Paul Doocey

Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, N.Y., that opened last February and unveiled a hotel and spa in July. 

The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism, according to press materials. Savor NY—MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago is a unique retail outlet where local vendors bring the Finger Lakes region directly to del Lago patrons with MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products and a wide variety of local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, wines and beers and other area specialties. The property even developed its own summer IPA beer in partnership with local ale maker CB Craft Brewers.

Del Lago Resort & Casino also features 1,980 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods; Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor; The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages; and a 4,200-square-foot food court.

Jeff Babinski is executive vice president and general manager for del Lago, and he recently took some time to answer questions from Casino Journal Editor Paul Doocey regarding the current state of the property, its marketing plans and goals for the future.

How did del Lago Resort & Casino come about? What were some of the challenges faced and overcome during the development of the property?

Babinski: The Wilmot Family and its Rochester, N.Y.-based leading commercial real estate development and management company, Wilmorite Inc., had been trying to open a casino in New York State for more than 15 years. We were thankful to Gov. Cuomo for his leadership in bringing a referendum to New York state voters that allowed del Lago Resort & Casino to be proposed and built.

Del Lago Resort & Casino is a partnership between Wilmorite and Peninsula Pacific. Peninsula Pacific comprises the former leadership team from Peninsula Gaming, which has a combined 50 years of experience developing and managing regional casinos in five states. JNB Gaming manages the hotel and casino as JNB and its principals are widely recognized throughout the country as premier casino developers and operators.

As with all development, while this project did face some opposition, proponents agreed that del Lago would be an economic boost to the rural area (halfway between Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y.), creating 1,500 permanent jobs, making del Lago the largest employer in the county. We are incredibly proud of what we have built and the business operation that we are running.

Del Lago officially opened the doors to its casino in February of this year. How has the casino been preforming?

Babinski: From many aspects, del Lago Resort & Casino has been a wonderful success story in less than nine months. We are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars every month buying local produce, wine, beer, cheeses, meats and other supplies and services, and we are helping local businesses grow and watching new businesses being built. We are confident that we are moving in the right direction. Our hotel just opened in July and has been extraordinarily well-received. We are filling rooms with tourists who are visiting the attractions and businesses throughout the Finger Lakes, which has been the goal of our property from the start.
How has del Lago promoted and marketed itself since the opening? How successful have these efforts been?

Babinski: We are thrilled with the very warm welcome our property has received since opening in February. We hit the ground running with our marketing efforts to ensure that we let our guests know that we built del Lago Resort & Casino with them in mind. We have positioned ourselves as a community steward and a proud supporter of local Finger Lakes businesses. From the very start, we have promoted our mission which is to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings to enhance tourism across the area.

This mission has been successfully woven throughout the development of del Lago through amenities like Savor New York, which acts as a showcase of local wineries, breweries, spirits, cheesemakers, artisans and more. In addition to serving local wine and beer, we pride ourselves on sourcing locally—all of our restaurants use Finger Lakes ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, produce and fruits. Our chefs often visit local farmers markets to source fresh ingredients. We recently purchased 3,000 bottles of wine (250 cases) from Thirsty Owl Wine Company on Cayuga Lake and 3,000 bottles of wine (250 cases) from Glenora Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake. The purchases are the largest single sales that the Finger Lakes wineries have received. The wine was gifted to del Lago Resort & Casino’s top guests during the month of September.

As del Lago grows our business and attracts new tourists, we will continue to look for new partnerships. There are so many great products produced in the Finger Lakes region and we look forward to continuing our mission to support local businesses.

How does del Lago set its casino itself apart from other properties?
Babinski: We are setting ourselves apart from others in the region as del Lago is a true world-class destination. From our amazing dining options, serving menu items from local farmers and purveyors, to our 94,000-square-foot casino floor, our entertainment venue (which books top national acts) called The Vine to our 205-room hotel and Spa del Lago, we offer something for everyone. Our Players Club Reward program is quite unique as players may redeem points earned at del Lago not only on property but also at local participating retailers, wineries and restaurants. Our reward program encourages our guests to explore the region and other destinations the area offers. We also focus on providing excellent customer service. From the time our guests enter the property to the time they leave, we want to ensure they receive unprecedented service. 

Del Lago has a rather eclectic mix of bar and restaurant offerings. Could you explain the property’s strategy when it comes to providing non-gaming amenities?

Babinski: When we built the property, we wanted to ensure that there was something for everyone to enjoy while also embracing all the Finger Lakes has to offer. This mission has been woven throughout the development of del Lago through amenities like Savor New York—MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago, a 2,000-square-foot store featuring MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products, as well as other local products. Each weekend, we feature two vendors, sampling and selling their local products, from wine to beer, maple syrup, honey, wing and BBQ sauces and mustard. These opportunities help our vendors reach a completely different audience than they normally would—which has increased their foot traffic and online sales.

As for our restaurants, we offer our guests many dining options featuring locally sourced ingredients. Our food court even features three locally owned restaurants, including Smashburger and Moe’s Southwest Grill and Finger Lakes-based Ciccino’s Pizzeria & Paninoteca. Our culinary team uses the bountiful agriculture, meats, cheese, wine and beer from the region to develop our menus, focusing on seasonal farm-to-table ingredients. Even our spa celebrates the region, as Spa del Lago draws regional natural healing properties including herbs, plants, minerals and the abundant grapes with its signature Vinotherapy spa products.

Del Lago just opened its hotel. Please describe the hotel and what you are doing to set it apart?

Babinski: The six-story hotel features 205 luxurious rooms. Each room is equipped with an Intelity iPad hotel directory system, making it the first hotel in upstate New York to offer the feature. Guests can use the iPad to order room service, request valet service, ask housekeeping for an extra pillow or schedule a treatment at Spa del Lago. Rooms feature a personal device charging station and custom bathrooms with detailed stonework, marble counters and rain showers. All rooms come with additional standard amenities as well as complimentary WiFi. Our rooms feature a wine refrigerator, as we encourage our guests to experience the many wineries our region has to offer. All furniture is custom made, blending the Old-World charm of Italy with a Las Vegas feel. The property offers 24-hour room service from one of its many on-site dining options and features a business center, 24-hour fitness center, and wellness classes complete with yoga and cycling classes.

I understand the hotel also offers a spa. Why did the property opt for a spa? What does the spa consist of? How is it different from nearby spas?

Babinski: The addition of our spa complements our hotel, banquet facility, The Sociale Café & Bar and casino, reinforcing that our property is a true world-class destination in the region. The 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago offers massages, body treatments and facials, plus a full-service salon. The salon features 10 stations, including luxurious pedicure, manicure, hair and make-up areas. The spa has three relaxation areas—men’s, women’s and coed—private eucalyptus infused steam rooms, private cedar wood saunas and 17 treatment stations, including couple suites with private oversized hot tubs. Spa del Lago Boutique offers guests an opportunity to purchase skin care, body and hair products, signature del Lago bath products, gifts and wearables, including spa robes and yoga and active wear.

Derived from the Italian phrase “of the lake,” del Lago’s luxury spa begins with the healing tradition of water, steam and relaxation to cleanse and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. Nestled in the Finger Lakes and flourishing vineyards, Spa del Lago draws upon the natural healing properties of region’s herbs, plants, minerals and fruit. Therefore, it’s only natural that grape seeds are a part of several signature and specialty spa treatments. Our outstanding service, relaxing atmosphere and Finger Lakes-inspired treatments truly set Spa del Lago apart from all others.

What else is in the works for del Lago? What is the ultimate goal for the property?

Babinski: We certainly have achieved success so far as we have worked to build wonderful relationships with our guests, community partners and businesses throughout the region. We want guests to come to del Lago to enjoy our many amenities, and during their stay we encourage them to also spend some time traveling throughout our beautiful Finger Lakes region—it has so much to offer, from wineries and breweries to great restaurants and shops. We have already heard from many local wineries, breweries, stores and restaurants that they have seen an uptick in guests specifically coming from del Lago. We are well on our way to ensure del Lago Resort & Casino is a world-class destination—welcoming visitors to our beautiful Finger Lakes region.

Strictly Slots, the nation’s only monthly magazine dedicated exclusively to slot enthusiasts and video poker players announced the results of its 17th annual “Best of Slots” Reader’s Survey. Just nine months after opening, del Lago Resort & Casino was recognized with 15 awards including four first place honors, making del Lago’s slots the top in New York State.

The casino’s four first place wins included:

Del Lago Resort & Casino also received 11 additional honorable mentions including:

“We are very grateful for the fifteen awards we received from Strictly Slots, especially because the honors were submitted by readers,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski. “In less than one year our nearly 2,000 slots have proven to be a fan favorite as we truly appreciate the praise from our guests and Strictly Slots magazine. We continually listen to our guests’ requests and ensure that we offer the latest and greatest in slots and we are thrilled that they recognize our efforts.”

The November issue of Strictly Slots magazine which highlights “Best of Slots” is the publication’s largest issue of the year.

About del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Del Lago offers a Players Reward Club, free to join with instant winnings, free slot play, table games match play, gifts and hotel, spa and entertainment offers. Players may redeem earned points at the casino and at local participating retailers, wineries and restaurants. Savor NY — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago is a unique retail outlet where local vendors bring the Finger Lakes region directly to del Lago patrons with MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products and a wide variety of local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, wines and beers, and other area specialties. Del Lago Resort & Casino features 1,956 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; 4,200-square-foot food court; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods and Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor. The hotel wing features The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages, Lavazza Italian coffee shop, serving homemade pastries and gelato and the 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.

By Matt Steecker, ithacajournal.com | @MSteecker
Published 9:59 a.m. ET Sept. 21, 2017 | Updated 10:59 a.m. ET Sept. 21, 2017

To say the new del Lago Resort & Casino is purchasing and selling locally sourced food and beverages would be an understatement.

Del Lago, located in the Town of Tyre, recently purchased 500 cases — or 6,000 bottles of wine — with an estimated retail value of $84,000 from two Finger Lakes wineries. The resort and casino will gift the bottles to top guests.

This large-volume purchase comes after del Lago opened its casino in February and its hotel in July. Since 2016, four new casinos have opened in New York State.

“With approximately 50 different Finger Lakes wines on the menus, del Lago is continuing to add other local wines to our lists as we grow our array of offerings,” said Jeff Babinski, executive vice president and general manager of del Lago Resort & Casino.

The resort and casino purchased the wine from two wineries — Thirsty Owl Wine Company in Ovid on Cayuga Lake and Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee on Seneca Lake — selected from the more than 100 wineries in the Finger Lakes region.

“The sale was far from typical,” said Gene Pierce, owner of Glenora Wine Cellars. “It’s not a surprise to us, however, because they are making good on a verbal commitment.”

Babinski said del Lago selected Thirsty Owl and Glenora following a monthly Tasting Tuesday event featuring wine and beer samplings from more than 20 local Finger Lakes region wineries and breweries. Proceeds from the event support a different Finger Lakes charity each month and has helped organizations such as Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency and National Women’s Hall of Fame.

The Finger Lakes area is home to a quarter of the state’s 416 wineries, and in the past year has added 10 new wineries, according to the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The number of wineries has increased partially due to the Fine Winery Bill, New York Craft Act and other legislation and political actions supporting the craft beverage industry.

Jon Cupp, president of Thirsty Owl, said his winery’s sale of 250 cases was the largest one-time delivery the wine company has made to a single account in its 15-year history. Thirsty Owl has its winery and vineyard in Ovid as well as a location with a restaurant in Saratoga. The company produces 22,000 cases of wine each year.

The bottles Thirsty Owl sold to del Lago contained a 100 percent estate grown Pinot Noir chancellor blend. The wine is called Lot 99, named after the Revolutionary War grant lot number on which the winery sits.

Pierce said Glenora sold del Lago Resort & Casino 250 cases of its 2015 Riesling. Glenora Wine Cellars sells 50,000 cases of wine each year.

Pierce said del Lago is a community-minded partner who is working with local wineries, vineyards and businesses to promote the tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage choices the region has to offer.

“They treat Glenora like they treat everyone else with programs at del Lago to encourage visitation to wineries,” Pierce said.

Both Pierce and Cupp believe the latest transaction will lead to more people touring the Finger Lakes region.

“Del Lago invites people to come down to the local wineries. They give them a tasting certificate so they can go to the winery and basically taste for free, which, any way we can get customers to come in and try the wines, I think they’ll be pleased and they’ll be a future customer down the road,” Cupp said.

“The more attractions we can have in this area, the bigger the overall draw will be for all of us,” Cupp added.

While del Lago has only been operating for a short period of time, Cupp said he has already gained customers by participating in wine-pouring events at the resort and casino.

“I’ve had people from del Lago visit,” Cupp said. “You’d be surprised. They come down for sure.”

“We strive to support local Finger Lakes businesses. From the very start, our mission has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings to enhance tourism across the area,” Babinski said.

That mission, he said, has been woven throughout the development of del Lago. He cited as an example Savor NY by MacKenzie-Childs, an on-site retail post that showcases local wineries, breweries, spirits, cheesemakers and artisans.

In addition to serving local wine, the resort and casino serves local beer, and locally sourced ingredients including meats, cheeses and produce, Babinski said. The chefs often visit the Ithaca Farmers Market to purchase local farm-fresh ingredients, such as pea shoots or sweet corn.

The resort also has partnered with Headwater Food Hub to sourcing seasonal products from other Tompkins County farms, including Remembrance Farm, Farmer Ground Flour and Stick and Stone Organic Farm.

Babinski said del Lago will also participate in the annual Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival at the end of the month.

“As del Lago grows our business and attracts new tourists, we will continue to look for new partnerships, hold more tasting events and evolve our wine lists to meet our customers’ demands,” Babinski said. “There are so many great products produced right here in the Finger Lakes region, and we look forward to continuing our mission to support local businesses.”

When she wants to gamble, but you want to eat well

BY MARK GILLESPIE

You get along fairly well with your fiancée except for a few little things. For one, she likes to go to the casino. To keep yourself occupied on weekend trips to Niagara Falls, you bring books and a pair of walking shoes. You wonder, what is the draw? She says she likes the lights and sounds, the excitement of the floor, the possibility of the big win. You call it a cash drain on people who don’t understand statistics. But the money is secondary, she says. Not everything in life has to provide return on investment. Fair enough.

She recommends a weekend at del Lago, a new resort and casino near Waterloo that aims to bring a little Vegas glitz to the sleepy farmlands north of the Finger Lakes. Your first question: what are the restaurants like? You head to Google and find out there’s a place called Portico by Fabio Viviani. The name sounds vaguely familiar. Turns out you saw him on Top Chef: All Stars several years ago. Since then, he’s parlayed his fame into a series of restaurants in downtown metros and the Los Angeles International Airport. He’s also published four cookbooks.

You learn that Portico isn’t his first small-town foray. His Café Firenze, in Ventura County, California, helped launch his career in America. He makes a point of supporting local farms and using fresh ingredients to create menus that draw from his roots as a home cook and restaurant worker in Italy. The menu at Portico is upscale but accessible, pitched toward middle-class vacationers. The pricing is a little high but not more than you’d be willing to pay for a fancy meal in Rochester. OK let’s go, you tell her. Let’s spend the weekend at the casino.

You step inside from the bright, sunlit parking lot. It takes a second for your eyes to adjust, but her attention is already darting around the room, taking in the brand-new slot machines, the blackjack tables, the Monte Carlo games. What are we going to do first, says her expression. In spite of yourself, you feel a quickening of your pulse as well. First, you insist, let’s eat. Don’t want to gamble on an empty stomach.

The casino is cavernous. It takes a few minutes to walk to Portico, which turns out to be a calm oasis. The interior is modern, with lots of leather and marble, though there are rustic touches such as wooden crates stamped with Italian-branded products. A gigantic chandelier made of handblown glass globes creates a dramatic sense of scale. You’re seated near a bright wall of windows next to an imposing stone fireplace.

For starters, you suggest sharing the lobster and avocado salad ($17), a habit you picked up when you wanted a nice meal on a budget. It’s cheaper than an entrée, and the kitchen does all the work removing the shell. This salad is plenty for two, with lots of good shellfish chunks and a bittersweet grapefruit vinaigrette dressing, but there’s nothing quite like a good charcuterie. This one ($20) arrives on a rustic farmhouse serving board with paper-thin slices of prosciutto and soppressata along with a nice veiny blue cheese.

Portico is the kind of place where you first experience presentation out of the corner of your eye. You catch glimpses of thick steaks the size of baseball mitts or golden brown chickens like little Thanksgiving birds with sprigs of rosemary. The waitress across the room has a towel over her hands, and she’s vigorously shaking something. Your fiancée asks your waiter, “what the heck is that?”

Turns out it’s the rigatoni carbonara ($16) tossed in a mason jar. Usually, carbonara is made with spaghetti with crisp pancetta or regular old bacon all tossed with a raw egg. It’s tasty, but usually a little dry. Viviani’s version is closer to American mac and cheese, with tube-shaped pasta and a fresco style of pecorino cheese that’s creamier than the more traditional crumbly parmigiano. She orders Viviani’s signature house white wine ($9), a sweet, fruity blend of California and German styles.

Her own jar of noodles and brussels sprouts spills out onto her dish in an imposing pile—more than enough food for two. But you noticed an indulgence of your own, a veal milanese ($34) that dwarfed the bed of arugula sweetly wilting from the heat of the fried breadcrumbs that coat the meat. To drink, you have the Edna Valley Pinot Noir ($10), which is both earthly and floral, intensifying the richness of the beef. Each time you slice across the cutlet, and the juices run out, mingling with the greens, pepperoncini, and almonds on top. You swap bites with your fiancée, each barely making it through half the meal before happily groaning as you take a break.

Dessert? Why stop now? However, your pace has slackened considerably. You split a limoncello cake ($10), or half of one because you’re finally out of steam. Good thing there’s a refrigerator in the room.

The meal has put you in such a good mood that you try one of the slot machines. Lose. Try it again. Lose again. Try a third time and bam! You’ve almost won back the price of dinner. Will you quit while you’re ahead?

JUNE 29, 2017
By Allison Zimmer, Rochester A-List

“La dolce far niente”

There’s a reason why people love brunch, and it usually isn’t the food.
Brunch is all about leisure. It’s a time to relax and recharge; to share laughter and catch up with family and friends. Brunch is the exact opposite of a the convenience meals we usually turn to during the week; it’s a time to take things slow, and to savor the experience.

In Italy they call that sort of pleasure, “La dolce far niente” – the sweetness of doing nothing. And Portico by Fabio Viviani is making the experience even sweeter with an incredibly decadent brunch menu that you’ll look forward to all week long.

Opened in February 2017, Portico is located at the Del Lago Resort and Casino, about an hour’s drive from downtown Rochester. A brand new luxury hotel and spa are expected to open shortly, making it inevitable the Portico would jump on the brunch scene (and giving me serious #vacationgoals).

Rochester A-list was invited to sample the new menu last Thursday, a curious time for brunch, but then, is there ever a wrong time to enjoy a delicious meal among friends? Not to mention plenty of ice cold Rose.

The dishes were served family style, starting with a stunning lox cured salmon served with sliced tomatoes, pickled onions, imported capers from an island just off the Italian coast, and orange cream cheese, served atop toasted, house made polenta bread.

Have you ever seen so many wonderful words in one sentence?

I’m going to make a startling confession here: I don’t care for salmon. So no one was more surprised than I was when this turned out to be my favorite of the evening – a star among stars. Cured in limoncello for 72 hours, the salmon melted in my mouth. Rather than a pronounced citrus flavor, the amazing orange cream cheese was light and sweet, the perfect accompaniment to the savory elements. It was all carried off nicely by the polenta bread, which was deliciously chewy without being heavy – hearty enough to stand on its own beside its formidable toppings, but still soft and pillowy. It was more than delicious; it was memorable.

Next came shredded beef short ribs braised in red wine and served over a potato, parsnip and red bell pepper hash with a perfectly poached egg sitting on top like a crown. If you’re thinking, “Parsnips? Really?” Let me assure, you: parsnips. YES. They added texture, plus that distinctive peppery bite that makes them great – and made them perfect for this dish. No fancy sauces here; the egg yolk filled that role, and filled it flawlessly.

Crab Cakes Benedict followed, a classic brunch staple taken to a whole new level thanks to crab cakes made almost entirely of crab, and just barely held together with a dash of breadcrumbs and spices and a whisper of egg white. Sweet and succulent, they were complemented by a spicy chipotle hollandaise and more of that beautiful polenta bread. Creamy poached eggs made another welcome appearance.

It seems like every brunch restaurant is executing their own take on chicken and waffles, and Portico is no exception – and we are all the better for it. What could be a heavy meal was instead, perfection. No grease here, just crispy, juicy, spicy boneless chicken over impossibly light waffles, topped with freshly whipped butter and local maple syrup. This is chicken and waffles as they are meant to be enjoyed, and I loved every bite.

Last, but most certainly not least, was a cinnamon and Nutella sticky bun. Chef Viviani introduced each dish as it was served, and when he came to the sticky buns simply said, “You’re welcome.” Indeed, these are a gift to foodies and sweet toothed diners everywhere. They start with house made brioche dough, candied walnuts, and a luxurious amount of the chef’s own favorite guilty pleasure, sweet, chocolatey Nutella. While a tad heavy for my taste (I’m a savory girl) my dining companions couldn’t get enough. Even I had to agree, those few sweet bites were the perfect end to an amazing meal.

Try the new menu for yourself when it debuts July 1st. It’s a meal worth waiting for.

Published: 06/29/2017 @ 05:18 am | Updated: 06/29/2017 @ 08:39 am

Physical details are in perfect order.

The del Lago Resort & Casino now features a 205 room hotel located off Exit 41 of the New York State Thruway in Tyre.

On July 1st the hotel will open it’s doors for to the public.

The hotel held a ‘soft opening’ for a limited number of guests on Wednesday. It highlighted the experience patrons will encounter when the doors open to the public on Saturday.

At first glance, the style of the hotel is the perfect blend of modern, elegance, and technology — and it allows for a guest experience like no other in the region.

Unique is a good way of describing it, though.

The hotel has the features patrons would expect: a hair dryer, flat screen television, refrigerator, safe, and coffee maker. Those are the things people expect to see in any hotel room. But, one that could cost more than $350 per night — on any given occasion, absolutely must deliver on the expected amenities.

del Lago doesn’t stop there.

Decorative details not forgotten in hotel

The artwork above beds, as well as the design of furniture in the rooms is unique — and looks like the furthest thing from catalog order. Even the wooden housing for the flat screen television is unique — in that it encompasses the unit perfectly — blending it in with the wall flawlessly.

The lighting features throughout the spaces have a modern, minimalist design that feels premium. The operation is premium, too. As the patron walks through the space — lights that are off will turn on — on-command — as if a personal assistant is following you through the room.

Lighting around mirrors, customizable lighting around beds — which is ideal for couples who have different nighttime routines — and artificial candles, which flicker delicately in the background of the space.

A perfect example: A linen closet in each room features a light, which without fail — only turns on when the person staying in the room opens the door.

It’s this kind of confidence that is easily overlooked, but will be deeply appreciated by patrons who stay at del Lago Resort & Casino.

Another appreciable furnishing note: Beneath the television where most hotels feature a dresser, desk, mini refrigerator — and a coffee table (sometimes a mobile one) — del Lago features a seamlessly uniform structure that houses all of those entities into one sleek design.

Again, it’s not something that every patron will take note of at first glance — but it’s something that when taking stock of the entire experience in terms of design — is impossible to overlook.

A feature the productivity buffs will appreciate — the office chair and desk setup. A minimalist lamp, as well as an embedded power strip — which features USB and traditional wall outlets — are both great.

However, the quality and build of the desk chair featured inside the rooms is second-to-none. Trying to get work done? These spaces are ready to go.

Still not impressed?

While management hoped that they would be able to open by mid-summer — opening their doors on July 1st means they made it ahead of schedule — and did so without missing any of the important details.

Tech takes stress out of stay for guests

Need a bite to eat? How about an extra towel or blanket?

There’s an app for that.

No really — del Lago Resort & Casino is the first in the region to utilize a iPad hotel directory system. Guests can order food, housekeeping, or practically anything else they desire — from an iPad placed next the beds.

It replaces the traditional alarm clock — but don’t worry — the iPad system features an easy-to-use alarm clock that even allow for multiple alarms to be set — just like your smartphone or tablet at home.

If that doesn’t impress you — the technology in temperature control is also unique.

Instead of a system, like many other hotels feature — where users choose ‘heating’ or ‘cooling’ – the system inside del Lago’s rooms toggle between heating and cooling depending on what temperature the user chooses.

It’s the ultimate in technology — but also the ultimate in user-friendliness.

Simply choose a temperature — and the system will take care of the rest — whether it means warming up or cooling off the room.

The television also features some unique features. Patrons get the usual cable television — in true HD, by the way — plus they get a resort directory, which scrolls upcoming events taking place at the casino.

The television also features a local weather app, which shows a several day forecast — as well as ‘live’ radar.

As noted, the smart and sleek implementation of the technology in the space is almost as beneficial to the user as the actual function of it.

Those power strips, which feature USB and traditional wall outlets — fold down into all of the custom build desks and nightstands in the rooms.

Great for while they’re being used — but a smartly thought out feature for guests who might not be using the outlets at every moment.

The built-in nature of the outlets also ensures that users aren’t reaching under desks or tables to plug in their devices. It can easily be done right on the desktop — without any extensions or extra cables.

Bathrooms also bring ‘unique’ to the forefront

The bathrooms feature the same seamlessness that is showcased throughout the rooms. One continuous floor, throughout the stand up shower, and into the rest of the space — as well as a unique ‘sliding’ wood and glass door feature that is unlike anything seen in ‘traditional’ hotels.

Those bathrooms feature flawless stone tiling, marble counters and rain shower heads that are adjustable.

There are also bath robes and linens, which are made by the same company that produced the bedding. An Italian company called Frette was used, and the dense, heavy nature of these linens makes for another example of ‘premium experience’.

The bathrooms even feature weight scales, which have a digital readout — for those who might have hit the spa earlier in the day.

Spa & Sociale nearing completion

While the staff is still working out the final details of some rooms — the spa and Sociale Cafe & Bar were much closer to launch.

Patrons could be seen carrying around coffee cups from the cafe and bar, which will feature a healthier menu than the other dining options at del Lago currently.

Management notes that roughly 200 employees were hired throughout the hotel and spa. While there were still a few open positions — a vast majority had been filled long before the soft opening on Wednesday.

Employees throughout the facility were busy, as staff worked out the kinks — learning more about the building and space by the moment — as they catered tirelessly to every guests needs.

del Lago’s hotel by the numbers

del Lago Resort & Casino features 205 rooms. They range from 440 to 860 square feet. Of those 205 rooms — 130 of them are king rooms, and 75 of them are queen rooms.

There are also 30 suites, which can be expanded to 1,400 square feet if necessary — to feature two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

There will be 11 rooms at the hotel featuring balconies.

The hotel will also feature a 24-hour fitness center, as well as 24-hour room service with additional dining options. A business center will also exist within the hotel space, as well as the addition of wellness classes to coincide with the spa and Sociale Cafe & Bar.

Guests will have a lot to soak in on July 1st, but patrons will get a truly unique experience visiting del Lago Resort & Casino’s brand new hotel.

The Takeaway

With rooms ranging in cost — the experience is definitely more than your run of the mill hotel. While spending $200, $300 or even $400 per night might be out of some people’s budget and comfort zone — the hotel — even in the most-basic rooms is geared toward special occasions.

It can accommodate any background, particularly the professional looking for a quiet space to get work done while on a business trip — beyond the glitz and glamour of the casino floor.

Furthermore, it is another item that puts Tyre, New York on the map. Not just for being conveniently located next to the Thruway — or being the “Gateway to the Finger Lakes,” but because it delivers something truly unique — something that will not ever be easily duplicated — even as economic development continues in the community.

This is the First Local Resort to Partner with CB Craft Brewers

Del Lago Resort & Casino is about to add one more unique feature to its repertoire. As it continues its promise to partner with local businesses, the resort is thrilled to announce it has joined forces with local brewery CB Craft Brewers to launch a custom India Pale Ale. On June 22, the resort and casino will introduce del Lago Summer IPA — just in time to celebrate the official kickoff of summer!

The new beer is a light golden IPA, light-bodied with a slight smoothness that is met by notes of citrus and tropical fruits from the Galena and Citra hops. Sweet orange peel is added to the whirlpool to emphasize the pleasant citrus flavor and aroma. Del Lago Summer IPA is available on tap at the casino’s entertainment venue and bar, The Vine.

The del Lago Summer IPA will officially launch at a release party open to the public at The Vine from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 22. Guests will be the first to try the new IPA and participate in gift giveaways, try drink specials and listen to live music. The event will also celebrate the kickoff of del Lago’s Craft Beer Thursday Flight Night. From 6 to 11 p.m. every Thursday, The Vine will offer discounts on flights and drafts, as well as tastings by local breweries and exciting giveaways.
“The vision for del Lago Resort & Casino has always been to embrace and promote all that the region has to offer, including local breweries, wineries, businesses and tourist destinations,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski said. “A partnership with CB Craft Brewers was a natural fit as they are a well-respected and local craft brewer that truly understands our brand and desire to offer a unique and flavorful experience for our guests.”

“I am thrilled to have partnered with del Lago Resort & Casino to bring resort guests a unique India Pale Ale designed especially for them,” CB Craft Brewers Founder and President Mike Alcorn said. “In the 20 years we have been brewing, del Lago is the first resort we have partnered with to create a custom private-label beer. It truly was an honor to help the management team develop this incredible IPA we are all proud of.”

Exactly five months to the day after del Lago Resort & Casino opened its doors to the public, its highly anticipated hotel and Spa del Lago are set to open. The hotel is now accepting reservations and the spa is accepting appointments for its opening day — July 1 and beyond. The hotel and spa are opening two weeks ahead of schedule.

About del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Savor NY — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago is a unique retail outlet where local vendors bring the Finger Lakes region directly to del Lago patrons with MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products and a wide variety of local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, wines and beers, and other area specialties. Del Lago Resort & Casino also features 1,980 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods; Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor; The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages; and a 4,200-square-foot food court. The hotel, spa, banquet facility and The Sociale Café & Bar will open July 1, 2017. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.