Living the Dream

The overall vibes at the casino were great — lively atmosphere, fun crowd, and a solid variety of cool table games that kept things exciting. Definitely a place where you can spend a few hours and enjoy yourself. That said, my experience was soured by one staff member, Jeff. His attitude was off-putting and really didn’t match the otherwise friendly and welcoming energy of the place. Customer service matters, especially in a setting like this, and I hope management addresses it. With better service across the board, this could easily be a 5-star spot.

I stayed at the Inn of the Mountain Gods for two nights in June (Friday and Saturday). The room was comfortable, the bathroom was clean, and the hotel staff was friendly. However, for a total cost of over $600, I left feeling that the experience didn’t justify the price. The setting is undeniably beautiful, with scenic views and a tranquil lake, but beyond the natural surroundings, the hotel didn’t offer much to distinguish itself. For the cost, I expected more, perhaps included amenities like complimentary boat or bike rentals, or discounts at the on-site restaurants. Instead, hotel guests pay the same price for activities and dining as day visitors. There’s really nothing preventing someone from booking a more affordable hotel in town and simply coming to the resort to enjoy the views and facilities. One odd detail: there are still signs near the elevators advertising a buffet, but staff told us there hasn’t been a buffet since COVID. Another sign that the hotel could use some updating. Perhaps the real appeal of this resort lies in its events or the casino, neither of which I participated in. Still, even for those interested in gambling or shows, I’d recommend staying in town and visiting the resort for those specific experiences. We also dined at Wendell’s, the on-site restaurant. The staff was very friendly and attentive, and the views were lovely. The food was good, but again, quite overpriced. The wine selection appeared extensive, which may be part of the restaurant’s draw, though I didn’t sample any myself. Final Thoughts: If you’re looking to enjoy the lake or take in the views, you might be better off staying in town and treating the resort as a day trip. It’s a beautiful location, but not one that offers enough value to justify the high price tag for an overnight stay.

If I could give zero stars, I would. I strongly advise against visiting this golf course—particularly if you are a woman. The staff’s behavior was shockingly sexist and unprofessional. My friend and I were removed from the course before even completing the first hole—something I didn’t think was possible without cause. From the moment we began, the course marshal hovered over us, rushing us along and speaking to us with unnecessary rudeness. We are well aware of golfing etiquette and made every effort to keep pace, despite being beginners. Nowhere does the course state that beginners are unwelcome. Yet, the staff explicitly told us, “Next time you come, you need to bring some guys who know how to golf,” making it abundantly clear that our gender was the reason for our removal. This was not a casual outing for us—we had planned this trip for weeks, driving several hours for what was meant to be a fun weekend. As active-duty military members with limited time off, our leisure opportunities are rare and valuable. Instead, this experience left us deeply disappointed, disrespected, and with the sense that our time and effort had been completely wasted.