We try to visit the Pechanga Casino and Resort Hotel at least once a year. Pechanga won't replace your favorite casino in Las Vegas, but it will cut down on your travel time and you can enjoy wine tasting at the nearby Temecula Valley wineries during your visit.
The Hotel isn't much to look at on the outside, but it is impressive and well kept on the inside. Our suite was very nice and the staff was friendly. However, we weren't allowed to check in until 4pm and they didn't allow "late check out" so we had to check out by 11am. We have stayed at a lot of hotels and that was a first for us.
Another first for us was they didn't allow us to take alcohol to our room. I assume it's because they want you to buy the over priced alcohol in the mini bar. Whatever the reason, I'm a golfer and I enjoy taking bloody mary's to our early morning tee times. It's also common for me to take a couple of beers with me when I play golf in the afternoon. Pechanga's rule makes it difficult to do either and I wasn't very happy about security searching people at the elevator door entrance.
My companion decided to use the spa during our visit and she did enjoy herself. After her spa treatment, she decided to visit the pool area. At Las Vegas resorts, a lot of attention is given to the pool area. That's not the case at Pechanga. The pool itself is not much larger than some backyard pools and I imagine it gets very crowded during the summer months.
Regular Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, California Craps (cards instead of dice), Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride, Bingo and Three Card Poker can be found on the Pechanga casino floor. The table minimums on all games are high. For instance, it's not uncommon to play Pai Gow Poker for $10 in Las Vegas. The table minimum at Pechanga is $25. Blackjack can be played in Vegas for $5 or less at some casinos, but the table minimum at Pechanga is $10 or more. Also, keep in mind there are NO free drinks at Pechanga while you play and that can significantly add to your playing costs.
The Pechanga Theater
While large enough to accommodate over 1000 occupants, has an intimate atmosphere that you don't get at larger venues. The seats, which are arranged stadium style, are comfortable and there was ample amount of leg room. There are no bad seats or obstructed views.
The lobby had several concession stands and was roomy enough to accommodate the crowd before and after the show. The bar was well stocked with libations and non-alcoholic drinks.
We saw Olivia Newton-John perform her wildly popular, albeit eclectic, set of songs. It was the perfect venue for that type of performance. At one point in the show Olivia even said how beautiful she thought the theatre was and I couldn't agree more.
Pechanga invites a wide variety of perfomers to visit their resort and perform at their theater. It's not uncommon for them to host top stars from the music world one week and then host a Broadway musical the next. If you are going to visit Pechanga, it's worth checking out the Pechanga Theater Schedule ahead of time.
Pechanga Poker Room
The large poker room is located on the top level of the casino's expansion area. It is very comfortable because it's non-smoking and away from the normal noise on the casino floor. Pechanga offers the normal assortment of poker games including Texas Hold'em, Seven Card Stud, Omaha Hold'em, High-Low Split, etc. Most if not all of the games have "bad beat" jackpots and tournaments start daily at 10am.
Great Oak Steakhouse
Great Oak Steakhouse is Pechanga's premiere restaurant. Their specialty is prime beef but they also offer a selection of other items including seafood and chicken. Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Our server, Joseph, seemed well versed in the menu and had a good understanding of food and wine pairings.
We began our meal with a tomato salad. The tomatoes were perfectly fresh and ripe served with a tasty vinaigrette dressing. For my main entrée I had the lobster thermador while my companion had the surf and turf (filet mignon and lobster). The filet was cooked to perfection and topped with mushrooms. Our side accompaniments of mashed potatoes and cream spinach (with a touch of nutmeg) were also very good. I enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc with my dinner while my companion had the Pinot Noir as recommended by our server. The only downside was how the lobster in my entrée was prepared. Although flavorful, it seemed a bit chewy. We finished with a Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert that was absolutely wonderful.
Although the restaurant is located right off the casino floor, it is well insulated so the normal sounds of the casino floor can't be heard. The atmosphere is comfortable enough for couples, families or a get together with friends. I would certainly recommend Great Oak to anyone that would like to have a nice night out while they're at the Pechanga Resort.
Pechanga Buffet
Trying to find a good buffet outside of Las Vegas isn't an easy task. However, you don't have to look much further than the Buffet at the Pechanga Resort to find a good buffet at a very reasonable price.
The international menu features Asian, North American and Italian dishes. My wife and I both started with the salad bar (be sure to try the pickled onions). Although I didn't make it to the Asian section, I can tell you that the carved turkey and prime rib was absolutely delicious.
As a rule, most desserts at Buffets aren't very good. However, the dessert selection and, more importantly, the quality was very good at the Pechanga Buffet. My companion is more of a dessert person than I am and she specifically pointed out how good the cherry cobbler was.
If you're always on the look out for a good Buffet like I am, be sure to check out the Buffet at the Pechanga Resort during your visit.
Pechanga Review Summary
If it wasn't for the other activities in the area such as the golf and wine tasting, I wouldn't visit Pechanga very often, if ever. If you do plan to visit, it's a good idea to make reservations in advance and be sure to ask about their special vacation packages. If you're planning to visit the local wineries during your stay , especially midweek, use the 2 for 1 wine tasting coupons that many of the wineries offer.