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Despite the reopening of much of America during the vaccination phase of the coronavirus pandemic, I remain uncertain if we have truly returned to “normal.” This sentiment was particularly evident during my recent visit to the MotorCity Casino Hotel in downtown Detroit.
As of late June, Michigan casinos have lifted capacity restrictions and abolished the mask mandate for individuals who have received full COVID-19 vaccination.
Even though the casino property didn’t do anything wrong, there was still a slight feeling of unease during my one-night stay at the Grand River Avenue property, despite the efforts made to make it familiar.
In reality, a similar unnoticeable cloud of uncertainty followed me during my visits to MGM Grand Detroit and Greektown Casino-Hotel. Despite being open for business, the atmosphere lacked the vibrant energy that usually accompanies such establishments. It seems like we are all in the process of relearning how to enjoy entertainment again, taking baby steps before we can fully embrace it.
Editor’s note: Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 recovery situation, hotel services and features may undergo modifications. This report provides information on the amenities, hours, and price ranges that were available during the author’s visit.
MotorCity Casino ambience
I reached MotorCity Casino Hotel a little after 7 p.m. on a Tuesday for my short stay. The initial indication of the ongoing recovery phase was the absence of valet parking. Although I didn’t require it, since the main covered public parking lot was conveniently linked to the establishment and had many available spots, it was still a noticeable detail.
Receiving my room key and stepping into my standard suite was the true indication, as the literature detailing the amenities continued onto a second page, still unopened.
In addition to the valet parking, the Iridescence Restaurant, Assembly Line Buffet, and D. Tour Spa within the casino remained closed, as well as the Sound Board theater. Furthermore, the Amnesia nightclub situated on the top of the hotel tower was still awaiting reopening.
The room I stayed in was impeccably clean and had ample space. It was evident that extra precautions had been taken to ensure a high level of hygiene due to the pandemic. The walk-in shower was roomy, and the king-size bed provided just the right amount of bounce. Although the carpet showed slight signs of wear, I only noticed it when I accidentally dropped my room key and had to bend down to retrieve it.
Food and beverage scene
Properties that are opened but not fully operational will consistently feature a revolving selection of food items and restaurants that will be partially available on different days.
During my Tuesday stay at MotorCity Casino Hotel, I had the choice between enjoying a Little Caesars pizza from the station or indulging in the off-casino food court’s Grand River Deli and Burgers to-go smorgasbord for a late dinner.
The service was speedy and efficient, and despite the unconventional pairing of my chicken Caesar salad and mac and cheese combo (please refrain from judging, it had been a particularly exhausting day!), it turned out to be a delicious and reasonably priced meal. With a drink included, it came in at under $20. It’s worth noting that both locations stay open until late in the evening, although their hours may vary.
On this particular evening, all the food service staff were wearing masks, while about half of the customers in the food court area were also masked. The only hiccup in following the established rules occurred with the technology. The kiosks, which were intended to facilitate quick and socially distanced ordering, malfunctioned several times when I tried to charge the amount to my room. Consequently, I had to search for a different kiosk before I could finally pay with my credit card.
On the Wednesday morning before I left, I returned to the food court for breakfast at The Lodge. I ordered an omelette and crispy hash browns, as they opened at 6 a.m. Just like before, the service was quick and efficient. There were only a handful of customers dining on this weekday morning.
MotorCity Casino floor
When it comes to dining and facilities, the majority of places are making do with what they have during this early phase of recovery. However, it is crucial for a physical establishment to excel on the casino floor.
MotorCity Casino was fortunate that, on this occasion, their extensive collection of machines on two floors proved to be more than sufficient. In a comprehensive inspection of the setup just before 10 p.m., it was observed that approximately 30 to 40% of the machines were occupied.
The Ultimate Fire Link and Buffalo Gold slots were the clear crowd favorites, attracting a large number of people. These technologically advanced slots were consistently occupied across all their multiple locations. Although there were plastic partitions installed between these closely situated slots, the overall layout of the casino floor still maintained an open and spacious environment. Taking pictures of the casino floor itself was not encouraged.
The MotorCity Casino layout is incredibly spacious. Using the cliché that perception is reality, it felt like the largest of the three city properties. This can be both a compliment and a frustration, as I found myself getting lost multiple times while trying to locate the sportsbook, cashier, or even specific game sections that I wanted to revisit during my observations.
On one hand, great work has been accomplished. On the other hand, additional signs are needed on the floor.
Once you’ve located your destination, you’ll notice that the casino has intelligently organized various types of table games together. The Mini Baccarat and Craps tables were particularly lively and bustling with activity. On the other hand, the high-limit room was sparsely populated, while the poker room, which branched off from the main area, had six tables in use out of a total of around ten.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook has emerged as the front-runner in Michigan’s online sports betting market during the initial six months. However, the competition among FanDuel, BetMGM, and Barstool sportsbooks in the retail sector remains closely contested.
The offering of FanDuel Sportsbook at MotorCity Casino is a valuable addition to the scene. Approximately two-thirds of the chairs in the primary viewing area were occupied by enthusiastic viewers engrossed in an Eastern Conference Finals NBA playoff game, thoroughly enjoying Charles Barkley’s witty remarks and laughing along.
Furthermore, the main viewing area hosted a total of eight baseball games being played simultaneously. The sportsbook also followed a two-floor configuration, although the upper level remained largely unoccupied throughout my visit. Additionally, a set of kiosks designated for placing physical bets saw minimal usage in today’s era where mobile betting takes precedence.
Overall impressions
During the hopeful latter stages of the pandemic, MotorCity Casino seemed to be in the process of recovery. However, due to staff and virus protocol restrictions, some of the usual options to enjoy my evening were limited. Nonetheless, the workers on the premises were friendly and efficient.
Different areas of the hotel were also filled with different levels of activity. Take, for instance, the room directly opposite mine, which was filled with the boisterous laughter of at least six people well past 1 a.m. It was almost enough to prevent me from getting some sleep, but strangely enough, it served as a reminder that certain aspects of our normal routines are once again vibrant and lively.
Motor City offers great value, especially considering its affordable price of around $150 on the night of my stay. Despite lacking some features during this period of limited offerings, Motor City still manages to provide enough value to make up for them. As the industry gradually recovers and reintroduces more amenities in the upcoming months, you will likely be enticed by the value Motor City offers and be eager to book a stay.
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