Viejas Casino Unveils Plans for 150-Room Hotel

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. September 02, 2011

September 1, 2011 - Viejas tribal leaders and casino executives today unveiled plans to build a new 150-room hotel adjacent to the existing casino in Alpine. Local officials praise project for positive impact on economy, jobs, tourism

They made the announcement and unveiled conceptual design renderings at a news conference this morning, where they were joined by representatives of local Chambers of Commerce, the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and others, who praised the project for its job creation and impact on the local tourism industry.

“Easy to Get to. Hard to Leave.”
The new hotel will include a pool, fitness room, business center and other amenities. It will be located on the east side of the casino building, where the Bingo Pavilion is now located. Bingo will be moved to another area of the casino. The project also includes an expansion to the seating area of the Harvest Buffet. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2012, with a grand opening scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2013.

The Viejas Casino hotel project is expected to create more than 400 construction jobs and additional local jobs for ongoing operations once the hotel is built. Swinerton has been selected as General Contractor for the project. The company's local projects have included construction of the Marriott Del Mar and Omni Hotel in downtown San Diego, as well as historical renovations at Hotel Del Coronado and the U.S. Grant in San Diego.

“A project like this takes on added significance in a challenging economic environment, where every new job means so much to local families and the local economy,” said Scott Alevy, CEO of San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. “Beyond the local construction jobs, this new hotel will have a positive impact on local businesses that provide goods and services to Viejas Casino, the retail center and now the hotel. This is great news for our entire region.”

Joe Terzi, President and CEO of the San Diego Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said: “This hotel will be a great addition, not only for Viejas Casino guests but visitors to East County and all of San Diego County, from the coast to the mountains. And the hotel's location, right along I-8, is especially convenient for visitors coming from Arizona and points east. This will be a wonderful addition to the local tourism offerings.”

Viejas Tribal Chairman Anthony Pico stated, “Viejas has a long, proud tradition of hospitality and welcoming visitors. Our ancestors were the first to welcome Juan Cabrillo to the shores of Southern California in the 1500's. We created one of the area's first RV parks for campers and travelers and, of course, Viejas Casino and Outlet Center. So we are very proud to be adding this beautiful new hotel and once again welcoming visitors to this area of Southern California.”

Located at I-8 and Willows Road east of San Diego, Viejas Casino is “Easy to Get to. Hard to Leave.” There are thousands of slot machines, exciting table games with Blackjack, Baccarat and Pai Gow, a new Poker Room, an off-track betting facility and a bingo hall. Viejas Casino features a variety of restaurants including the award-winning Grove Steakhouse, the Harvest Buffet and the newest addition - Emerald Asian Cuisine. The beautiful Viejas Outlet Center, located right across the street, offers visitors a unique shopping experience with highly acclaimed stores, numerous eateries, Viejas Bowl and Viejas Mini Golf.