Fortune Valley finally has new name: Reserve Casino Hotel

By Penny Parker

After much speculation, countless rumors and anticipation, the owners of Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino in Central City have revealed its new name: Reserve Casino Hotel.

The name change came as somewhat of a puzzlement to observers who believed that the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or some other mega music and entertainment company would take over the place that had been remodeled with a strong rock ‘n’ roll theme.

“The new name…will focus on making every guest feel like a VIP, which will make this the ultimate gaming destination in Colorado,” the press release said. I’m guessing it’s Reserve as in reserving a table at a restaurant.

“Fortune Valley has always delivered on winners and excellent guest service,” said chief operating officer Dean DiLullo in a prepared statement. “Reserve Casino Hotel will be focused on taking entertainment and the guest experience to the next level.”

Reached via email, DiLullo said “We have decided on an exciting and entertainment-based brand that Denver will be proud of called Reserve Casino Hotel. More exciting information and big announcements will emerge in the next few months.”

Fortune Valley previously went through a major remodel to the tune of $20 million with décor inspired by players in the music industry.

The Guitar Bar, dubbed the world’s largest casino guitar bar, is 65 feet long in the shape of a guitar with video poker machines, autographed guitars and HDTVs.

Other music-themed amenities include The Lava Room, a 300-person showroom, which will host national music acts, local bands, comedians and boxing.

One reference to The Reserve theme is the Celebrity Zone, “a slot area that boasts the fastest beverage service in the industry, which makes every guest feel like a VIP.”

Central City Mayor Ron Engels said he’s not sure of the origin of the name The Reserve, but, “it sounds kind of upscale, don’t you think?’”

“We’re glad to have The Reserve as our newest casino, and invite everyone up to experience the excitement first-hand,” Engels said.

Grave situation. For the past 75 years, Lou Bunch, one of Colorado’s most famous madams who ran one of the last brothels in Central City, has rested in an unmarked grave along with two other madams at Denver’s Fairmount Cemetery.

Last month, the new headstone, in block 77 at Fairmount, was installed after The Reserve’s chief DiLullo donated the $1,500 to pay for the marker. DiLullo had learned of the missing headstone from David Forsyth, executive director of the Gilpin Historical Society. The purchase had been postponed due to other financial obligations related to the historical society’s museums, Forsyth said.

More information: contact Forsyth at the Gilpin Historical Society at 303-582-5283 or at gchs@wispertel.net.

Knock knock. Local merchants will sell wares including holiday gifts, jewelry, collectibles, edibles and hand-crafted items while dressed in Victorian costumes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4 inside the historic Teller House, 120 Eureka St. Look for Santa milling about spreading cheer and making merry.

- Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.