Changes underway at Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino

Changes underway at Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino: New nightclub, other renovations provide distinctive casino experience  

By Jeffrey V. Smith

Change continues to be the norm at Central City’s Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino, as it debuts its new nightclub and the ongoing renovations that are part of a $20 million makeover of its property. The new, music-themed décor is almost finished and all the final details are moving into place awaiting a long-anticipated name change.

Over Labor Day weekend, the casino celebrated the grand opening of its most recent addition, The Lava Room, a 300-person, Las Vegas-style showroom. It’s Colorado’s largest casino showroom and the only one in the Central City and Black Hawk area. The large, yet inviting, room features a sunken stage with state-of-the-art sound system, dance floor, private bar, three levels of seating and a special VIP area. Several areas around the room feature comfortable, inviting couches and Lava lamps, which is perfect for gathering as a group or finding an intimate spot with someone special. It’s also, hands down, the best room for music in any Colorado casino and ranks near the top of any venue its size in the state.

Colorado acts Firefall Trio, Under a Blood Red Sky (a U2 tribute band) and Hot Posse had the honor of breaking in the stage and venue during the opening weekend festivities.

The room isn’t just about music, however. It’s also well equipped for watching sports thanks to numerous HDTVs and a massive sound system. In fact, there are plans to use the room for various forms of entertainment, comedy, sports and fight-night viewings, as well as for live bands, dancing and a late-night club atmosphere. Casino patrons can enjoy the room’s entertainment offerings on any weekend.

The casino did not neglect any detail. In fact, one of the more notable features of the venue, surprisingly, is its large smoker’s patio conveniently located opposite the stage. With high-end heaters that appear to have large flames; comfortable, spacious seating; and a one-of-a-kind Central City view, it’s arguably among the best spots in any Colorado casino to step outside and take in the mountain atmosphere while remaining in a lavish, comfortable location.

The Lava Room, like all of the new changes at Fortune Valley, features a sleek, state-of-the-art, boutique-style design that is almost calming compared to many older casino themes that feature bright lights, vibrant colors and a cacophony of casino sounds. In contrast to that model, for example, Fortune Valley’s new accent lighting installed throughout the casino floor slowly changes colors and elicits a rather subdued, yet warm, atmosphere. Overall, it’s sleek, sophisticated and classy. The changes, all of which revolve around a rock music theme, provide an experience and theme that is quite distinctive in Colorado.

Other recent changes made by owner Luna Gaming Central City to the 300,000-square-foot property include a 65-foot long guitar-shaped bar; a new Tuscan steakhouse, Ardore, featuring a 500-bottle wine room and eight-seat chef’s table; a VIP media room called The Zone featuring five HDTVs with a headset for each guest, complimentary cocktails and snacks, and comfortable chairs; a new lobby, front desk and gift shop; and major changes to the overall décor of the entire property. Also, all of the rooms in the hotel are being remodeled and will be named after rock musicians and bands.

More changes are in store for the casino as it plans to renovate its current café dining area into multiple food venues including a coffee shop, pizza bistro and an area with a chef making food to order.

Also, according to casino officials, Luna Gaming is in negotiations to rebrand the casino with the name of a major entertainment company. That means one of the final changes to the property will be the signs outside.