Vernon Downs Casino and Hotel

This hotel offers a distinctive experience, primarily defined by its direct connection to a vibrant casino and racetrack, making it a unique destination for gamblers and horse racing enthusiasts. Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms, the generally friendly staff, and its convenient location for various activities. It caters well to couples seeking a getaway and families looking for on-site entertainment like the pool and arcade. For business travelers, the hotel provides suitable facilities for conferences and events. To ensure a smooth stay, guests should confirm breakfast availability, especially for weekend visits, and be mindful that some areas of the older property may show signs of wear.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub, which are popular among guests, though some note the pool can be crowded with non-swimmers and the hot tub is reserved for those 16 and older. While many find the pool large and clean, some reviews mention issues like excessive chlorine, loose ladders, and moldy vents in the pool area. A fitness room is available, but some guests reported issues with the air conditioning and a lack of security cameras. Wi-Fi connectivity is provided, though several guests found the internet speed to be extremely poor. Ample parking is available, adding to convenience. The attached casino is smoke-free and primarily features slots, with some guests reporting good payouts, while others express dissatisfaction with the games.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is mixed; while many rooms are described as clean and tidy, some guests reported issues such as dirty pillows, blankets with hair, and uncleaned jacuzzi tubs that produced brown water and slime. The bathrooms are generally considered clean, but some specific issues like a hole in the door, a faulty faucet, or a dirty vent were noted. Rooms are often described as spacious and some have been recently updated, yet many guests found the furniture and decor to be dated, with worn carpets and various maintenance problems like loose electrical outlets or defective door locks. Beds receive varied comments, with some finding them comfortable, while others describe them as too soft, too stiff, or smaller than advertised. Noise levels can be an issue for some, with reports of loud parking lot activity and thin walls allowing hallway sounds.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several on-site dining options, including a buffet, Mr. G's, and Triple 7s. Feedback on food quality is quite varied, with some guests praising specific dishes like the filet or wings at Mr. G's, while others describe the food as horrible or subpar. The buffet is generally considered good value, though some found the selection limited. A significant point of contention is the continental breakfast, which is complimentary only during the week and not available on weekends, much to the disappointment of many guests. The breakfast selection is basic, typically including bread, bagels, and coffee, with some guests wishing for more hot options like waffles or eggs. Room service is offered but can be inconsistent due to staffing issues.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location directly off the highway, making it an easy stop for travelers. Its primary draw is its proximity to the casino and racetrack, offering immediate access to entertainment. Guests appreciate being close to other attractions like the Turning Stone Casino and the Utica/Rome speedway. The surrounding area is generally described as quiet and safe, providing a peaceful environment, though some guests feel it is somewhat isolated, requiring a drive to reach other amenities. Ample parking is available on-site, which is a significant convenience for guests arriving by car. The hotel's setting also provides pleasant views of the racetrack from certain areas.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Many guests highlight the efficient check-in and check-out process, noting the staff's willingness to assist with requests and provide local recommendations. Specific instances of excellent service include staff bringing a wheelchair or delivering a meal when room service was short-staffed. However, some guests reported less positive interactions, such as delays during check-in due to staff being distracted, incorrect information provided about room readiness, or perceived rudeness from certain personnel. Housekeeping services were also noted as inconsistent by some, with rooms not always being fully serviced daily.

Additional Information
A recurring point of feedback is the hotel's policy of no complimentary breakfast on weekends, which often surprises and disappoints guests who expect it. The property is frequently described as an older hotel that, despite some updates, still shows signs of its age and could benefit from further maintenance and modernization. It is a popular venue for conferences and events, with guests noting suitable facilities and catering. The attached casino is a smoke-free environment, which is appreciated by many. Guests should also be aware that EV charging stations are not available on-site, and vending machines may not always be stocked or accept credit cards.