Who knew Lady Luck was just 40 miles west of Denver at the 536-room Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk? But luck wasn’t the reason my daughter and I took time out on a Monday night; we were on a spa mother and daughter adventure at Ameristar Resort. From my west suburbia home, Black Hawk is a 30 minute scenic drive – winding along Clear Creek Canyon — into a historic mining town, turned gaming destination.
Arrival
Sometimes the winter drive from Golden to Black Hawk can be treacherous with snow and slick roads, but Lady Luck gifted us with a sunny December Monday. Via US-6 W/Clear Creek Canyon Rd and CO-119, we arrived at the Black Hawk city limits within 30 minutes, and the Ameristar Resort is located on the corner of Richman Street. Turn right, drive to the back of the resort to access free covered garage parking.
We parked near the casino entrance, unloaded our overnight bags, and then hoofed it to the hotel casino, the only real inconvenience as far as the check in. The elevator was right off the parking garage, and we took it to the 2nd floor to access the hotel spa.
Check –in
As typical with most casino resort, the only inconvenience is the hotel isn’t always a quick lobby access. Once the elevator opened at the 2nd floor, we kept left past the escalator. (Beyond the escalator on 2nd floor were video gaming machines and on the 1st floor are the gaming tables and more machines.)
The hotel lobby was tucked away behind another escalator well, and removed from the gaming atmosphere, which I really liked. The front desk reception is directly in front of you, with 2 living room like lobby settings to the right for relaxing, in a mountain lodge like decor. We checked in painlessly, gathered our belongings and headed to our room.
Accommodations
We had deluxe King accommodations, again with the mountain lodge décor. Standard guest rooms are 450 square feet with marble foyer, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wif, and beautiful large bathrooms. By the window were chairs to relax and enjoy the view of the small mountain town and a desk in the corner completed the perfect room.
Spa-Tastic!
The full-service ARA Day Spa was perhaps one of my top spa experiences. Why? Let me count the reasons. The spa was spread out but yet it was intimate with just 6 treatment rooms. An intimate womens only lounge featured a hot tub and sauna, while the co-ed waiting area was also very warm and welcoming with a stone fire fireplace.
My daughter and I enjoyed a couple’s massage with Erin and Monique providing our 80 minute aromatherapy massage. Both of us agreed these were the best massages, just the right amount of pressure, continued communication with us (is this the right pressure? Anything I can do better? etc). Absolutely topnotch and impressive service from the personalized check in to the quick tour to the massage.
We didn’t make it to the rooftop swimming pool with its indoor and outdoor hot tubs, as we ran out of time, but heard raving reviews of its mountain views.
Gaming, Restaurants and More
There’s a lot to love about your Ameristar Casino Resort Spa experience in Black Hawk. You can try your hand at the gaming tables or machines. Four restaurants and a Starbucks (only in town) appeal to most tastes, from the Waypost Deli for sandwiches, burgers and pizzas to casual dining at Fireside Kitchen and elegant dining at Timberline Grill. There is also a buffet with a wide variety of themed dining. In the heart of the casino is BAR 8042 offering lounge-type entertainment and televisions.
Book directly with the hotel or go to Hotels.com.
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa provided accommodations for this review. Opinions expressed are my own.
