Los Angeles Business Journal: Enjoy Las Vegas-style gaming action on a local summer escape to Barona

The award-winning Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino has introduced several new getaways offering San Diegans the ideal summer getaway featuring the luxury, gaming excitement and romance of Las Vegas, right in their own backyard.

San Diego's leading destination resort, Barona Valley Ranch features 400 luxury guestrooms and suites, a 300,000-square-foot casino, a lakefront wedding chapel, the AmBience Day Spa, seven restaurants, and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 4th best public access course in California by Golfweek Magazine.

Since its opening last year, Barona Valley Ranch has taken Southern California gaming to a whole new level with its selection of more than 60 exciting table games, including blackjack, poker, Pai Gow, Barona craps, and Cash Baccarat. Guests also are invited to try their luck on one of Barona's 2,000 slots, video poker and keno machines and possibly cash in on the casino's average daily payout of almost $14 million.

In 2003, the resort won an astounding 75 awards, including Best Casino, Luckiest Casino, Best Overall Resort and the 2nd Best Golf Course in San Diego, behind only the legendary Torrey Pines.

Make plans soon to take a summer getaway at Barona Valley Ranch, where the best of San Diego--including sun, sand, surf and beautiful country--combine with the gaming action of Las Vegas.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

For San Diegans who haven't taken the opportunity to enjoy some of the city's wildest attractions lately, Barona Valley Ranch has two great getaways that invite guests to take a walk on the wild side.

By day, guests can go ape visiting exotic animals and habitats at the San Diego Zoo, home of the rare, newborn baby panda Mei Sheng, or the San Diego Wild Animal Park A round of golf at the award-winning Barona Creek Golf Club is another great way to enjoy the day.

By night, the call of Barona Valley Ranch's award-winning casino will lure guests into an evening of action-packed fun and rewards followed by relaxation in the resort's luxurious hotel.

The Zoo Attraction Package includes a two-night stay in a deluxe canyon-view room with the choice of a king or two queen beds, turndown service, two adult tickets to the San Diego Zoo, and two dinners at the Ranch House Buffet. Subject to availability, the Zoo Attraction Package is priced from $285 weekdays or $450 weekends and is valid December 24.

The Wild Adventure Package includes a two-night stay in a deluxe canyon view room with the choice of a king or two queen beds, turndown service, two adult tickets to the Wild Animal Park, and two dinners at the Ranch House Buffet. The Wild Adventure Package is priced from $279 weekdays or $445 weekends and is valid through December 24.

Resort Offers Unique Amenities, Special Rates Designed for Golfers

Barona Creek GOlf Club, recognized nationally by leading golf publications as one of the country's best golf courses, is also offering golfers even more reasons to enjoy a relaxing golf escape. The Barona Creek Golf Club Vacation package features luxurious accommodations, golf-themed amenities and the opportunity to play one of Southern California's premier courses.

The course, designed by the renowned Gary Roger Baird Design International and senior architect Todd Eckenrode, blends the best of golf tradition with environmental innovation. Each of the 18 championship holes incorporates the land's natural rugged beauty and modern design, at once testing a golfer's skill and providing a relaxed, serene recreational setting.

With its rustic beauty and natural elegance, Barona Creek Golf Club is not only aesthetically satisfying, but its five individual tees accommodate a variety of skill levels. With 5,296 yards rated at 70.6 and a slope of 126, they are challenging and encourage a leisurely pace.

The exciting golf getaway includes a two-night stay in a deluxe guestroom, two rounds of golf at the award-winning Barona Creek Golf Club, two stylish golf visors and a delicious golf-themed chocolate turndown treat. Based on a two-night stay minimum requirement, this package is priced from $375 per night midweek for guests who check in on Sunday through Wednesday and $545 per night Friday and Saturday night (Friday night arrival only), and is subject to availability. Additional nights are available at the prevailing rate. Tax and gratuity are not included and the package is valid through December 24.

Cupid Takes Aim at Barona Valley Ranch for Romance and Weddings

With the help of Cupid and Barona Valley Ranch, couples young and old are destined to fall helplessly in love all over again. Starry-eyed guests can enjoy an amorous escape in an idyllic setting for fun and romance.

The Romance on the Ranch getaway includes a one-night stay in a deluxe guestroom, an intimate dinner for two in the Barona Oaks Steakhouse--Barona's signature restaurant--a long-stemmed red rose, Godiva chocolates at turndown, and a delicious breakfast in bed delivered via Barona's 24-hour in-room dining. This package is priced from $285 per night Sunday through Thursday and $355 night Friday through Saturday. Rates for an upgrade to a luxury Mission Suite are priced from $450 per night Sunday through Thursday Tax and gratuity are not included. Subject to availability, the package is valid through December 24. Additional nights are available at the prevailing rate.

For those guests ready to tie the knot or who would like to renew their wedding vows, Barona also features San Diego's only resort wedding chapel.

The charming, Victorian-inspired, whitewashed chapel seats 70 guests and is set on a small, tranquil lake with stunning views of the chaparral-covered foothills of the Barona Valley. Design accents include a picture window, bridal room, and a wishing well. The serene, pastoral setting makes the ideal location for a celebration with family and friends.

For Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com or call toll free (888)-7-BARONA (722-7662).