SANTA FE STATION
Santa Fe Station illustrates the trend of “local casinos whose themes have nothing to do with their names.” I think of Santa Fe, and what comes to mind is the art of Hopi, green chili hatch, and the beauty of red stone mesas. What the Stations are thinking are half price bowling, Fatburger, and heavy metal bands. Okay, there is some kind of inconsistency, but if the product is right, I think I can live with it.
Santa Fe Station established as an independent casino called just Santa Fe. The Stations casino was acquired in 2000 and integrated into the Borg Locals casino, modernizing it in 2004 and 2007. This is still one of the best places among locals, and I would rate it on a par with places like Alicante Station or Sunset Station. The only significant drawback is the hotel, which does not match the rest of the property.
Despite all this, I enjoyed my stay there, since I think that any visitor who, for some strange reason, decides to spend his vacation fifteen miles from the Strip on the outskirts of North Las Vegas. However, the fact remains that this property is intended exclusively for local residents.
LOCATION / TRANSPORT AT SANTA FE STATION
Santa Fe Station is located on Ranch and Lone Mountain roads in northwest Las Vegas, right where the Ranch intersects with US-95. It is not very convenient for anything, and it is almost impossible to get to Santa Fe station without a car. You can catch the 105 Rancho bus from the city center and get off at Lone Mountain. Keep in mind that not all 105 buses run to Santa Fe Station, and you have to walk a bit from the stop to get to the casino. The Rainbow 127 bus stops right at the casino.
If you have a car, the easiest way to get there is to take the US-95 north to the Ranch. Entrance to the casino is right after the congress. Construction continues, but it’s almost impossible to miss the casino, visible directly from the freeway.
HOTEL
They don’t even try. It is safe to say that Wynn casino designer Roger Thomas was not consulted in the design of these rooms. There are some nice touches, such as wrought iron on the beds and a charming pendant lamp, but otherwise you could be at the Extended Stay in Naperville, Illinois. The rooms also have the smallest bathrooms I have ever seen in my life. There was literally barely enough space for one person to squeeze into it, and there was no place on the shelf to put my toiletries on. Really, Santa Fe Station? I’m a guy – my collection of toiletries is not even so extensive.
The hotel has exactly 200 rooms, and they are set aside in a darkened corner of the casino with two elevators for access. To get into the pool, you must go to the first floor, go through the area where employees hang out and smoke. Go outside and loop around the street outside to the locked gate, where the pool entrance is located. Sorry, I didn’t go swimming, but I think there was a jacuzzi there. The pool abandoned, except the guard when I was there. Oh yes, there is a feature of water. Woo.
RESTAURANTS / DINING ROOM
Santa Fe Station decides to go beyond the norm and offers a Burmese restaurant. A vegetarian counter with falafel, a gluten-free pastry shop, and Greek-Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Not! They have all the usual casino rates, with fast-food restaurants located in the food court.