Reserve Casino Hotel's goal? Be the best

By Penny Parker

What we thought was going to become a rock-n-roll-themed casino and hotel in Central City took a slight swerve when it officially became Reserve Casino Hotel in the former Fortune Valley space on Jan. 3.

Luna Gaming Central City LLC had discussions with various entertainment companies about branding the remodeled space with them, but partner and chief operating officer Dean DiLullo said the company opted to go in another direction.

So instead, Luna chose Reserve to align the casino and hotel with other high-end luxury categories.

DiLullo gave me a private tour of the $20 million make-over recently. Luna acquired Fortune Valley out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy nearly a year ago for $10 million, and sunk another $10 million into totally revamping the place.

The investment shows in all the new furniture, fixtures, lighting, sound systems, slot machines, table games, fine dining restaurant, 300-person live entertainment room (holding national, regional and local acts on weekends), a 24/7 casual dining space with three cuisine choices (diner fare, pizza and a coffee bar); VIP multi-media room with stadium seating and spiffed-up hotel lobby.

Other new bells and whistles include a 65-foot-long bar shaped like an electric guitar.

“We looked at our goal of providing the best guest service in Colorado,” DiLullo said. “What relates to being a step ahead? Things that are on a reserve list. We want to be considered on the reserve list of the best casinos in Colorado.”

The renovation of 118 rooms and suites is nearly complete with themed décor, including the EZ Rider, Aspen and Legends of Rock suites.

“This place went from state of the ancient to state of the art,” he said.

Reserve will host a grand-opening party March 31 with entertainment from The Stray Cats. Details will be posted at reservecasinohotel.com.

Luna’s acquisition of the property included 45 undeveloped acres behind the building, where the company plans to eventually build more hotel rooms and a full-service spa.

Muy bien! Bullwhackers Casino in Black Hawk has patrons saying, “Ole!” since Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant opened there recently.

“Bullwhackers (features) the only Mexican restaurant in Black Hawk or Central City,” said Steve Lambert, vice president of casino operations. “…we believe that our partnership will offer guests an incredible dining choice at the best price point in the area.”

Santiago’s menu will offer the same dishes served at the 22 other locations throughout the metro area. Signature dishes include breakfast burritos, fajitas, stuffed sopapillas and pork green chili in hot, mild or half and half. I’m typically a fan of hot, but when I sampled the half and half, it convinced me that I didn’t have what it takes to try the highest heat. The whole menu is listed on eatatsantiagos.com.

The Mexican eatery has two dining areas, with Santiago’s Express open from 9 a.m. to midnight daily, and a full-service restaurant from 5 to 10 p.m. daily, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends.

- 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.