Greektown Casino-Hotel Matches Reopened Downtown Detroit’s Energy

Please rephrase your request.

Despite being in the process of recovering from COVID-19, Greektown Casino-Hotel in downtown Detroit is successfully revitalizing the vibrant atmosphere of the nearby Greektown Historic District, from which it takes its name.

When it comes to being an entertainment venue, there are two crucial approaches to consider for your overall vibe. You can either aim to stand out from the local scene or fully embrace and blend in with your surroundings.

When I visited this casino on East Lafayette Street during my recent trip to Detroit, it already exuded the same vibe that I remembered from before. Although I couldn’t access every amenity during my short stay, which was a common occurrence in the other two Detroit casinos I visited, there were still enough options and features available to uplift my spirits as I concluded my journey.

Please note: Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 recovery situation, hotel services and features may be subject to change. The information provided in this report is based on the available amenities, operating hours, and price ranges at the time of the author’s visit.

Greektown Casino ambience

I arrived later than expected into Greektown, primarily due to a weather delay at the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. By the time I reached the front entrance around 7:30 p.m., I was informed that all valet parking spots for hotel guests had already been occupied.

The parking structures at Detroit’s casinos have displayed an early indication of an atmosphere that is not quite back to normal. In truth, there were numerous vacant spaces in the valet wing. However, a significant portion of the area remained closed off. While this may seem like a minor concern, it is worth noting due to the efforts put into maintaining appearances at the hotel’s main entryway.

After locating a suitable parking spot on the sixth floor of a different building, I proceeded to enter through the main lobby. I was informed by the amiable concierge that the lobby itself, along with an adjacent restaurant, would be undergoing extensive renovations over the next twelve months. Consequently, the check-in services will be relocated to a different floor once the construction begins.

I was pleasantly surprised when I received an unexpected upgrade to a luxurious 28th-floor executive suite. My room came equipped with a kitchenette, a relaxing soak tub, and a breathtaking view of downtown.

Despite the strong desire of the cozy setup to keep me indoors after a tiring day on my feet, the act of crossing a skybridge towards the casino area provided a unique and invigorating experience.

Food and beverage scene

When I arrived at the casino, I noticed the signs for Prism, Greektown’s renowned restaurant. I was concerned that my slightly dressy jeans and polo might not meet the business casual dress code. However, since I arrived for a late seating, close to 9:30 p.m., there was ample space available and a helpful maître d’ willing to accommodate me.

Prism offers an exceptional upscale experience, even amidst ongoing reopening conditions. With its elegant and roomy ambiance, accompanied by excellent service, this seafood and steakhouse destination impressed me with their perfectly prepared salmon and asparagus dish. To top it off, they presented a delectable chocolate cake that was truly satisfying.

If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, you can head to the food court outside the casino premises, where you will find a variety of dining options available every day. On Thursday evening, the top choices were the 313 Burger Bar and Basil Leaf Pizza. And rest assured, they live up to their claims. (Spoiler alert: They serve exactly what they advertise.)

At the time of writing, the Noodle Bar at the court was only operational from Fridays to Sundays. Additionally, I indulged in a satisfying breakfast at the burger bar before my departure on Friday morning.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a pub or sports bar atmosphere, the Barstool Sportsbook located within the casino will cater to all your desires. However, we’ll delve into more details about that later on.

Greektown Casino floor

Having frequently experienced disorientation on casino floors, most likely due to intentional layouts by hotel owners, I hold a deep admiration for Greektown’s two-floor design. In just 10 or 15 minutes, I quickly become familiar with the location of everything and can freely explore the area without feeling mentally lost.

Approaching 10 p.m. on a Thursday night before a long weekend, it was unsurprising to find the casino a bit more subdued than usual. The atmosphere suggested that the place was about a quarter to a third occupied.

The games that had gained immense popularity were nearly impossible to access during the evening. Whenever I walked by the upper area, I noticed that all eight stations of the large-screen Dragon Link slot were occupied. Similarly, on the lower floor, all seven Buffalo Grand slots were occupied as well. The Lightning Link games were also creating quite a buzz on the next level.

There is something noteworthy about the slot section of the casino – the majority of dividers installed during the pandemic have been removed.

However, the dividers for all dealer-based and other table games were still in place. The blackjack tables were the most popular during my visit on Thursday, followed by ultimate hold ’em, three-card poker, and a royal flush variant. Additionally, there were two live craps tables, and about half of the seats in the electronic craps and blackjack areas were occupied as well.

Additionally, noteworthy on the lower level are the electronic blackjack machines which offer more advantageous minimum bets on weekdays. However, if you happen to be at the casino between 6 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Monday, make sure you are prepared for a minimum bet of $5 per hand.

Lastly, the poker room in Greektown had an intriguing feature. Its peculiar oblong shape reminded me of a Tetris piece or a lively pattern from the Snake game on a phone. The room was enclosed by misty glass, but I curiously glanced around the corner to find only a couple of tables out of a potential ten or more being used for live play.

Out of the three poker rooms in downtown Detroit casinos, Greektown’s poker room stood out as the most safety-conscious, as it had extensive dividers separating each seat.

Barstool Sportsbook

The Greektown property displays various signs outside the casino to reflect the Barstool brand, relying on its strong consumer recognition and customer loyalty. However, the primary destination for Stoolies and sports enthusiasts to come together is the sportsbook.

Seated at the bar, one could only dream of the impressive TV wall spanning 30 feet in length. On another thrilling night of the Eastern Conference Finals, the book housed around 40 people. A vast selection of food, although lacking innovation, awaited those who ventured inside to indulge in their sports-watching desires.

There are numerous external kiosks available for individuals who do not use the app to place bets. To my surprise, during my visits to the Detroit casinos, I observed that half a dozen kiosks were being utilized for betting, which was the highest number compared to my previous visits.

For the fans who are highly connected, there are 14 enormous leather chairs positioned in front of the secondary TV space, featuring five of the biggest screens. Although not all chairs were occupied, 10 of them had enthusiastic individuals who energetically responded to every basket, foul, and turnover.

Overall impressions

Greektown Casino Hotel in downtown Detroit successfully blends an inviting layout, upscale food, and a high-energy service staff, creating a perfect balance of luxury and liveliness. Additionally, the ability to watch sports in real-time adds an extra level of excitement to this vibrant neighborhood.

The front-desk concierge went above and beyond to make my stay memorable by granting me access to a partially under construction meeting hall, where I could comfortably complete my note-taking during the trip. It was a perfect parting gift that made me feel like a valued guest. What’s more, the reasonable price of $160 for the room stay was a pleasant surprise, especially during these times of constant tension.

Greektown is predominantly operating, providing ample opportunities to explore. If you happen to be fortunate enough to secure a top-floor room, take a moment to gaze down upon the downtown area of the city. It’s a one-of-a-kind encounter that is truly worth immersing yourself in.

Please rewrite your request.