Los Angeles Business Journal: Enjoy rewarding fun at Pechanga Resort & Casino: Vegas without the

Located just off I-15 in Temecula, about an hour from Orange County, Los Angeles or San Diego, Pechanga Resort & Casino is an attraction in and of itself--like Vegas without the road trip.

The AAA four-diamond award winning resort features a 14-story hotel tower with 522 luxurious guestrooms and suites appointed in a casually elegant style. In-room amenities include refreshment centers, coffee service, daily newspaper, entertainment centers, high-speed Internet ports, personal safe deposit boxes, complimentary toll-free and credit card calls and 24-hour room service. The health club and fitness center are located on the third floor adjacent to the pool and patio area with private cabanas.

Those seeking corporate accommodations and function space will discover Pechanga Resort & Casino exceeds every expectation, providing the perfect venue for sales meetings, retreats, events and seminars. Thirteen breakout meeting rooms provide comfortable, quiet and attractive set-ups for meetings, conferences and classroom setups for groups of all sizes. The property's 40,000-plus square feet of function space includes the 24,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with an easily accessible loading dock and curbside drop-off, welcome amenities for tradeshow and other large events.

A step into the resort's exciting gaming action puts guests in a bright and inviting casino equipped with a unique clean-air air filtration system. The slots and table games provide 24-hour Vegas-style gaming. Table games include blackjack, Pai Gow, let it ride, three-card poker, mini-Baccarat and Pechanga craps. A large portion of the Casino gaming area is designated nonsmoking. Card players will enjoy the comfort of the Poker Room in its secluded location on the Casino lower level.

And Pechanga is the place for top name entertainment with performers regularly appearing on the stage of the 1,200-seat Pechanga Theater. The popular Cabaret lounge offers no-cover nightly entertainment featuring some of Southern California's most talented bands and the chic Art Deco-style rooftop Eagle's Nest lounge offers breathtaking views as well as dancing and entertainment.

Dining options abound! A master chef oversees the three fine dining establishments--Paisano's for Italian; The Seafood Grotto featuring an interactive sushi bar; and the Great Oak Steakhouse, winner of Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence." Tasty Pan-Asian cuisine is served in a casual setting at Blazing Noodles; Pechanga Buffet offers an international array of selections; and the Pechanga Cafe serves up hearty American favorites 24-hours a day. The Snack Bar allows casino guests to cat a 'quick bite' without having to stray too far from the gaming action.

Surrounded by the rolling hills and vineyards of Temecula Valley, the resort is within minutes from eight of Southern California's most challenging golf courses. Tee times are easily arranged by the hotel staff. The popularity of Temecula's winegrowing region and wine-tasting tours are highlights of the local attractions. Old Town Temecula with its numerous historical buildings and antique shops attracts over a million visitors each year.

Whether for business or leisure, make plans to visit soon and find out why Pechanga is known as California's Best Resort and Casino.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 5000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula. For information call (877) 711-2WIN (2946).