Tulalip Resort Casino is actually only a few minutes from my home. I’ve driven by it a million times, visited the casino here and there, but never really explored the property…until recently. Isn’t it funny when something’s in your own backyard, you tend to overlook it? We’re always on a quest to find the best PNW destinations…and little did we know, one of our very favorites was just down the street.
Ben I had the opportunity of staying overnight a few week’s ago and discovered a brand new side to the luxury resort that made for the most perfect staycation experience.
I can’t even tell you the last time we had a night away together. When we’re not traveling with the kids, I’ll take a trip with my girlfriends or he’ll go fishing with the guys. It always takes a bit of coordinating when both of us are gone…but oh my goodness, it was exactly what we needed. We actually realized mid-dinner that our very first date was at Tulalip Resort Casino! He took me to a comedy show exactly 13 years ago right here! It’s interesting how things come full circle.
Our 24 hours at the resort began at the T Spa – the highly coveted 14,000 sq. ft. sanctuary fit for a queen (or king!). You truly feel like royalty the moment you walk in – including the ambiance, the guest experience is thoughtfully curated and always memorable. I recommend the Re-Balance Treatment (a warm detoxifying body wrap combined with ocean marine extracts) and the Glow Brightening Facial (suitable for sensitive skin). Pro tip: Go early to savor the relaxation room, steam rooms, cedar sauna and grotto showers.
I’m also sharing a fun fact about the T Spa at the end of this post. So keep reading…
The next item on our itinerary was happy hour at Destinations Lounge, the hotel lobby bar. I recommend the Marjito (think margarita meets mojito) paired with anything on their appetizer menu – it’s seriously all good. Destinations is the perfect spot to grab a drink, meet friends and chat a bit before heading to dinner.
Onto a food-lovers dream…Journeys East. The Asian-fusion menu offers a shareable experience that allows you to try a variety of custom favorites selected by Tulalip’s award-winning chefs. I recommend any of the sushi rolls (specifically the Monster, Red Dragon and Spicy Tuna), Japchae (sweet potato noodles), Bo Luc Lac (beef dish), Steamed Halibut and my #1 favorite, Honey Walnut Shrimp. My only advice is to come hungry…and enjoy every sweet, spicy and savory bite.
And for a libation recommendation, I suggest the sparkling sake. Cheers!
Save room for dessert and request the seasonal specials!
After dinner there are a variety of entertainment options including the Casino, Canoes Cabaret or the Tulalip Amphitheater. We had the opportunity of attending one of their summer concerts at the Amphitheater featuring Sammy Hagar! The outdoor venue seats 3,000 people, offering a great view all around.
You can view the full entertainment calendar HERE! Pro tip: Tickets go fast – so check it out ASAP!
The next morning we enjoyed breakfast at Cedar’s Cafe – another amazing meal by the Tulalip culinary all-stars. I recommend the Arlington Skillet paired with a fresh pastry (their specialty).
After breakfast we soaked up every minute before the 12pm check-out. The newly renovated rooms are incredibly spacious (every single one is at least 500 sq ft), with floor to ceiling windows, Blue Tooth enabled media hubs, designer walls of glass tile, quintessential PNW artwork and a custom down bed. Tulalip Resort Casino has designed a space that makes it incredibly hard to leave. Trust me…I wanted to stay just one more night (okay maybe like 3). The sensational comfort, exquisite luxury and accessible locale makes the property ideal for any traveler (especially those that love staying close to home!).
Okay, I promised a fun fact I discovered about the T Spa. I forgot my makeup bag at home and was so devastated to miss the chance to doll up for our date night. Well the T Spa came to the rescue with their full bareMinerals makeup bar, located in the spa lobby, allowing me to try out the products and put on a glam look for the evening (I used it in the morning, as well). Obviously this is not an advertised service on their spa menu, but they were incredibly gracious and offered their products (this is customer service, my friends!).
While staying at Tulalip Resort Casino I discovered it offers something for everyone – the foodie, the gamer, the mom who needs a spa day, or even the concert-goer. Just 30 minutes north of Seattle, you feel like you’re a world away – and in just 24 hours you can experience a new side of PNW luxury.
XoXo Portia
Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by Tulalip Resort Casino. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!