Four Winds Casino Resort
New Buffalo, Michigan
Located just 60 miles east of Chicago, the Four Winds Casino offers a luxurious retreat along the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan.
“It’s an absolutely spectacular property with the look of a north-woods lodge and all the amenities of a modern casino,” said public relations manager David Gutierrez.
There is no shortage of entertainment at this serene resort, with four restaurants, weekly live music and 130,000 square feet of games, including 2,700 slots and 50 table games. Sales and catering staff are ready to help you plan your next meeting at the Silver Creek Event Center, which can seat up to 1,000 guests for banquets and events.
Groups can dine at the Copper Rock Steakhouse, an eight-time recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, or set up a private bar in the Four Winds Hard Rock Café. The Buffet features different menu items throughout the week, from Asian cuisine to seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
During warmer months, guests can soak up the sun by the new outdoor pool and full-service pool bar, while the fire pits and hot tub create a cozy atmosphere for winter travelers.
The surrounding area offers a variety of leisure activities as well. Meeting-goers can walk along the beach, take a boat tour at the marina or sign up for a tasting at one of the local wineries or breweries. There are also many golf courses, shops and restaurants available.
L’Auberge Casino Resort
Lake Charles, Louisiana
From a distance, L’Auberge Casino Resort almost looks like a palace, with staggered brown and white towers rising over the Contraband Bayou, and its interior does not disappoint. The elegant 14,140-square-foot Ballroom is considered Louisiana’s premier meeting venue. Lined in paneled wainscot and coffered ceiling beams, this 1900s-style event center extends outside onto a landscaped terrace, supplying the perfect setup for an evening banquet or reception.
Another unusual aspect of the resort is the recurring theme of Louisianan roots and culture, from French-based names to local food dishes. “Our customized meal experiences highlight the Creole cuisine of southwest Louisiana,” said director of public relations Karen Andersen.
This festive atmosphere often inspires guests to plan colorful events. “Past groups have gathered for a luau by the pool, a ‘cochon de lait’ experience with a fully roasted pig or a Mardi Gras-themed cocktail party on the Terrace,” Andersen said.
For a taste of fine dining, guests can stop by Ember Grille and Wine Bar, or relax with a beer at Jack Daniel’s Bar and Grille, which offers live music and lip-smacking barbecue. Before morning meeting sessions, delegates often grab a pastry at the resort’s newest casual dining venue, Modern Pantry.
In the casino, game players can try their luck at 1,600 slots, 83 table games and monthly poker tournaments. There are several top-quality shops to browse, from boutiques to clothing and pro-golf supplies. For a relaxing afternoon, drift down the lazy river or visit the award-winning Contraband Bayou Golf Course.
During the holidays, many businesses organize an appreciation trip for employees, treating them to a program of wine tastings, gift certificates to local shops and sunset boat rides at the marina.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Biloxi, Mississippi
Visitors channel their inner rock star at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, where musical talent and history fill the halls.
“We have a huge culture of different rock music around us, and the meeting spaces also have that,” said sales and catering coordinator Cortney Hyer.
Located right off Highway 90, the Hard Rock Hotel strives to facilitate planning for guest groups with production services, customizable catering menus and audiovisual equipment. Planners can take advantage of the 1,800-square-foot Rock and Roll meeting room or consider the casino’s premier entertainment venue, Hard Rock Live, which seats more than 1,500 people and includes several dining halls.
Out on the pool deck, guests get a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico and can swim over to Tequilas on the Gulf for a custom cocktail. Tequilas’ menu includes quesadillas, taco salads, churros and more.
“It’s beautifully set right next to the pool overlooking the gulf, and so the view is second to none,” said Hyer. The restaurant also functions as a venue for cocktail parties or receptions, and since it is climate controlled, guests can enjoy the setting in both humid or chilly weather. Other notable amenities are the Body Rock Gym; the Rock Spa; and Boogie Nights, a dance hall dedicated to ’70s and ’80s music.
In October, the hotel hosts the Champagne and Shellfish Festival, during which local chefs prepare a mouthwatering array of oysters, shrimp and other seafood for tasting.
