7.4 Min Read

Anyone who has visited Las Vegas is familiar with its myriad of themed hotels seated in the hustle and bustle of the Vegas Strip. Durango Casino & Resort offers a respite from the usual.

Some 20 minutes due West from The Strip in the growing Southwest area of Vegas, its calming façade and location offer access to the action while allowing you to enjoy the peace of its resort vibes. It also offers you a side of Vegas you might not see otherwise.

Location and Ambiance

With a 15-story tower that makes it hard to miss, the resort otherwise does not boast the bold lights and colors of some flashy Strip hotels. Rather, Durango Resort and Casino stands out for its understated aesthetics. Reflecting its surrounding desert landscape, the color scheme is muted and neutral. We love the design!

The property is located just minutes from the Durango and Russell exits of the 215 highway. It is located across the street from IKEA and The Uncommons – a new mixed-use project with offices, restaurants and apartments.

You will instantly feel the soothing vibes of the resort-like atmosphere. The interior is flooded with natural light. Its modern mid-century design is simplistic yet luxurious. Durango is operated by Red Rock Resorts – the same company that operates Red Rock Spa and Resort as well as Green Valley Ranch. Durango is not as elegant and over-the-top as Red Rock – likely because it is targeting a younger audience.

About the Hotel

Durango offers 209 rooms for guests to stay. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows, a spa-like bathroom, a lounging area, and other amenities.

Choose from standard rooms that are each around 480 square feet:

  • King Mountain View
  • Two Queen Mountain View
  • King Strip View

For an upgrade, the suites start at 730 square feet. Each suite features luxurious design accents and similar amenities. Your suite choices include:

  • Executive King Suite Mountain View
  • Executive King Suite Strip View
  • The Parlor King Suite

Amenities

Additionally, guests can take advantage of special add-ons like 24-hour butler service, cold plunge room, and transportation that will take you to and from the hotel in style. The hotel also offers a 24-hour gym with an array of workout equipment.

Casino Floor

The casino has over 2,000 slots including plenty of video poker and some bar-top games located at some of their great casino bars. One comment that you will hear about the casino floor is that the slot machines are packed tightly together. We would expect that the management team will likely take some of the lower performing games out over time to open up some more space.

Table games include the usual stuff – blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. One nice feature that we noticed is the live dealer, live dice electronic craps with a $5 minimum bet.

For the high-rollers, the casino has a well appointed high-limit slot room and a high-limit table games room.

PREMIER TIP: For low-rollers that are staying on the Strip, please note Durango generally will have lower table games limits than what you will find at the high-end Strip casinos.

Race and Sportsbook

Durango has plenty to offer guests who want to enjoy an exciting Vegas gaming experience.

The hotel’s 205-seat sports bar features a circular bar where you can cozy up to catch the action on the 360-degree multi-view TV. Or relax in the George Sportsman Lounge, which is equipped with more ample LED screen space. The next-level technology will make it hard for sports enthusiasts to do anything other than watch the game.

If you plan to game at Durango, be sure to check out their gaming promotions. They will help you make the most out of your winnings. You can also take advantage of cashless play to purchase chips right at the table.

Check out our article to learn more about Durango and other favorite Vegas sportsbooks.

Restaurants at Durango

Durango has no shortage of eateries ideal for luxury meals or quick snacks. Dining options include:

Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish

Nicco’s has quickly become the spot for celebratory occasions, date night and important business dinners on the Southwest side of Vegas. If you’re after steak, choose from a selection of USDA Prime, dry-aged, and Wagyu cuts. LIke T Bones at Red Rock, Nicco’s features a spacious bar area.

Seafood lovers can enjoy soles, salmon, and more. The fireplace enhances the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere. Reservations in advance are a must.

Upon entering, you will find that Mijo gives off a vibrant nightclub vibe. The main bar has quickly become a place to ‘see and be seen’ and quickly fills up shortly after they open. As you move to the back, you will find yourself in a bright, airy space with a breezy outdoor patio.

The menu is anything but ordinary, and we would call it upscale Mexican. Out-of-the-box options include coconut ceviche, duck carnitas, and charred octopus with beans. Diners should note that the pricing is much higher than typical off-Strip Mexican restaurants. Reservations in advance are highly recommended.

In addition to the main bar, Mijo also has a popular speakeasy. Note that later in the evening, it almost functions as a mini-nightclub so may not be for everyone.

Check out our article about other Vegas speakeasies and hidden bars.

Eat Your Heart Out offers all the variety of a food hall and all the quality of a fine Vegas buffet – at least when Vegas buffets were more prominent. Options include Irv’s Burgers, Prince Street Pizza, Ai Pono Hawaiian Café, Uncle Paulie’s Deli, Fiorella Italian pasta bar, Yu-Or-Mi Sushi, Shang Artisan Noodle, and the Oyster Bar. Note that Fiorella actually has its own dedicated seating, bar and takes reservations. Yu-Or-Mi, Ai Pono and Shang all of their own mini-restaurant seating.

For dessert there’s Nielsen’s Frozen Custard. You can also grab a tasty snack and coffee at Vesta Coffee (where the coffee is served piping hot unlike some places). Stop at DRNK for colorful frozen drinks and other cocktails.

Bottom line, this food hall is one of, if not, our favorite places to eat casual fare in Vegas.

For people that visited Durango during the first few weeks after it opened, they would have seen huge lines in the food hall. On weekdays, the lines have largely gone away.

The Bel Aire Lounge is in the hotel lobby just off the pool. It’s the perfect place to grab a cocktail, tapas, or sushi dish. Don’t be fooled by its perceived casual flair. It offers floor-to-ceiling windows, fine finishes, and indoor and outdoor seating options. Come by during the evening to enjoy the DJ entertainment.

From the same group that operates Pkwy Tavern, The Sportsmen Lounge is more than a great place to watch sports events. We would best describe its menu as elevated bar food, but it still includes all of the standard Vegas tavern classics. The George has a large outdoor seating areas, and at night, the outdoor space can host bands and other live entertainment. Also, don’t miss their tasty cocktails, guest DJs, and live music.

Summer House, whose first location was in Chicago ironically enough, is a casual dining option offering a variety of pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and entrees.. It definitely tries to lean towards healthy dining, but note that the menu includes wines, non-alcoholic drinks, and delectable oversized cookies. Summer House has a decent-sized bar.

Summer House has largely had mixed reviews so far, and we hope to see it improve.

Bel Aire Backyard Pool

The Bel Aire Backyard pool area is a relaxing getaway for guests who would rather not leave the hotel.

Surrounded by towering palms and lush greenery, the backyard offers a VIP experience with large daybeds, comfy pool chairs, and private cabanas.

The area also offers a main bar and a Backyard Grill that serves food and drinks. Check out Recess on Fridays from 4-10 pm to enjoy a sundown swim or dance the night away under the stars.

The pool will be illuminated with LED light, providing an exciting backdrop for your weekend kickoff.

More information on Bel-Aire Backyard and other great Vegas pools.

Event Spaces

Durango offers over 25,000 feet of meeting and event space across indoor and outdoor areas. Catering options and state-of-the-art technology. Given the backdrop, we expect this to be a popular place to book weddings and other events.

Durango offers so much to do that you can have a great trip without leaving the hotel. But if you venture out, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Durango offer free parking?

Yes, there is a complimentary parking lot and garage and a free valet for guests.

No, but there is a fitness center.

No.

No, instead, it offers a food hall with options like Irv’s Burgers, Prince Street Pizza, Ai Pono Hawaiian Café, Uncle Paulie’s Deli, and much more.

No.

No.

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