By Nellie Day
Located 30 minutes from Downtown
San Diego is the Barona
resort and Casino. Run by the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the casino is known for its loose slots and fast table action. Though Barona has to compete with multiple other San Diego-area Indian casinos, it has carved an identity of its own by winning numerous awards, including Best Casino Dining by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association and the Loosest Blackjack in California by both the Blackjack Hall of Fame and WizardofOdds.com.
Wows and Woes
The tables can get very lively at night, providing a fun-filled, laid-back atmosphere. The rooms are fairly spacious for standard hotel rooms.
For the most part, Barona isn't very different from the other Southern California Indian casinos. Despite its numerous awards, it's difficult to see what makes Barona different once you step inside.
Insider Tips
Barona is great for couples and co-ed groups who don't mind spending time apart. Men will enjoy the Barona Creek Golf Club, while women will enjoy Barona's AmBience Day Spa, which offers mani-pedis, massages and numerous skin care services. Couples can come back together to experience the casino action and dining, or they can make the short drive into Downtown or to the other local Indian casinos.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I visited Barona a few years ago after spending some time at Harrah's Rincon Valley, another Indian casino just down the road. Casino-wise, I thought Harrah's provided a much more authentic, Vegas-like experience. Barona's atmosphere, however, is a bit more fun and exciting, especially for the younger crowd. If I had to choose between the two, however, I think I'd choose Harrah's.
Bottom Line
If you can get a good deal at Barona or can rack up lots of rewards with the Club Barona card, then you should stay there.
About the Author:
Nellie Day is a freelance writer based out of Hermosa Beach, CA. She has her Master's degree in broadcast journalism from USC, and Bachelors' degrees in English and sociology from UC Irvine. Ms. Day's work can regularly be seen on newsstands, where her specialties include weddings, pets, real estate, electronics, product reviews, business, architecture and design, Southern California, food and wine, and travel and tourism.
