River Rock Casino Resort

The hotel is a highly convenient urban retreat, distinguished by its direct SkyTrain access which seamlessly connects guests to the airport and downtown Vancouver. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore the city, business travelers attending events, and those needing easy access for pre-flight or pre-cruise stays. Families particularly enjoy the hotel's pool with a waterslide, while couples can appreciate the casino and diverse dining options. Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms and the generally friendly staff. However, prospective visitors should be aware of additional charges like the resort fee and credit card surcharges, which are often not clearly disclosed. For a more peaceful stay, consider requesting a room away from the SkyTrain line, and if traveling with children, plan your dining as many on-site food venues are located within the casino and are not accessible to minors.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities, though guest experiences are mixed. The pool with its waterslide is a significant draw, especially for families, despite some guests finding the water to be quite cold and noting occasional issues with towel availability. A fitness center is available, and guests appreciate the convenience of an on-site Starbucks. The casino is large and active, providing a variety of slot machines and table games, though some feel the poker room has declined. However, common complaints include frequently broken elevators leading to long wait times, and the parking situation, which is often described as a long, inconvenient walk from the hotel, with valet service being expensive. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some reviews indicate it can be slow. The spa is also mentioned, offering services like massages, though its ambiance receives varied feedback.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many describe the rooms as spacious and generally comfortable, with some guests praising the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that rooms appear dated, with worn carpets, peeling furniture, and a general need for refreshing. Cleanliness is a recurring concern for some, with reports of dust, stains, moldy shower curtains, dirty coffee cups, and even hairs found in rooms, suggesting inconsistent housekeeping. Despite the hotel's proximity to the airport, many rooms are noted for their soundproofing, effectively minimizing airplane noise and SkyTrain noise. Yet, some guests still experience hallway noise and door slamming. In-room amenities like TVs, phones, and AC sometimes malfunction, and the absence of microwaves and USB ports is a common point of frustration. Additionally, extra blankets and robes are not consistently provided in standard rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several dining options, though guest experiences vary widely, particularly concerning accessibility for families. The breakfast buffet is often described as good but expensive, with some guests noting limited variety. The newly opened Gordon Ramsay Steak restaurant receives high praise for its quality but is noted as being very expensive and difficult to secure reservations. Other on-site restaurants like Chopsticks and Chairman's Lounge receive mixed reviews, with some guests reporting slow service and a lack of ambiance in the latter. A major point of contention is the food court, which is located within the casino and thus inaccessible to minors, posing a significant challenge for families. Room service is available but can be expensive and slow, with limited options, and some guests report difficulty reaching it by phone. Overall, many guests express a desire for more diverse and affordable dining options, especially for those with dietary restrictions or traveling with children.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, particularly its exceptional SkyTrain access. Guests appreciate being only three stops away from the airport, making it highly convenient for early flights or late arrivals. The SkyTrain line also provides easy and direct access to downtown Vancouver and the cruise ship docks, allowing guests to explore the city without needing a car. Beyond transit, the hotel is close to the Richmond Night Markets (seasonal), the on-site casino, and a nearby Costco. However, the parking situation receives frequent criticism; while self-parking is available, it often requires a long walk from the hotel, and valet parking is expensive. Some guests also note that the immediate surrounding area can appear somewhat industrial, with limited walkable dining or shopping options outside the hotel's premises.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests commending their attentive service. Numerous reviews highlight positive experiences with room upgrades and the accommodation of early check-in requests. The valet service is often described as efficient and courteous. However, feedback regarding the front desk is mixed; while some guests report a quick check-in process, a significant number mention slow check-in times due to understaffing and long lines. Some guests also found front desk staff to be less than sympathetic or difficult to reach by phone. Housekeeping staff are noted for their friendly demeanor, though some reviews indicate inconsistencies in room cleaning and unfulfilled requests for daily service. Overall, the staff's willingness to assist is a recurring positive theme, despite some operational challenges.

Additional Information
A significant point of concern for many guests is the hotel's resort fee, which is frequently described as a "hidden charge" and a "cash grab." This fee, often not clearly disclosed at booking, covers amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, and in-room coffee, which many guests expect to be standard inclusions. Another common complaint is the credit card surcharge, a 2% fee applied to all purchases within the hotel and casino. Guests also report issues with deposit holds on credit cards, with some experiencing delays or confusion regarding their release. The hotel's policy regarding minors is a notable inconvenience for families, as children are not permitted in the casino area where the food court is located. Additionally, some guests mention a microwave rental fee and a lack of luggage assistance upon arrival. In-room phone issues are also reported, making it difficult to contact the front desk for service.