Durango Casino & Resort is located in Rhodes Ranch, Las Vegas. Opened in December 2023, this luxury hotel and casino features an 83,178 sq. ft. casino, a 15-storey tower with 209 rooms, diverse dining options, and extensive entertainment.
Table of contents:
- Durango Casino: Introduction
- History of Durango Casino & Resort
- A Design Inspired by Nature
- Accommodation at Durango Casino & Resort
- Dining at Durango Casino & Resort
- Gaming and Entertainment at Durango Casino & Resort
- Final thoughts
The Durango Casino & Resort is a premier modern luxury destination located in Rhodes Ranch, a vibrant community within the Las Vegas Valley. Strategically situated along Durango Drive near the Las Vegas Beltway, the property seamlessly combines the tranquil allure of the desert landscape with the dynamic vibrancy of Las Vegas, offering a distinctive retreat for both travellers and locals.
Spanning 83,178 square feet, the state-of-the-art casino, while the resort’s 15-story tower houses 209 meticulously designed guest rooms, reflecting contemporary elegance and comfort. Complementing these amenities is an impressive array of high-calibre dining establishments, diverse entertainment options, and exceptional service, establishing Durango Casino & Resort as a reimagined standard for neighbourhood casinos.
This ambitious project has had a long and storied history, overcoming challenges and delays to emerge as a landmark in Las Vegas’ competitive hospitality industry. Opened in December 2023, Durango Casino & Resort represents the beginning of a new chapter for Station Casinos and its parent company, Red Rock Resorts.
History of Durango Casino & Resort
In 2000, Station Casinos acquired 51 acres of land at the southwest corner of Durango Drive and the Las Vegas Beltway from developer Jim Rhodes for less than $37 million. The property, located in the growing Rhodes Ranch community, had been zoned for a neighbourhood casino three years earlier. While Station Casinos initially had no immediate plans for development, they recognised the area’s potential for future growth.
By 2004, the company unveiled plans for Durango Station, a grand hotel-casino with a 1,000-room tower and a sprawling casino space of up to 215,000 square feet. However, the scale of the project sparked opposition from local residents, who argued that such a large development clashed with the community’s character and its proximity to a newly built elementary school.
Despite protests and a contentious approval process, the Clark County Commission greenlit the project, albeit with reduced gaming space. This compromise marked the beginning of Durango’s journey, though construction would remain on hold for several years.
In 2008, the Great Recession severely impacted the US economy, and Station Casinos was not immune to its effects. Plans to commence construction on a scaled-down version of the resort in 2009 were shelved indefinitely as economic conditions worsened. Station Casinos subsequently filed for bankruptcy in 2009, yet the Durango site was retained with the hope of reviving the project in the future.
By 2021, the economic landscape had improved, and Red Rock Resorts recognised the untapped potential of the Durango site. Situated in one of the fastest-growing areas of the Las Vegas Valley and located five miles from the nearest major casino, the location was seen as a prime opportunity to cater to an underserved market.
Construction on the Durango project officially began in early 2022, following a ceremonial groundbreaking event. Despite challenges such as rising material costs, the project progressed steadily. By October 2022, the resort’s 15-storey tower was topped off, setting the stage for its grand opening in December 2023.
A Design Inspired by Nature
Durango Casino & Resort, designed by the Friedmutter Group, reflects a deliberate focus on the natural aesthetics of the American Southwest. The architectural approach incorporates warm, muted tones that align with the desert’s landscape. Large windows are a defining feature, allowing natural light to fill the interiors—a design element not commonly seen in Las Vegas casinos—and creating a contrast to traditional gaming environments.
The resort includes a 15-story hotel tower offering expansive views of either the Las Vegas skyline or the nearby mountains. The interior design of the accommodations emphasizes neutral colour palettes, refined furnishings, and diverse textures, aiming to provide a calming environment for guests.
Sustainability is a key aspect of the property’s design, demonstrated through the inclusion of 40 electric vehicle charging stations and an emphasis on energy efficiency throughout the facility. The resort also includes 20,000 square feet of convention space and an event lawn, catering to the needs of business travellers and event planners who require functional and stylish venues.
Accommodation at Durango Casino & Resort
The hotel boasts 209 luxury rooms, including 29 suites, all meticulously designed to offer comfort and sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views, while the interiors feature warm, welcoming tones, ultra-comfortable beds, and spa-inspired bathrooms with spacious showers and premium amenities.
For guests seeking a more lavish experience, the suites provide additional space, freestanding soaking tubs, separate living and dining areas, and outdoor terraces. With 24-hour butler service and a pantry available in select suites, guests can indulge in personalised luxury during their stay.
Dining at Durango Casino & Resort
Durango Casino & Resort offers an impressive array of dining options, catering to every palate. From sophisticated steakhouses to vibrant communal food halls, the resort promises a gastronomic experience that showcases the best of Las Vegas’ culinary diversity.
- Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish: A classic steakhouse offering premium meats, market-fresh seafood, and a chic dining experience.
- Mijo Modern Mexican: A vibrant restaurant serving coastal Mexican cuisine, from elevated street food to decadent desserts.
- Wax Rabbit: Hidden behind Mijo, this speakeasy-style cocktail lounge delights guests with inventive cocktails, live DJs, and an intimate atmosphere.
- Summer House: Operated by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, this California-themed restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes such as wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and Cali-style tacos.
- Bel-Aire Lounge: Located at the centre of the resort, this glamorous space serves cocktails and small plates.
- Bel-Aire Backyard: A poolside retreat where guests can savour refreshing drinks and upscale snacks.
Eat Your Heart Out Food Hall
This eclectic food hall features more than a dozen dining options, ranging from Hawaiian cuisine to burgers and frozen custard. With contributions from renowned chefs and popular eateries from cities like New York and Los Angeles, the food hall brings a dynamic and diverse culinary experience to the resort.
Gaming and Entertainment at Durango Casino & Resort
The 83,178-square-foot casino is the resort’s centrepiece, offering a diverse selection of gaming options, including slots, table games, and sports wagering. Designed to cater to both casual players and high rollers, the casino features:
- A 10,000-square-foot sportsbook with indoor and outdoor seating areas.
- A vibrant sports lounge for live entertainment and casual dining.
- Dedicated bars for casino patrons, including The High Limits Bar and The STN Sportsbook Bar.
Durango Casino & Resort is not just a gaming destination—it’s a retreat. The Bel-Aire Backyard, a lush pool area, offers an oasis of tranquillity with swaying palms, shaded cabanas, and a bar serving refreshing drinks. Guests can relax on loungers or take a dip in the pool, enjoying the serene desert environment.
For fitness enthusiasts, the resort includes a modern fitness centre. Beyond the resort, guests are just minutes away from Las Vegas attractions such as The Strip, The Sphere, and The Mob Museum.
Final thoughts
Durango Casino & Resort stands as a testament to the evolution of Las Vegas hospitality. By blending luxury, entertainment, and a connection to the natural beauty of the Southwest, it offers a unique experience that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Whether seeking a gaming retreat, a culinary adventure, or a relaxing getaway, Durango Casino & Resort is a destination that embodies the spirit of Las Vegas while embracing a more tranquil and refined approach. With its stunning design, luxurious amenities, and plans for continued growth, Durango is poised to become a cornerstone of the Las Vegas resort scene for years to come.
Key takeaways
- Durango Casino & Resort is a luxury hotel and casino located in Rhodes Ranch, Las Vegas, blending the serene desert landscape with vibrant Las Vegas energy.
- Opened in December 2023, it features an 83,178 sq. ft. casino, a 15-storey tower with 209 rooms, diverse dining options, and extensive entertainment facilities.
- The resort was inspired by the natural beauty of the American Southwest, with a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
- Accommodation includes luxury rooms and suites, all designed for comfort and sophistication, with some featuring private terraces and butler service.
- Dining options range from sophisticated steakhouses to eclectic food halls, offering a diverse culinary experience.
- The resort also caters to entertainment with a large casino floor, a 10,000 sq. ft. sportsbook, a vibrant sports lounge, and a pool area providing a tranquil retreat.
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
