If you were seated near the front service seemed to be adequate. There are bar top poker machines that for the most part, seem to pay well. It's has a really nice layout with a roundish oval shape with seating all around the circumference. It looks like a lot of TV monitors were added as well. The old poker room is gone and the bar that was near the center is moved to the end of the room. The remodel includes all new carpet throughout the casino, new lighting and rearranging the main floor. This new property will no doubt draw folks from Portland which is a big part of Spirit Mtn's. I'm guessing the reason for the upgrades was to compete with the opening of the new casino/resort in SW Washington state, the Ilani. The poker area looked to be the only thing left to finish for the project.

A new keno desk and the yet to be finished poker area is located here too.

The makeover moved the non-smoking area to the opposite end of the casino, which makes more sense and allows for a much bigger non-smoking area. I was impressed with the new upgrades and remodel inside of the casino. Upon arrival at 1 pm on a recent Saturday, I'm a video poker player who sometimes plays Fortune Pai Gow or 3-card poker to take a break from the machines. I'll stay again.I had a day to myself recently and I decided to spend it at the casino. Still went home a loser, but not a big one. I got a little better playing time on the slot floor than in recent trips. There was lots of dungeness crab and when I didn't find any bay shrimp, a server quickly brought me a dish from the back. My buffet experiences here always range from good to excellent, and the Sunday night buffet was a good one. I'm not sure how full the hotel was, but it was quiet during my stay. My room was on the ground floor toward the end of the corridor. I'm don't know if the deluxe comes with anything additional. I visited a friend who stayed in a deluxe room and I think I liked the standard better. There was also a continental breakfast served in a room across from the registration desk, which I wasn't expecting. It's a short walk to the self serve beverage stations and there are plenty of places to eat.

The only thing these rooms don't have is a microwave and refrigerator, but I didn't miss them on an overnight stay. I had the standard room with king, which was quite roomy and spotless. My rate was $59 plus tax, but I think that has been increased to $69. The registration clerk was very courteous and friendly. While I've visited the casino and buffet numerous times, this was my first overnight stay.

Spirit mountain casino 1998