Rocky Gap a charming (and cheap) place to stay
Developers, architects and would-be casino hopefuls traveled from afar on Tuesday to make their case to members of Maryland's slots commission for building a gambling resort at Rocky Gap.
You can read about the vying proposals in a Sun story -- but anybody who has sat through a MEDCO oversight budget committee hearing can be forgiven for being very curious about the state of affairs in today's Rocky Gap Resort and Golf Club.
The hearings make the place seem awful. Really awful. Millions are needed for a "face lift," according to testimony. Occupancy rates are so low that the hotel isn't making ends meet on a day-to-day basis, nevermind paying back the millions in debt incurred just to build the place.
You can read about the vying proposals in a Sun story -- but anybody who has sat through a MEDCO oversight budget committee hearing can be forgiven for being very curious about the state of affairs in today's Rocky Gap Resort and Golf Club.
The hearings make the place seem awful. Really awful. Millions are needed for a "face lift," according to testimony. Occupancy rates are so low that the hotel isn't making ends meet on a day-to-day basis, nevermind paying back the millions in debt incurred just to build the place.
"Take it off our hands," pleaded Sen. George Edwards, whose panhandle district includes Rocky Gap at one hearing.
Here's some good news: The place is charming, and it is dirt cheap to stay here.
Yesterday the signature Jack Nicklaus golf course was buzzing with activity. A stand with mountain bikes for rent looked enticing and trail map outlined nearby hikes. The lobby offers a stunning view of Lake Habeeb, and though many of the trees have turned brown there are still splashes of autumn color on the mountains. Plus there's a stuffed black bear to admire!
The digs feel a little tight and dated, but they're fine. You'd want to spend most of your day out exploring Allegany County. But the charm only increases when you see the bill: It costs $138 with taxes for a room with a view of the lake. A golf course view is about $15 cheaper. And there's free wifi.
Compare that to the other state-backed hotel on the Eastern Shore. A room with a view of the parking lot at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay will run $225, and that doesn't include the resort fees, the Internet fees, and the parking fees.
If the past is any predictor of the future, it'll still be awhile until Rocky Gap is transformed into a casino. And in the meantime, this place offers a fun getaway. And you can plan last minute, because it's not going to be sold out.
Here's some good news: The place is charming, and it is dirt cheap to stay here.
Yesterday the signature Jack Nicklaus golf course was buzzing with activity. A stand with mountain bikes for rent looked enticing and trail map outlined nearby hikes. The lobby offers a stunning view of Lake Habeeb, and though many of the trees have turned brown there are still splashes of autumn color on the mountains. Plus there's a stuffed black bear to admire! The digs feel a little tight and dated, but they're fine. You'd want to spend most of your day out exploring Allegany County. But the charm only increases when you see the bill: It costs $138 with taxes for a room with a view of the lake. A golf course view is about $15 cheaper. And there's free wifi.
Compare that to the other state-backed hotel on the Eastern Shore. A room with a view of the parking lot at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay will run $225, and that doesn't include the resort fees, the Internet fees, and the parking fees.
If the past is any predictor of the future, it'll still be awhile until Rocky Gap is transformed into a casino. And in the meantime, this place offers a fun getaway. And you can plan last minute, because it's not going to be sold out.
Comments
Charming? Really? The landscape, views, and scenery are very very nice. the hotel, needs big help! The rooms are boring and outdated, and service in the restaurant is friendly, but not "charming". The atmosphere in the restaurant is more high school cafeteria then hotel-like. There is a lot to like there, but a lot of work to do too.
Posted by: cealex1223 | November 9, 2011 9:55 AM