Well, it’s official. The Hacienda in Boulder City is no more, but has been reincarnated as something bigger and better, the Hoover Dam Lodge. After a purchase in December 2013 by Nevada Restaurant Services Inc., the company that owns Dotty’s, the resort has not only changed its name, but much, much more.
The remodel, slated for completion this spring, includes nearly 300 slot machines, with a strong potential for live table games in addition according to General Manager Steve DesChamps. “We’ve talked about it, and we like the concept,” he said.
“The thing with table games is that you’ve got to have a lot of volume. Because of the way the game is played, you’ve got to have a lot of money to get through the game.” In other words, they are very hopeful and eager, but will still play things by ear and determine if it’s the right fit. The breakdown in slot machines will feature 200 slot machines on the main casino floor, with a Dotty’s on each side of the property containing about 50 machines each.
Roughly half of the property’s business is local, from residents of Henderson and Boulder City, with the other half made up of tourists. With a slogan of “Where good friends meet,” it’s obvious a fun, friendly atmosphere which caters to locals is the casino’s main selling point.
Games are currently running at 10 times points, while a promotion in the spring will feature some games running at 100 times points. “You can be greeted here by name even if you’re been here just a short period of time,” DesChamps said.
Six months after NRS purchased the property, they also bought Laughlin River Lodge. One aspect Hoover Dam Lodge will incorporate from Laughlin is that of a “wishing wall”, which is a 50-foot wall filled with prizes that players can redeem with points. Hoover Dam Lodge will feature their own “wishing wall”.
Natural light and color schemes are also a high priority for the property. A burnt orange trim and plenty of stone on the outside, along with a color scheme for the new 16-floor hotel, with rooms featuring reds, yellows, and browns in each room reflects the mountain views outside.
DesChamps said, “the feedback that we get from the customers is that they were more interested in seeing natural light.” Well, ask and you shall receive. Management has listened to the requests and taken that feedback seriously in the development of the property. “If you look at the taverns in Henderson and Las Vegas, they’re pretty well lit,” Dotty’s spokesman Reggie Burton said.
