Just off the 215 Beltway and 20 minutes off the Strip, Las Vegas’ recently opened Durango Casino & Resort is impossible to miss. And you wouldn’t want to. The resort boasts gaming offerings including a next-level sportsbook, over 15 restaurants and bars, chic hotel rooms and an impressive pool.

The striking 15-story tower seems to be a nod to the tones of the surrounding desert landscape. The interior is bright, flooded with natural light, and welcoming for all who walk through the doors. The resort’s midcentury modern architectural vibe doesn’t fail to wow, with its understated design adding just a bit of the usual Vegas bling. Oh, and we’d be remiss not to tell you that parking and valet are free.

 

Where to Eat

If you’re not a foodie already, you will be soon. The resort features several mouthwatering dining options. Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish is one certainly worthy of your travels. The ambience is warm and inviting, exuding an upscale charm with soft, modern music. The restaurant showcases USDA Prime, dry-aged and Wagyu cuts of steak. More of a seafood lover? Choose from Dover sole with meunière sauce or yellowtail crudo with creamy mashed potatoes. No matter which dish you choose, we suggest snagging a cozy spot by the large glass fireplace for a truly special night out.

When you first walk into Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, its surroundings might make you might feel like you’re in a nightclub somewhere far from Las Vegas. But as you make your way to the back of the restaurant, you’ll suddenly find yourself in a bright and airy space with a south-of-the-border vibe, complete with a patio to take in the beautiful Vegas weather. This is the beauty — different dining spaces for different dining experiences. The restaurant specializes in coastal Mexican cuisine, such as charred octopus with white beans, coconut ceviche, tiraditos, duck carnitas, aged moles and birria. You might want to consider its one-of-a-kind tequila and mezcal program that’s guided by “catadores” (or tequila experts).

If variety is the spice of your life, head to Eat Your Heart Out, an elevated food hall that features 11 eateries. Visitors can enjoy expansions of beloved restaurants like Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza alongside a roster of local favorites. As for the latter, you’ll find the latest location of the iconic Oyster Bar here, in addition to new outposts for the Chinatown-adjacent Shang Artisan Noodle and downtown hot spots like Vesta Coffee and Yu-Or-Mi Sushi. Award-winning chefs are making the menus here, too, as Marc Vetri brought his acclaimed pasta bar Fiorella to this instantly popular food hall. Don’t forget to end your meal with a sweet treat from Nielsen’s Frozen Custard, a regional must-have dessert that’s for sure going to seal the deal on a return visit!

Bel-Aire Lounge sits in the center of the resort’s casino floor — right next to the pool — and melds old-school glamour with modern flair. The sophisticated cocktail bar has an open, airy concept with floor-to-ceiling windows, gold details and outdoor seating options. The lounge also offers small plates or tapas and sushi. And in the evenings there is a DJ or live music to amp up the energy.

If you’re looking to watch a game or just want to experience a sophisticated sports bar, The George Sportsmen’s Lounge is the answer. A restaurant and lounge with stadium-like seating that’s built to blend into the sportsbook, the venue’s name is a play on the one-dollar bill and pays homage to big tippers. Take things outside to enjoy Las Vegas’ fantastic weather in the expansive patio area, where visitors can catch a game on the massive LED screens while challenging friends to a game of cornhole. There’s plenty of seating—including comfortable Adirondack chairs perfect for gameday lounging—so bringing a group here is going to be no problem at all. The menu has a variety of delicious offerings, such as charcuterie, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and banana bread with caramelized brown butter. Of course, there’s the usual sports bar fare like wings and burgers, too. Either way, the kitchen is open 24/7 and the vibe is light and fun with DJs, live music and a kiss cam.

Looking for something laid-back? Summer House has a chic, beach house-inspired design and offers an array of house-made pastas, pizzas and roasted fare from which to choose. All of the ingredients are sourced locally with grower partnerships, all of which are sustainable! You can pair any of these fabulous and healthy options with an extensive California wine list or plenty of alcohol free options. But, by all means, don’t leave without grabbing one of its signature oversized cookies.

Where to Play

If you’re coming to get your game on, you’re in luck. The casino floor is elegant and spacious — 83,000 square feet of it — including 2,200 slot machines, more than 60 table games and three private high-limit salons. Thanks to the multiple entrances, the floor is easily accessible, allowing guests to seamlessly move through the space before venturing on to the dining district or one of the indoor or outdoor socializing areas. The hotel also features the state-of-the-art STN Sportsbook, including 205 seats, a circular bar and convenient betting options. The unique space introduces game-changing technology and visuals, featuring six screens and the first double-sided center-hung LED display ensuring high-resolution imagery no matter where you’re sitting.

Where to Rest

Checking in at the hotel is nothing short of seamless. There are customer-service “pods” and mobile check-in options, making getting your room a breeze. The hotel has 209 rooms and suites that feature personal steamers, oversized showers and chic decor. Standard rooms have 65-inch big-screen TVs, minibars with high-end liquor and espresso machines, while the suites come with Dyson hair dryers, 85-inch TVs and 3 of the suites offer personal butlers.

Where to Unwind

If you want to get a workout in — no matter the hour — Durango’s gym has an array of fitness equipment.

Cool off in its gorgeous pool at Bel-Aire Backyard, which features a stunning fountain in the middle. Nestled in the company of towering palm trees, the outdoor space is an aquatic sanctuary in which to bask, relax, swim and dance. There are plenty of lounge chairs, daybeds and private cabanas to sprawl out on. In the evenings, the pool is lit with colorful LEDs offering a fun factor. And if you get thirsty, you’re in luck — there are two bars nearby.

Hungry for more? Check out our trip planning guide for more things to do and see while you’re in Las Vegas. On a budget? The city has so many free offerings!