Sure Bet
With first-class gaming, dining, nightlife and a host of other amenities, Valley Forge Casino Resort offers visitors a one-of-a-kind opportunity.
by Leigh Stuart

Residents of the Greater Philadelphia Area are fortunate to have access to a plethora of attractions within a few hours’ commute. Besides downtown Philadelphia and all its cultural and culinary charms, desirable destinations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and the Jersey Shore are all just a short car trip or train ride away.

But why waste time on a long, expensive trip to another town when excitement of every sort—entertainment, dining, gaming and much more—awaits visitors who head to King of Prussia and step through the ornate doors of Valley Forge Casino Resort?

“We like to say ‘The House is Yours’ because we believe in making our guests feel at home,” says Lani Baird, executive director of sales for VFCR. “We do this through our excellent customer service and by creating memorable experiences.  It is the small, personalized touches that really count.” 
Michael Gartner, vice president of strategic development and operations, agrees that “guest relations” are the crowning jewel of the VFCR experience. He says the resort staff gets to know its customers personally, to the point where they know not only guests’ names but also their individual needs.
“When you’re here,” he says, “you’ll feel like a part of our family.”

Good Times Ahead
The personal touch is only one aspect of the experience customers discover at this resort-style destination. In fact, VFCR serves as the area’s only resort destination offering everything under one roof—two hotels, restaurants such as Revolution Chop House and Valley Tavern, gaming, nightlife, private event space and much more, according to Gina Mancino, VFCR’s vice president of marketing.

In addition, the resort is adjacent to the King of Prussia Mall, Valley Forge National Historical Park and the newly erected King of Prussia Town Center. Even so, some customers come solely for the resort—meaning once they get there, they stay there. And now that the casino no longer has an entrance fee, those who come in search of excitement on the gaming floor can get straight to the good times, without the added expense.

“Our casino floor is a boutique-sized gaming floor, and that gives us the opportunity to truly get to know our guests as individuals and provide an exceptional guest service experience each and every time,” she adds. “One of our core values is to treat our guests like family and make people feel at home. This is important to the Valley Forge Casino Resort team as our goal is to ensure that all of our guests feel at home, enjoy their experience and keep coming back to see us.”

A Day at the Beach
Among the most popular VFCR summertime attractions is Valley Beach, which brings the air and style of a beach community directly to the suburbs. Swimming in a gorgeous sunlit pool, lounging in a plush cabana, enjoying selections from an amazing food-and-beverage program—Valley Beach provides the perfect “‘Staycation’ opportunity,” Mancino says. “It is having a beach in your backyard without having to drive to the Jersey Shore.”

“Valley Beach is not your average hotel pool; it is an authentic resort poolside experience,” Baird adds. “There is ample availability of lounge chairs, private cabanas, a large tiki bar and spacious deck area, with live entertainment in the evenings on weekends. Guests can enjoy a cocktail while lounging poolside during the day and return in the evening after enjoying dinner in one of our six onsite restaurants and listen to great live entertainment under the stars.”

In other words, Valley Beach offers all of the fun, sun and relaxation of being at the beach without the hassle of getting there. “You can’t find this anywhere else in Philadelphia or Montgomery County,” Baird adds.

Bright Nights, Get Glitzy
Individuals who say sun and sand aren’t up their alley will find an abundance of A-plus entertainment at VFCR. Whether someone wants to dance until dawn, laugh along with top comedic talent or rock out to the music of professional entertainers, it’s all here.

“We have comedy every Friday at The Vault, and we offer fantastic local bands outside on Saturdays at Valley Beach,” Mancino notes. “We are excited to have Tim Meadows, famous for Saturday Night Live and The Goldbergs here on August 11, as well as many great tribute bands to finish out the year.”

Gartner adds that guest-appreciation nights also work their way into the VFCR nightlife scene. On Saturdays, for example, the resort hosts bands starting at 8 p.m. and once a month brings dueling pianos out to Valley Beach for a customer-appreciation night under the stars.

The Total Package
As the Greater Philadelphia Area’s only full-amenity gaming resort, VFCR is truly one of a kind—and now local and out-of-town visitors have even more incentive to pay a visit with VFCR’s “Gas and Getaway” offering.

“This package includes overnight accommodations in one of our spacious guest rooms and a $25 Visa gift card,” Baird explains. “Guests can use the gift card at any of our restaurants or retail shops on site or while visiting area attractions, such as the world-renowned King of Prussia Mall or Valley Forge National Historical Park, which are just minutes from our resort.”

Like Mancino, Baird has dedicated her career to providing guests with the pinnacle of comfort and happiness. This same spirit is at the heart of the VFCR experience, she says, and it fills every member of the VFCR hospitality team.

“We have so much to offer,” she says. “It’s not just the endless amenities that our guests can enjoy, but I am surrounded by employees who genuinely love what they do and enjoy interacting with our guests. When you are in the company of so many people who take such pride in what they do, you can’t help but love to work here.

“I believe this is why our guests love to come here, too,” she continues. “They feel at home.”

Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Ave.
King of Prussia
(610) 354-8118
VFCasino.com

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life Magazine, June 2018.  



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