Since opening in 2004, the luxurious hotel at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa has become an icon in the desert. Standing 27 stories tall, the giant sandstone structure is an oasis of relaxation, casino fun, and fine dining.
So with spring here and the weather warming up, I recently snuck away to Morongo for a memorable day and night of Spa indulgence, shrimp fajitas, blackjack and more.
My getaway began when a friend and I rounded a bend on the 10 Freeway just west of Palm Springs and saw the majestic casino tower protruding from the desert floor. The next thing we knew, we were checking into a gorgeous suite overlooking the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountain ranges and desert landscape surrounding Palm Springs.
Located on 19th floor, the suite came with a big comfy king bed, mini bar, large flat screen TV, office area with free wireless Internet, and a big window overlooking the desert valley. The room also featured a beautiful bathroom with a walk-in glass shower.
Besides our quarters, the resort features 310 deluxe rooms and suites, and six secluded casitas next to Oasis Pool. All rooms are softly colored in desert hues and beautifully appointed with quality hardwood furniture and artwork. They offer free high-speed Internet, two phone lines, 27-in. plasma TV and mini bar.
After checking into the room, my first order of business was visit to the resort’s signature Sage Spa. Named after the fragrant white sage that grows throughout the hills and canyons on Morongo Indian Reservation, the spa offers 14 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and cold dip to pamper yourself.
I visited the spa for a stimulating deep-tissue massage. The 50-minute rub left my muscles loose and my entire body rejuvenated and prepared me for an incredible dinner at T&T -Tacos Taquila restaurant.
Located next to Sage Spa, T&T is an exotic delectable world of vibrant colors and delicious aromas. The place was created by renowned chef Richard Sandoval and T&T’s Executive Chef Saul Ortiz to give diners an authentic Mexican cuisine experience with dishes such as classics like carne asada, al pastor and alambre tacos.
Our dinner began with shrimp ceviche with citrus broth, anise tomato, tomatillo, cilantro, sesame seeds; and an appetizer platter, with chicken tamale, shrimp quesadilla, nachos, beef flautas, guacamole.To wash the appetizers down we ordered a couple tasty and powerful Pineapple Margaritas with Herradura Silver Tequila and Dutch Orange Curaçao, shaken with fresh lime and pineapple juice, and mixed with Monin pineapple chipotle syrup, and a dash of Tabasco chipotle hot sauce.
For the main course, I stayed with shrimp and got the sizzling fajitas, served with rice and pinto beans, and my friend ordered the traditional carne asada with steak, chile morita salsa, poblano rajas, chimichurri and guacamole.
After dinner we hit the 150,000-sq.-ft casino. Featuring 2,000 slot machines and 85 table games, Morongo casino is the next best thing to Las Vegas – and it’s a lot closer. While here I played blackjack and my friend hit the quarter slots.
In the morning I worked out at the hotel fitness center and then joined my friend on the banks of Morongo’s South Pacific Islands-inspired Oasis Pool and Water Park. Here, with a warm Spring sun above, we relaxed on a sandy beach, crawling in and out of the heated pool and sipping iced tea. The area also offers two spas and an exciting waterslide and lazy river.
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is located at 49500 Seminole Dr. Cabazon, 92230. For more info and reservations, visit www.morongocasinoresort.com or call (800) 252-4499.
-Photo and story by Greg Aragon
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