FireKeepers Casino Hotel Expansion Delivers Even More In Battle Creek

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Written By Matt Schoch on August 30, 2021
FireKeepers Casino Hotel New Tower August 2021

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I anticipated a delightful experience as I visited FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek for the grand opening of their second hotel tower this summer.

At Playinmichigan, our passion lies in exploring casinos, traversing this magnificent state, and seizing every opportunity for spontaneous getaways, particularly during the summer season.

Despite the cold blackjack tables, my enthusiasm for a wonderful trip to South Michigan at an amazing facility remained undiminished.

Take a glimpse inside the expanding property of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, located in Michigan’s Cereal City.

Before I begin, let me just say: Wow, it feels amazing to be back out in the world.

What new at FireKeepers Casino Hotel?

FireKeepers has had a bustling summer with the successful launch of its FireKeepers Online Casino and Michigan sportsbook.

In a grand manner, FireKeepers unveiled their second hotel tower on August 16, 2021.

Nik Wallenda, the fearless Daredevil, successfully completed a daring tightrope walk spanning approximately 400 feet between the original tower and the new one, suspended over 200 feet above the ground. The extraordinary event drew the attention of numerous local residents who gathered to witness the spectacle, which also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an enthralling tribal drum concert.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel Expansion Delivers Even More In Battle Creek 2

Nibi, the hotel’s renowned restaurant, has been relocated to the first floor of the newly constructed tower. Additionally, a fresh front desk and lobby bar have been introduced, along with a second branch of Gapi Coffee and Sweets.

At FireKeepers, the addition of a new tower has expanded the number of rooms to over 400, with 203 of them being brand-new.

Shall we explore the interior?

Comfortable rooms part of new hotel tower

The casino website states that the Potawatomi name, “Bodéwadmi,” translates to “the people who uphold the fire.”

FireKeepers gets its name from the casino’s location, and the fire theme can be seen throughout the establishment.

In addition, the tribe’s Seven Grandfather Teachings are prominently featured, with a remarkable display in the lobby.

The core principles encompassed in the teachings are: Love, Respect, Courage, Truthfulness, Integrity, Modesty, and Insight.

At FireKeepers, you will find a variety of room selections for your accommodations, ensuring a wide range of options to suit your preferences.

  • Traditional, featuring either two queen beds or a single king-sized bed.
  • Sitting beside a crackling fireplace, enjoying the warmth.
  • The room is equipped with luxurious amenities such as a spacious sitting area and a soothing whirlpool tub.
  • King Studio offers a versatile environment comprising of both a work space and a relaxed lounge area.
  • The Aqua Fire Suite boasts a luxurious bathroom and a captivating water vapor light feature that creates the mesmerizing illusion of flickering flames.
  • The Presidential Suite boasts contemporary living room, complete kitchen facilities, a luxurious granite wet bar, and more.

The Classic room boasts a vibrant burnt orange color scheme that exudes warmth and energy. It offers a cozy king-sized bed, a generously-sized bathroom with an invigorating shower, and ample workspace to cover Wallenda’s walk while enjoying the Detroit Pistons NBA Summer League game on TV.

However, let’s face the truth. Despite the fantastic work and relaxation environment offered by the FireKeepers room, our main purpose of coming to Battle Creek is to indulge in some gaming.

It is now time to venture onto the casino floor.

A Classic room in the new wing of the FIreKeepers hotel features a burnt orange scheme, a comfortable king bed, a spacious bathroom with nice shower pressure, and ample workspace. (Matt Schoch/Playinmichigan)

Red Hot Rewards gives freebies right away

Similar to experienced casino players, the initial step we take before starting to gamble is to familiarize ourselves with and activate the rewards account.

The new tower at FireKeepers Casino Hotel features 203 hotel rooms, bringing the total on the Battle Creek property to more than 400. (Matt Schoch/Playinmichigan)

Although I have made brief stops at FireKeepers during my travels from Detroit to Chicago and back over the years (as it is conveniently located near the halfway point), I had never taken the opportunity to become a member of their Red Hot Rewards Club.

However, realizing that I made a trip to FireKeepers from downtown Detroit on an annual (or more frequent) basis, I decided it was about time to start accumulating some benefits.

I visited the Red Hot Rewards Club counter and was promptly assisted by a friendly staff member who helped me sign up, offering me $5 worth of complimentary slot play. On my initial day playing table games, I accumulated 100 points and received a free spin at the kiosk, resulting in an additional $5 of slot play at no cost.

The rewards program consists of three tiers, each offering a range of benefits. These perks include a fuel discount at the FireKeepers Pit Stop gas station, discounts across the entire property, and complimentary valet and coat check services. As you move up to higher tiers, additional advantages become available, such as a dedicated casino host, exclusive promotional prize drawings, a 50% discount on alcohol within the property, and much more.

In addition, veterans are offered an exclusive tier known as the Patriot tier, which entitles them to various benefits. This includes a generous 25% discount on Classic rooms from Sundays through Thursdays, a noteworthy 50% discount at Mijem buffet every Wednesday (although the buffet is presently closed), an extra 10% discount at all restaurants, and several other perks.

Dacey’s Sportsbook was Michigan’s first tribal sportsbook

FireKeepers wasted no time and swiftly inaugurated its retail sportsbook in the summer of 2020, defying the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

In June of last year, Dacey’s Taphouse underwent a transformation and became known as Dacey’s Sportsbook, making it the inaugural tribal sportsbook in Michigan.

The sportsbook is pleasant and spacious, accommodating 125 guests on the main floor. Additionally, there is a mezzanine area accessible via stairs which can seat an additional 36 guests.

Food service was not available on Monday, except for the option to purchase hot dogs. Similarly, Tuesdays also did not have any food service, although this situation might change during football season.

Dacey’s Sportsbook, the first tribal sportsbook to open in Michigan, has room for 125 guests on the main floor and a mezzanine area up the stairs that can seat 36 more guests. (Matt Schoch/Playinmichigan)

Dacey’s features three betting windows that were likely overwhelmed last autumn due to the absence of online sportsbooks in Michigan.

With the presence of 16 sports betting kiosks surrounding the windows and scattered throughout the casino, it will be perfectly fitting for this fall.

Throughout the night, the bartender at Dacey’s was extremely helpful and expressed great enthusiasm for working at FireKeepers. Despite being a relatively new employee, she had significant experience within the service industry.

Detroit Lions tickets up for grabs with big bets

If you’re a Detroit Lions fan, there’s an extra reason to place larger bets on the NFL this autumn at Dacey’s Sportsbook.

If you place a wager of $500 or more in-person at Dacey’s windows between Sept. 1 and Sept. 20, you will be automatically entered into a drawing on Sept. 20. The lucky winner of the drawing will receive suite tickets for the Lions game at Ford Field.

The initial drawings are scheduled for 8:05 p.m. on September 20th, for the games against Cincinnati on October 17th and Philadelphia on October 31st. Subsequently, during halftime of the Lions’ Monday Night Football match against the Green Bay Packers, the drawings will take place for a pair of suite tickets for the games on December 5th against Minnesota and December 19th against Arizona.

Only one win per individual is allowed, and it is necessary to be present at FireKeepers on September 20th in order to claim the prize.

The casino floor at FireKeepers Casino

After placing a few sports bets at the Dacey’s window, it’s time to try our luck on the slot machines.

Since I’m not really into playing slots, I decided to stick with the titles I am familiar with, and as a result, I used up my free play in no time.

With over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, there is an abundance of options to select from, with nearly 3,000 slots taking the lead.

Some of the popular titles are:

  • Fort Knox – a highly secure facility that safeguards vast amounts of wealth and valuable assets.
  • High-achiever
  • Jaws
  • Monopoly Money Rush
  • Sopranos
  • Star Wars is a popular science fiction franchise.
  • The Wizard of Oz

The poker room at FireKeepers is highly regarded as one of the top establishments in the state. With a total of 13 tables, each accommodating a maximum of nine players due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the room operates round the clock once again. Although currently on hold, poker tournaments are anticipated to make a comeback at FireKeepers in the future.

In late August, the Bad Beat Jackpot reached a sum of six figures, awarded to a player who unfortunately loses a hand despite having a four-of-a-kind or even better.

On this specific Monday night at FireKeepers, the dealers for table games were relatively inexperienced. However, there were ample openings at $15 tables, and the servers ensured that you never went thirsty throughout the night, offering reasonably priced drinks.

Additionally, since I had a comfortable room upstairs and was spending the night away from home, I had no reason to rush or go anywhere quickly.

More amenities at FireKeepers Hotel Casino

FireKeepers offers a variety of food options including Gapi (coffee and sweets), Nibi and Dacey’s. Additionally, patrons can enjoy Smoke ’N Fire, Cafe 24/7, Chi Mon-EE’s, and The Cake Shop.

I savored a delightful meal of top-notch salmon and fresh vegetables from Smoke N’Fire. Numerous staff members and others raved about the exceptional offerings at Nibi, which specializes in delectable seafood and steak. Unfortunately, due to the grand opening of the hotel tower, all tables were occupied at the beloved FireKeepers establishment.

The fitness center operates round the clock and offers two ellipticals, a duo of treadmills, and one stationary bike.

Currently, the pool, hot tub, and sauna/steam room are temporarily unavailable.

More than a decade in the making at FireKeepers

FireKeepers, which commenced operations in 2009, has had over a decade to expand and refine its offerings.

Even amidst the pandemic, the dedicated team and exceptional facilities, led by the esteemed CEO Kathy George, continue to provide a distinct Michigan experience that showcases the rich heritage of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

Michigan’s escape jewel has effortlessly established itself as a fantastic complement to Battle Creek’s alluring attractions and its distinctive identity as Cereal City.

FireKeepers has successfully filled the evening niche in a town renowned for its morning cuisine.

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