Route 66 Casino is an I-40 ‘Las Vegas’

Patrons to the Route 66 Casino Hotel walked among the slot machines during the grand opening of the hotel addition. The hotel features 154 rooms. [Photo by Daniel Zollinger/Independent]

By Jim Tiffin
Cibola County Bureau

PUEBLO OF LAGUNA — Route 66 Casino has brought Las Vegas-type attractions to New Mexcio, offering fun for everyone, with a major expansion of the existing casino.

Just outside the new hotel's front entrance, about 200 people, with Pueblo of Laguna officials, construction company owners, architects and invited guests, gathered to celebrate the official opening of the hotel and its amenities Thursday afternoon.

In addition to the hotel, is a 24-hour Main Street restaurant; KXX (Kicks), a true Vegas-style nightclub with a house band, go go dancers and featuring shadow dancers.

Laguna Development Corp. has also added Kids Quest, a 24-hour professional child care center, offering hourly child care for children ages 6 weeks to 12.

A family-oriented, nonviolent game arcade, Cyber Quest, is also one of the expansion areas, where kids, teens or adults can redeem tickets won playing the games for prizes at a redemption booth, including such prizes as DVDs, iPods, and home video game consoles.

Speaking to the gathered crowd at the grand opening ceremony, Jerry Smith, president of LDC, said “Route 66 Casino Hotel is the first Las Vegas type property in New Mexico.”

“The hotel, restaurant and other areas within the 145,000 square foot expansion, which doubles the size of the facility, was years in the planning including market research in Las Vegas,” he said.

“We hope this adds to more growth west of Route 66, toward Dancing Eagle,” Floyd Correa, chairman of the LDC board of directors, said. “This expansion brings 400 new jobs brining the number of employees at Route 66 Casino Hotel to 1,200.”

During the ceremony, Antonio told those in attendance that the tradition of Laguna tribal members being respectful and offering a high level of hospitality will be continued with the expansion.

The ceremony was followed by a reception in the hotel's 8,000 square foot grand ballroom, which can be converted into six smaller banquet or meeting rooms.

Hotel expansion
Each of the 154 rooms features a 40-inch flat screen TV and wireless Internet capability. The hotel foyer features resort-style waterfall, and there is a indoor-outdoor swimming pool, recreation and business center. Daily rate is $66, Sunday through Thursday; $99 Friday and Saturday. Most rooms are non smoking.

Main Street Restaurant
Open 24 hours every day, featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes a large steak selection, pizza, pasta and seafood plates. Inside the restaurant are a fireplace and waterfall feature. Menu prices range from $6 to $34. There is a bar that serves alcohol. Unique menu items include: Pistachio fried ice cream, specialty cheeses and ingredients, gourmet coffees and wine selection.

KXX Nightclub
Live entertainment in KXX Tuesday though Sunday including a DJ and an eight-piece house band, The Mixx. Shadow dancers, go-go dancers on platforms and the shadow dance area converts to a stage where a three-piece band can perform. KXX has New Mexico's largest HD digital screen at 13x20 feet and a first-of its kind lighting system.

Cyber Quest
A high-tech, non-violent arcade center, well lit and has staff available to assist children under the area of 12. Novelty games include: Stackers, Power Surge and a variety of crane games, featuring exciting plush or electronic prizes. Video games include: Fast and the Furious, Superbikes, Dance Dance Revolution and ticket games include: Wheel Deal, Elvis, Smokin' Token, Raptor Captor, Skee-Ball, Hoop Fever, Wheel of Fortune and Spongebob Jellyfish. Tickets earned may be redeemed for prizes. Cyber Quest is open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-1 a.m., Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m.-11 p.m.. Sunday.

Kids Quest
Children now have their own getaway including “The Quest,” an indoor playground with slides, ladders and tunnels. There is a Karaoke stage and Techno Quest, featuring non-violent video arcade games. Guest Cafe offers quiet time and movie viewing. The Gym offers basketball games, hula hoops and other organized games. The Quiet Play Zone offers arts and crafts and a dramatic play area. This arcade is offered to children ages 6 weeks to 12 and is supervised with professionals trained in first aid and CPR techniques.

To contact reporter Jim Tiffin call (505) 287-2197 or e-mail: jtiffin.independent@yahoo.com.