the room through the television when I was ready. After sending an e-mail to a friend of mine through the television, I continued my exploration.
On the kitchen table was a dish of Italian candies that were extremely tasty. I popped one in my mouth while opening the curtains to reveal my view out the window. Being 12 floors up, I had an amazing bird's eye view of absolutely nothing. I was staring directly over a parking lot at the side of a large hill. I didn't expect to see much though given that the surroundings weren't terribly exciting. I decided to keep the curtains closed so I could pretend I was in Las Vegas.
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Josh edelson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
About the Author
Josh Edelson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.