Casino, Cuisine, and Comfort: Resorts World Catskills Delights

Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the Catskill Mountains, Resorts World Catskills beckons travelers to embark on a journey of luxury, excitement, and relaxation. This world-class resort and casino complex, situated just a few hours from the bustling streets of New York City, offers an enticing escape to the heart of upstate New York.

Dive into the myriad offerings of Resorts World Catskills, from its state-of-the-art casino and upscale accommodations to its delectable dining options and rejuvenating spa experiences. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling gaming adventure or a serene retreat in nature’s embrace, Resorts World Catskills promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of the scenic Catskill region.

Looking for a quieter Catskills getaway? Head to arts-centric Catskill NY.

Resorts World Catskills Monticello NY
Resorts World Catskills Monticello NY

Catskills’ Borscht Belt

From the 1930s on, hoteliers have capitalized on the beauty of the Catskill Mountains, opening up resorts that drew a mostly middle-class Jewish clientele from New York City (90 miles away). The Catskills grew so popular, by the 1950’s and ‘60 the area was affectionately referred to as  “The Borsch Belt.”

Grossinger’s, Kutsher’s, and The Concord dominated the hotel scene – giving comedians like Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Henny Youngman, and later Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, and Joan Rivers a launch pad for their careers. (In one episode, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel did a midnight stint at The Concord).

Blintz plate Resorts World Catskills NY
Blintz plate Resorts World Catskills NY

But by the ‘70’s, with the advent of central air conditioning and cheap airfare, those not-quite of the jet-set could stay cool in hot summers without leaving home, or jump on a plane and travel elsewhere inexpensively.

What Happened to All the Catskills Resorts?

And so, those once grand resorts fell into decline, and after decades were sadly abandoned. What ever happened to them? Grossinger’s was just demolished in 2018, Kutsher’s was purchased by a billionaire from India and turned into a high-end Health and Wellness hotel.

Off Roading Author Monticello Motor Club NY
Off Roading Author Monticello Motor Club NY

And the Concord? It was demolished and rebuilt as this – the Resorts World Catskills – a gleaming glass tower of a casino resort in NYC’s backyard.

With two hotel options, bars and restaurants, a great Spa, two indoor pools, a TopGolf Swing Suite, and affiliation with the Monticello Motor Club, (not to mention future plans to rebuild and revive the Concord’s famous Monster Golf Course), Resorts World Catskills plans to draw even non-gamblers to the mountains once again.

First Impressions of Resorts World Catskills

Resorts World Catskills Hotel Lobby
Resorts World Catskills Hotel Lobby

Like many “resort casinos” springing up all over the Northeast, Resorts World Catskills is a soaring mirrored monolith (the tallest building within three counties) seemingly in the middle of nowhere; reflecting the beauty of the surrounding hills.

Creating casinos with slots and tables – plus room and board and other activities – seems to be the new template for repurposing old summer resort regions.

Because of this, competition is stiff among these gaming venues. So, each requires something to set it apart from all the others. Or, as my Grandfather would say, “you need a gimmick.”

4-D Slots Resorts World Catskills NY
4-D Slots Resorts World Catskills NY

What’s Resorts World Catskills gimmick? Walk in the front door to the luxury hotel, and there is absolutely no doubt that you are in a casino.

A massive arcade of blinking, beeping, dinging slot machines – 2,100 of them, most state of the art, several 4-D – are right in view. Take a sniff, though, and you won’t smell smoke.

The Resorts World Catskills Difference

Difference #1 – unlike most gambling halls, which are enveloped in haze, Resorts World is a no-smoking property.

Private Plunge Pool Resorts World Catskills NY
Private Plunge Pool Resorts World Catskills NY

Difference # 2: the second floor houses one of the largest Poker Rooms in New York State, with a cloistered high-limit ($100 minimum) table gaming area. Even more hidden, the highest-roller “Inner Sanctum” consists of seven private “gaming salons.”

Catering to and bending over backward for high-stakes gamers ($20,000 average per-hand), is one of Resorts World Catskills strong suits. Top clients are escorted by helicopter or luxury limo from the City. They stay comped in two-level villas with a private plunge pool and butler service. And, their preferred drink awaits at their table. Among other perks.

Catering to the Asian Market

Chinese-English Menu Lotus at Resorts World Catskills NY
Chinese-English Menu Lotus at Resorts World Catskills NY

And then there’s the high concentration of Asians here – by design. The third “gimmick” that makes Resorts Catskills stand out is its dedication to a demographic that loves gambling. Thirty percent of the casino floor is designed for the mostly Chinese market.

Table games – some very specific to Asian countries and only found here – feature tea service and are manned by bi-lingual speakers.

Two on-site Asian food restaurants – Good Friends Noodle Bar and Lotus (with a chef from Hong Kong) feature signs and menus in both English and Chinese. And, to allay the superstitions of two cultures, the hotel has no 4th or 13th floors.

For now, 26 buses per day arrive here from NYC. Many people stay just for the day, but a growing number come for an overnight stay.

Guest Rooms at Resorts World Catskills

Guest Room Resorts World Catskills
Guest Room Resorts World Catskills

There are now two hotel options at Resorts. The most luxurious (and costly) is in the casino building itself. All 322 rooms are regal, dressed in shades of blue, with windowed floor-to-ceiling walls that remind you that you are in the Catskills with every view.

Even the smallest guest chambers are 600 square feet. And that includes a contemporary double-sink, modern-tiled bathroom larger than many New York City studio apartments.

Corridor at Alder Hotel Resorts World Catskills NY
Corridor at Alder Hotel Resorts World Catskills NY

All 101 pretty rooms at the new on-property Alder Hotel are significantly smaller. However, they are also significantly less expensive, starting at $99 midweek offseason.

Crystal Life Spa

Spa Pool Resorts World Catskills NY

Crystal Life Spa takes up a good part of the 3rd floor and is tucked behind the for-spa-guests-only donut-shaped cabana-lined indoor pool (next to the hotel guest indoor pool, also surrounded by private tented first-come-first-served cabanas).

There are six treatment rooms, a steam room, dry sauna, and a pretty “relaxation room” with soft throws, low light, comfy settees, and snacks.

Entrance Crystal Life Spa Resorts World Catskills NY
Entrance Crystal Life Spa Resorts World Catskills NY

The award-winning, full-service Spa draws both hotel and casino guests as well as locals for professionally rendered bodywork and skin treatments.

Opt for a decadent massage on the Spa Wave by Gharieni. This newfangled massage bed is the only one of its kind on the East Coast. It integrates water, music, light, and vibration into the bodywork. My 60-minute massage, with a concentration on my writer-tight neck and shoulders, left me headache-free and feeling mellow.

Dining at Resorts World Catskills

Food Hall Resorts World Catskill NY
Food Hall Resorts World Catskill NY

Eateries range from an order-at-kiosk Food Hall to the celebrity-chef owned Callaio Steakhouse.

Dining at Resorts World Catskills

24/7

24/7 is a 50’s style diner option with casual food, Belgian Waffles ($12), Cheese Blitzes, burgers, salads, and a “Boozy Milkshake” menu – popular in the wee hours, as it’s open, yep, 24/7.

Dos Gatos The Adler at Resorts World Catskills NY
Dos Gatos The Adler at Resorts World Catskills NY

Dos Gatos

Tacos, guacamole, and other Mexican street food shine at Dos Gatos in the Alder Hotel. It has both a food-truck’y component (order at a small counter), and a cool bar area where you can choose from 120 different tequilas.

Lotus Resorts World Catskills NY
Lotus Resorts World Catskills NY

Lotus

Helmed by a chef from Hong Kong, Lotus serves up typical Chinese-American food. Order Pot Stickers ($10), Honey Lemon Chicken, and the like. There’s also melt-off-the-bone BBQ Ribs ($15), and an excellent signature Peking Duck that can easily satisfy a table of 4.

Cellaio by Scott Conant Resorts World Catskills NY
Cellaio by Scott Conant Resorts World Catskills NY

Cellaio

Chopped” Chef Scott Conant’s third restaurant, Callaio features dry-aged steaks (that are displayed a corridor window), and a large 500-bottle wine list. If you are a steak-lover, this will certainly be your go-to place after a big win.

DJ at Resorts World Catskills Monticello NY
DJ at Resorts World Catskills Monticello NY

In addition, there are several bars scattered around, including the Empire Lounge and Doubletop Bar & Grill, because…it’s a casino.

Epicenter

Epicenter Resorts World Casino Monticello NY
Epicenter Resorts World Casino Monticello NY

Jerry Seinfeld opened the Epicenter (the cute name for Resorts 27,000 sq. ft. no-column event, music, and conference center). His routine no doubt harked back to his appearances at the Concord Hotel, formerly located right on this land. While vast, the Epicenter does not allow for stadium seating. But it does have a ceiling high enough for an NBA game, accommodates 2,500 for a relatively intimate show, and 1,200 for a sit-down meal..

Karaoke

At the Doubletop Bar & Grill (on-site): Friday 8-11pm, free.

Trivia

At Doubletop Bar & Grill: Thurs 6-9pm., free.

Cooking Class

At Cellaio: Saturdays 1-2pm, free for guests.

Dos Gatos Tequilla Bar Resorts World Catskills
Dos Gatos Tequilla Bar Resorts World Catskills

Tequila Tasting

This includes tequila Education, as well –  at Dos Gatos. Sat/Sun 1-2, $49 per person limited so rsvp.

Empire Lounge Resorts World Catskills NY
Empire Lounge Resorts World Catskills NY

Mixology Class

Empire Lounge, Sat/Sun 12-1pm, free for guests.

Indoor Pool Resorts World Catskills Monticello NY
Indoor Pool Resorts World Catskills Monticello NY

Yoga by the Spa

Pool, 3rd Floor, Sun 12-1, free for guests, $15 for non-guests.

TopGolf Swing Suite Resorts World Catskils NY
TopGolf Swing Suite Resorts World Catskils NY

TopGolf Swing Suite

 Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri/Sat 11am-2am, $20per person rsvp required.

Will arrange transportation to Bethel Woods (for a fee)

Site of Yasgur’s Farm and the blowout 1969 Woodstock Music Festival is now both a music venue and fantastic Museum of the ‘60’s. Resorts World Catskills can arrange transportation to Bethel Woods concerts.

Author

  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

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