The Lodge squashes the notion of what a typical casino hotel is like. My sister and I are overnights guests at the resort β no husbands and kids allowed.
Double queen guest suite, The Lodge at Turning Stone. The glitz-free guest rooms at The Lodge have a subtle masculine feel. They have quite possibly thought of every amenity: there is even a full-sized golf umbrella in the closet. All 96 suites are spacious β the smallest at square feet β and many feature balconies or terraces. Frosted glass French doors separate the bedroom from the invitingly spacious living room with cozy seating options.
The welcoming open design of the great room is almost completely surrounded by windows, creating a sense of airiness and grandeur. Beautiful views overlook the golf course and the pristinely manicured garden in all of its spring glory. At turn down, soft music plays The Only Real Thing, by Mark Kelso , slippers are placed bedside and the ice bucket is filled. Instead of traditional chocolates, our bedside table contains a dream catcher, said to move freely in the night air and grab dreams as they pass by; the bad dreams get tangled in the netting and perish with the first light of day.
Day guests are welcome at the spa too. Prepare to be spoiled here: the spa attendants are among the friendliest in the industry. They will take excellent care of you and nurture you throughout your entire visit. Nature is evident everywhere you look: In the botanical print fabric on the lounge chairs, in the artwork adorning the walls, in the frosted glass embossed with leaves and the botanical print wallpaper and curtains. Even the chandeliers represent blossoming florals.
The centerpiece of the bright and airy spa lobby, surrounded by windows, is a spectacular circular fireplace. Everything is designed circularly and curvy to mimic nature. Amenities are first rate: Okab spa sandals β loved for their comfort, fit and superior slip-protection in the wet areas of the spa, spa robes the color of golden-hued sand and the nourishing healthy spa snacks. The infused spa water changes with the seasons; if you time your visit right, you might get to try the strawberry water recipe below served in conjunction with Strawberry Festival, an annual event in the Oneida Annual Calendar of Thanksgiving.
