Rocky Gap Casino Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort.
You have probably heard that line about the three most important things to consider when choosing real estate are location, location, and wait for it location.
Rocky Gap Casino Resort is a prime example of a lovely resort offering a host of amenities which also happens to be in one of most beautiful locations we have ever visited. Forget those casinos in Las Vegas which, at best, overlook a luxurious pool – this resort overlooks 3,000 acres of the gorgeous Allegheny mountains and the clear and beautiful, 243 acre Lake Habeeb because it is perched right beside Rocky Gap State Park. How many of those Vegas resorts can also boast miles of hiking trails, swimming beaches, access to kayaking and canoeing a lake, and mountain views?
Location is everything at this resort.
Honestly, when we were searching for resorts to visit on our way to and from New England in July, we were a little taken aback to discover a casino resort in the middle of Maryland. Hidden away near the historic town of Cumberland, Maryland, the resort expanded in May, 2013 to include an expansive casino with 550 slot machines, 10 table games, a casino bar, and live Texas Hold’em poker with both Limit and No Limit stakes. In 2014, the resort also spent money to renovate the hotel rooms, lobby, restaurants, and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. They also recently opened a new conference and event center featuring an executive boardroom, breakout meeting rooms, business center and flexible-use meeting space and they also opened a comedy club on the lower level.
We really did not know what to expect when we pulled up to the entrance. We have been to Vegas so would this be an uber-glitzy, sorta tacky casino hotel?
Uh. No.
Just the opposite, in fact.
Aerial view of Rocky Gap Casino Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort.
Come on in!
When one of the first things you see in the lobby are some slot machines, you have a clue that this is, indeed a casino resort.
Get some cash, have a drink and a little gambling!
The lobby of the hotel with a view of the lake and mountains is your first hint that this is not only a resort with a casino but that it has lots more to offer.
View from the lobby.
We had just made a long drive so were just interested in checking in and relaxing for the evening and not going back down for a meal, but there are plenty of dining options at the resort. After we had settled in, I headed downstairs to find some sandwiches to take back up and found the perfect, light meals at Signatures Bar and Grill. I was too tired to notice much except the fact that they had a lovely dining area outside and the view looked incredible.
The next morning we were well rested and ready for a tour of the property which opened our eyes even more to all that is available at this location. It’s truly a great place for families, couples, groups, girlfriends getaways – you name it. We started, appropriately enough, with what is the highlight of the resort for many visitors – the casino. Although we are not gamblers and have actually been those rare people who go to Vegas and never gamble, we could certainly appreciate the allure of this place.
The highlight of the resort.
We were actually much more interested in the other amenities of the resort including the Garden Spa where I fully intend to return just so I can have a pedicure in one of these amazing chairs.
Oh, yeah.
We also paid a quick visit to all the restaurants, including Signatures Bar and Grill where I had not fully appreciated the fact that they have one of the biggest televisions we have ever seen – how great to watch a game here!
Big screen tv – check.
We also love all the outside dining options with the amazing views.
Try to eat while enjoying this view!
The resort has a really appealing pool with a roof that retracts so it can be used throughout all the seasons.
Great pool!
Beautiful Lake Habeeb is truly one of the best parts of this resort and they have taken full advantage of it by offering beachside lounge chairs and plenty of kayaks and canoes available for rent.
Gazebo overlooking the lake.
Lakeside sunning.
Kayaks and canoes are available.
We watched as someone paddled by leisurely in one of the canoes.
Lone canoe.
There’s also plenty of comfortable outside seating and a nice view of the beach across the lake at the state park.
Outdoor seating.
The park beach.
The other big draw for the resort is their Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Membership is available but guests of the resort are also welcome to play a few holes – and they certainly have plenty of golf carts available.
Entrance to the golf club.
Our room for the night had been lovely but we were curious to see some of the other lodging options and were not disappointed when we checked out one of the suites.
Suite bedroom.
Suite living room.
Fireplace – how great for fall and winter!
Suite balcony.
French doors to the suite balcony.
View from the mountain view suite.
After spending the morning seeing everything the Rocky Gap Casino Resort has to offer, we were pretty sad to leave after only one night. I am making a list of everything I want to experience on my next visit – and it’s pretty long!
Full disclosure: Our stay was provided by Rocky Gap Casino Resort but as always, we will share our honest opinions about any travel experiences we have.
Pin It
Follow
