Casino Destinations: Albuquerque and Santa Fe

June 8, 2017

Route 66 Hotel, Albuquerque

Interest in tribal casinos is growing across the country. According to the most recent statistics from the National Indian Gaming Commission, revenue increased 5 percent in 2015 for a total of almost $30 billion. Along with the entertainment, many tribes have included hotel, meeting and experience spaces.

The greater Albuquerque and Santa Fe area is an example of a place where casino operators have embraced their heritage to create unique destination opportunities. Eight casinos operated by seven pueblos offer a variety of amenities on the road between the two cities.

Just 15 minutes from Santa Fe, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder welcomes visitors to Las Vegas-style gaming, Hale Irwin-designed golfing, Native American-inspired spa treatments and fine dining at Red Sage Steak House. This AAA Four Diamond property operated by Pueblo of Pojoaque features 393 guest rooms, 66,000 sq. ft. of meetings space and seven restaurants.

Isleta Resort & Casino, which is owned by Pueblo of Isleta, offers top-name entertainment, a game area, a pool, a hot tub and a spa. For those who would rather get lucky with a golf club, a 27-hole course is steps away. With 201 guest rooms and 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, it caters to the event market. Pueblo of Laguna’s Route 66 Casino Hotel has the added bonus of gaming and family fun conveniently located blocks from Albuquerque Convention Center and five diverse dining choices.

Sandia Resort & Casino was the first Indian casino in New Mexico. It was expanded again in 2015 with a new Green Reed Spa and four-story parking garage. It is operated by Pueblo of Sandia and features stunning views of Sandia Mountains. With nine restaurants and bars, including gourmet dining at the rooftop Bien Shur, and a championship golf course, it is a true destination resort. Meeting-goers will find 228 guest rooms and 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space.