Stay in Colorado casino towns for holidays

The holiday season is right around the corner. What’s that? Not overly excited about family, friends and a hot, crowded house? Maybe it’s time to switch things up a bit. Maybe Bob Seger had it right – get outta Denver in during the holidays and head on up to Black Hawk, Central City or another locale for some good food and gaming fun. And the best part? You won’t wake up to a big mess – you’ll wake up to a nice breakfast and more casino action. Here’s a rundown of casino lodging options:

Lodge Casino
The Lodge Casino in Black Hawk offers 50 newly remodeled, comfortable rooms – all of which are located on the third floor with mountain views. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available, and amenities include cable TV with pay-per-view; Wi-Fi, heating pad; humidifier; iron and board; robe; toiletries including comb, razor and shaving cream; refrigerator upon request; room service; and free valet parking and underground garage.

Isle Casino Hotel
The Isle in Black Hawk 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 Isle sister 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.

Fortune Valley Casino
Billed as Central City’s only 3-Diamond hotel and casino, Fortune Valley offers 118 rooms and suites that 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).

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.

Ameristar Casino
At 33 stories and 536 guest rooms, Ameristar Casino hotel and spa in Black Hawk offers a luxurious stay, even in a standard room. 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. Quality dining is available in-house, as is a spa treatment or a dip in the pool from high atop the hotel.

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.

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 370.