Lodging in Colorado gaming towns: 'round-the-clock fun

With the opening of 536 rooms at the Ameristar Casino hotel and spa in Black Hawk, the focus has returned to all the lodging options in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek.

Indeed, with the spark of excitement provided by Colorado’s gaming rules – which allow for increased limits, new games and “24/7” hours – the last thing you want to worry about is a late drive back down the mountain. For that matter, the increased accommodations make it easier to view the gaming towns as destinations, worthy of an overnight getaway.

At the 33-story Ameristar, where every room has a view of the Rocky Mountains, overnight stays are luxurious, even in a standard room, gaming is a 24-hour thrill, quality dining is available in-house, as is a spa treatment or a dip in the pool from high atop the hotel.

There are 64 suites at Ameristar, like the Hotel King Jacuzzi with a Jacuzzi nestled right against the windows for a view, or the Hotel Mountain Pine Suite, with a private spa and living room.

The two-story casino offers 1,600 slot and video machines, 18 table games, including craps and roulette, and 14 live poker tables, as well as a robust selection of fine eateries, and Bar 8042, offering live entertainment and four large screens perfect for sports viewing.

Isle Casino Hotel
The Isle offers 400 deluxe rooms, junior suites and standard rooms. It’s all about location with the deluxe rooms, which are an elevator ride from the gaming action at the Isle. Junior suites are located in the Isle tower and are appointed with a separate sitting area, three televisions and a two-person jetted tub. The standard rooms are located in the Lady Luck tower, steps from Lady Luck Casino. All rooms also feature cable television with optional pay movies and games, complimentary wireless Internet access and an in-room safe for valuables.

Century Casino
Century provides 26 rooms in the heart of historic Central City. Comfort is king here, as the hotel is known for its pillowtop beds, as well as its friendly and attentive service. Also enjoy luxurious bubbles in one of its Jacuzzi suites. All rooms come complete with flat screen TV and granite bathroom. Rates vary from $119 to $159 per night plus tax.

Fortune Valley Casino
Billed as Central City’s only 3-Diamond hotel and casino, Fortune Valley offers 118 rooms and suites that start at $79.95 for Sunday through Thursday arrivals. Rooms include free wireless Internet access; color TV with on-demand movies and video games; well-stocked mini bar; direct-dial phones with data ports; free in-room coffee; in-room ironing boards and hair dryers; free valet parking and self-parking garage services; and turn down service (on request).

Lodge Casino
The Lodge offers 50 newly remodeled rooms, all located on the third floor with a great mountain view.

Cripple Creek
There are plenty of options in Cripple Creek, headed up by the 158 rooms at the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino, known for its wide choice of getaway packages. Guest rooms include standard rooms, executive suites and the ultra-luxurious presidential suites. Bronco Billy’s, Colorado Grande, Gold Rush. J.P. McGill’s, Midnight Rose, Wildwood and Womack’s are other Cripple Creek establishments that offer lodging, bringing the town’s total rooms to over 340.

Wildwood is offering a stay-and-play package. At Gold King Mountain Inn, an $87 package is valid Sunday through Thursdays, which includes standard hotel room, free hotel breakfast at Saddle Bar, $20 food voucher, 20 percent off merchandise in the Gift Shop and a 20 percent off coupon for the next room. The $97 package is valid on Fridays and Saturday and includes standard hotel room, free hotel breakfast at Saddle Bar, free prime rib and seafood buffet in Saddle Bar for two, 20 percent off merchandise in the Gift Shop and a 20 percent off coupon for their next room.