This was my first overnight stay at Pechanga .. the room was quite nice ... especially liked the bathroom set up with double sinks and a separate toilet area. Would have liked a few extra pillows and thought it unusual that none were provided. I know, I know ... I could have called Housekeeping, but didn't. Just an observation. And lots of noise from other bathrooms ... running water, showers, etc,, which was not expected in a $150 a night room. Otherwise, the room was quiet and comfortable and very nicely decorated in shades of browns and blacks and golds. We ate at the Buffet, which was nice, but I think overpriced, even with the card discount of $3 a person. We, too, had a problem with the club card and had to go twice to the Rewards Center to get our $10 on our account. But people were pleasant and accommodating, which is always nice.

I have lived in San Diego for quite some time and my parents live in the bay area. We wanted to meet at a covenient location where there would be lots to do. With wine tasting near by, we chose this "resort" . Our check in experience was ok. The guy was nice but he seemed to not understand how the suites were situated at all. He then worked on my parents reservation.. stated he would get us a room overlooking the pool. I was excited. They dont travel all too much so it was important to me they had a nice room. So we checked into our suite and it was very nice and clean.. really the only positive of this whole trip. My parents arrived later.. I helped get them situated into their room - and well it was above electrical boxes.. no pool to be seen. It was late so they left it at that.. but I was disapointed.

1) Casino tables: no one was at all friendly. Not a "fun environment at all" and get this, the dealer served same color chips to two people and handed winnings to wrong person.. caused a big issue requiring security etc.. and they didnt even comp anyone a drink etc. At another table, we saw the dealer ask the guy next to him if he (the dealer) counted the numbers correctly.. crazy.. !

2) POOR Air circulation.. very very stuffy - if you dont smoke, you are screwed here.

3) Alcoholic beverages are not "free" here.. thats ok.. state law.. but man dont charge $8.00 a drink when people are gambaling.. charge 1/2. BIGGEST COMPLAINT : THEY DONT ACCEPT PASSPORT"S FOR ALCOHOL !! thats right.. if you traveled out of the country to visit family , you better have some other ID because apparently while the government accepts it - Pechanga casino does not. Seriously - really really angered at this because I clearly told them we had a friend visiting from Canada and stated absolutley not a problem.

We found this out after ordering a drink. She was carrying a cup of water and we were headed to the "officer" area to discuss the situation - a random security guard who apparently overheard this - grabbed my friends arm and pulled her drink while we walked by him without even saying anything prior !! HORRIBLE ! He was a complete a$*

4) Food: subpar . Way to expensive for what it is.

5) DISABLED PARKING: There is no parking "close" to the casino for disabled individuals. The closest is still a good walk.

6) Left my room key upstairs. Guy at elevator was asking for my key. I didnt have it, brought wrong card . Long story short despite providing proper room information and billing information as I was primary owner - I was not allowed to go to the room by myself. I was "escorted" up to 11th floor and the gentlemen checked my id before I left. Mind you this was all at 8 am christmas morning.

NOT ONE STAFF MEMBER WISHED ANYONE WALKING BY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Honestly the biggest issue with this place is that everyone either hates their job or has no social skills whatsoever. For a RESORT that is 4 -5 star rating, I would get better and more friendly service at Motel 6. The cost for our two rooms combined was about $2000 for two nights.. and after money you spend at restaurants and bars and casino - you would think there would be some ability to be kind and generous to your guests.

This was our first stay at Pechanga. Our room was upgraded free to one of their suites, which was great. It was large and roomy, 3 TV's was an overkill, but our 12 year old enjoyed it. The bathroom had a shower as well as a sit in tub and was roomy....most important it was clean.

Other than a short wait at check in service throughout the resort was great. Take advantage of the free valet parking. We are not gamblers and were there during Thanksgiving weekend to visit family, but did take advantage of the buffet. Many choices in food and desserts. Friendly staff.

Only down side is that as non-smokers, I could smell the smoke as soon as I entered the building. Security is great. No one is allowed to get on the elevators that lead up to the rooms without their room key. We had a nice stay and will definitely return.

The resort offers something for just about everybody. The bars are great with really good bartenders. We also have tried Kelseys a couple times and have always been pleased. It does get busy on the weekends and there is smoke. So dont go if either of these scare you. There is no other place like Pechanga in SoCal and put a lot of effort into doing everything well. The Christmas decorations right now are the best I have seen in a long time.