The Charms of Casino Windsor

Imagine being the proprietor of a business where roughly 9,000 people come through your doors every single day and yet you’re disappointed. What troubles you is that you’re accustomed to having more than 17,000 customers daily. This is the predicament that Casino Windsor is facing.

Since the events of September 11, Americans have been nervous about travelling. Additionally, longer delays at the Canada-U.S. border have discouraged many Americans from continuing their daily migration to Casino Windsor. But Americans, who formed approximately 80 percent of the casino’s customer base, are gradually returning simply because they can’t get enough of the favorable exchange rate and the proximity to such states as Michigan and Ohio.

But like any business that’s going through a tough time and trying to entice customers back into its fold, there are advantages to be had. Room rates are discounted, gaming incentives are plenty, and with thinner crowds, negotiating the casino floor is more pleasurable. Indeed, the odds of getting a great deal at one of Canada’s largest gambling resorts have never been better.

Nestled on the banks of the Detroit River, the casino-hotel evokes images of a futuristic city. Driving up to the complex, you almost expect to see the Jetsons flying in on their spacecraft. Yet, other aspects of the complex are decidedly Mediterranean in flavor. How else to describe this intriguing architecture except that it feels like George Jetson meets Julius Caesar. Futuristic lines mingle with old Mediterranean styling of trees, sculptured gardens and a rock water fountain that seamlessly carries into the interior. The lobby is dominated by a cascading three-storey waterfall while the décor features undulating wood paneling, marble, and plush carpeting.

The luxuriously appointed hotel has 389 rooms and suites, half of which overlook the dramatic Detroit skyline across the Detroit River. In addition, guests enjoy many of the amenities you’d expect from a world-class resort, including valet parking, twenty-four hour room service, health spa and fitness facilities, as well as indoor pool. Wheelchair accessible rooms, as well as smoking and non-smoking rooms, are also available.

The Casino Windsor experience is further enhanced by the efforts of staff to meet the expectations of every visitor, and this has not gone unnoticed. The hotel was recently honored with CAA/AAA’s four-diamond rating. This award is given to the finest hotels in North America in recognition of superior facilities, exceptional service and the signature touches that define a world-class hotel.

When you’re ready for some gaming action, an expans-ive casino floor awaits you. Covering 100,000 square feet, the casino contains more than 100 table games and 3,000 slot machines. Slot machines range from 5 cents to $100 per play while table games include Craps, Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Spanish 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride, and Pai Gow Poker.

High rollers can be found in the casino’s Canadian Club Salon, an elegant gaming venue that features more than 20 high stakes games, private lounge, bar and restaurant. Lavishly decorated with more than 50 pieces of original Canadian art, the salon provides a high-end gaming experience second to none.

Casino Windsor is also home to Canada’s first premium slot machine area. Canadian Club Slots offers more than 200 slot machines ranging from $2 to $100 per play, as well as a private lounge and coin redemption windows, all set within the roaring ‘20s theme.

Starting this month, the casino is also launching six sports-related slot tournaments with more than $370,000 in cash up for grabs. As Casino Windsor spokesperson Jim Mundy noted, the tournaments have been formatted to combine “the thrilling pace of your favorite sporting event with the action and excitement of big-time slots.” The football slot tournament is scheduled for January 16, followed by the hockey slot tournament on March 27. The baseball styled competition will be held May 15 and the tennis tournament July 17 while golf and car racing tournaments are scheduled for the fall of 2002. An entry fee and reservation is necessary to participate in one of these tournaments.

Before a marathon workout at the tables or slot tournaments, load up on some carbs at one of Casino Windsor’s six restaurants. At the Canadian Club Salon, the upscale Caché features gourmet dining with a twist. Diners may choose from an impressively large “raw” bar fresh seafood and pastas that are then prepared before their very eyes. Some diners have described this experience as culinary theater.

Yet another upscale restaurant can be found on the main level of the hotel. The Riverside Grille is known for its gourmet menu and picturesque view of the riverfront. Here you can dine on such delights as prime rib, surf and turf, and Dijon crusted rack of lamb. The more casual Terrace Café serves a lighter all-day menu and also offers a spectacular view of the atrium and waterfall.

Within the atrium, a food court—which wraps around the waterfall—features a wide variety of food selections including Italian, Chinese, and grilled fare as well as sandwiches and desserts. Also on the atrium level you’ll find a New York style deli where you can cap off your meal with a great dessert. Throughout the week, guests may also dine on a variety of hot and cold buffets at the Garden Buffet.

If you can pull yourself away from the gaming action, there’s live entertainment in the 232-seat Showtime Lounge, which has hosted some of the biggest names in show business, including Wayne Newton, Tony Bennett and Bill Cosby. Starting this month well-known Elvis impersonator Max Pellicano will present a musical tribute to Elvis. Then Jon Ross will take the stage with his special blend of magic and dance, which will be followed by The Caverners who perform The Beatles’ greatest hits. For more information on these and other upcoming shows, and to reserve seats, contact Casino Windsor at 1-800-991-8888 or (519) 258-8100, or visit their Web site at .