Tulalip Resort Casino

And so much more

Everyone has a different idea about what makes a great quick getaway, but it seems to me that it's about having plenty or nothing to do, and having it all in the same area so there is no discussion about who is the designated driver. Somewhere you can do things together or separately and meet up later. Tulalip Resort Casino meets the description.

First bonus is that it's close to Seattle. No spending the first day of your trip just getting there. Road trips are great, but you need time. Once you get there, plenty of parking. Once you park, you won't see that car again until you leave.

Tulalip hotel rooms have always been very nice, but a recent renovation of 360 rooms has moved them to the next level. You know you're staying with the Tulalip-wood, tribal artwork/designs---beautiful. As you enter, the hallway includes a closet, then opens into a lovely room with the bathroom around the corner. It's nice not to have the bathroom be the first thing you see, although you wouldn't mind, because it's gorgeous. They include glass showers, no-fog mirrors (with a clock embedded so you don't miss your reservation or so you can scoff at time). For those who insist on staying connected (it's not a true getaway), there are USB power outlets, Bluetooth-enabled media hubs, 44" Smart TVs, and new instant-access high-speed WIFI (not to mention a tech center in the building). Black-out curtains allow you to sleep whenever. Bottom line, it's an AAA Four Diamond Resort. In the resort lobby is the Salal Marketplace where you'll find gifts, sundry items, apparel, jewelry, art, and floral. Within walking distance of the resort is the Seattle Premium Outlets.

The indoor Oasis Pool leads you to believe you're in a tropical landscape (including those pesky tourists who walk by the glass doors or pop their heads in to view the beauty) with a glass atrium, waterfall, footbridge, Whirlpool, and outside patio. Both food and drinks are available to enjoy poolside.

On a getaway, it's always good to know you have spa options. TSpa offers 14,000 square feet of relaxation for men and women. Several kinds of massage (deep tissue, aromatherapy, Balinese, mother-to-be); facials (anti-aging, rejuvenation, atoxolene-plump that skin up to look great for an important moment--peels); make up, haircuts and styling, brows, manicures, pedicures, Northwest bath ritual for men, native-inspired spa rituals. I like to think "binge-spa." They offer steam rooms, cedar saunas, grotto showers, fitness room. There's no end to it, really.

At this point, you're in your "do nothing" mode: great room, pool, spa, no driving. If you feel revived or if you must have something planned, Tulalip offers a lot of entertainment. Canoes Cabaret offers live performances: music, comedy, boxing. The Orca Ballroom features national comedy acts (and where they hold special events like Mother's and Father's Day brunches). And Tulalip Amphitheatre is the place for rocking out-outdoor stage, rain or shine. Just like the resort, a lot of planning and thought went into the amphitheater, with a beautifully-landscaped walk from the resort. It's a pleasure just to stroll there. Temporary bars are set around the perimeter. Music, fresh air, beverage. Ahhh.

Naturally, there's gambling. Gaming areas are nicely done and, like any good casino, you have no idea what time of day or night it is. They offer slots, poker, table games, bingo, tournaments. Whether you're a player or not, the action is all part of the atmosphere. Quick food, restaurants, and bars surround the gaming area. They do an admirable job on attempting to keep the cigarette smoke to a minimum, but you will notice it in the gaming area.

For me, probably the key ingredient to a great getaway is the food. But enough said in this issue, watch for our look at Tulalip's food and beverage options in our October issue.

Connie Adams/August-September 2017

A few more Tulalip facts:

Education:

Short distance to the Hibulb Cultural Center, the first tribal facility certified by the State of Washington. Learn the history, traditional cultural values, and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes.

Tulalip Resort Casino
10200 Quil Ceda Blvd
Tulalip, WA 98271
888-272-1111
www.tulalipresortcasino.com