25%Major impact
Casino and gaming lounges
We look at circulation, seating, table spread, ventilation, and the atmosphere during peak evening periods.
Ranked catalogue
Every assessed property
Every property we have assessed, in score order, with the rubric published below.
- 01
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
The canyon town's tallest and most complete, suited to Colorado mountain weekends.
- Rooftop pool and spa
- Canyon outlooks
- Ara restaurant
Editor's noteThe rooftop pool at 8,500 feet is the property's signature - 02
Monarch Casino Resort Spa
A newer tower with the town's largest spa, suited to spa-led mountain stays.
- New-build tower
- Full spa floors
- Monarch Chophouse
Editor's noteThe most recent large build in the Colorado mountain towns - 03
The Lodge Casino Black Hawk
Timber-and-stone lodge styling, suited to value-aware mountain stays.
- Lodge architecture
- Mountain views
- Value rates
Editor's noteGenuine lodge character rather than applied theming - 04
Century Casino & Hotel Central City
Historic street position a mile uphill, suited to quiet mountain-town stays.
- Historic main street
- Quiet setting
- Compact property
Editor's noteCentral City is calmer than neighbouring Black Hawk by some margin - 05
Deadwood Mountain Grand
A converted 1906 mining slime plant, suited to Black Hills music weekends.
- 1906 industrial conversion
- Live music hall
- Hillside position
Editor's noteThe concert venue occupies the original industrial hall - 06
DoubleTree by Hilton Deadwood
Cadillac Jack's, on the creek at the town's edge, suited to Black Hills touring base.
- Creekside position
- Easy parking
- Full-service tower
Editor's noteEasiest parking in a town where parking is genuinely difficult - 07
Super 8 by Wyndham Deadwood
Straightforward lodging on the historic strip, suited to budget Black Hills stays.
- Historic strip position
- Budget rates
- Indoor pool
Editor's noteBasic rooms in a town where basic is often all that is needed - 08
Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort
Main Street rooms above the gaming floor, suited to walkable Deadwood stays.
- Main Street address
- Compact rooms
- Walkable position
Editor's noteDirectly on Main Street, which is the point in Deadwood
How we score
What the ratings measure
Our editors complete the same six-part assessment at every property, using the weights below. No property receives a bespoke rubric.
20%High impact
Accommodation quality
Sound insulation, bedding, bathroom condition, storage, climate control, housekeeping consistency, and outlook.
20%High impact
Guest service
Measured on desk waiting times, concierge usefulness, language range, and service recovery.
15%Moderate impact
Food and beverage
Range across price points, kitchen consistency, breakfast quality, in-room dining hours, and wine list depth.
10%Supporting impact
Location and access
Judged on transfer convenience, walkable surroundings, transport connections, and parking practicality.
10%Supporting impact
Value
The all-in nightly figure, fees included, weighed against room quality and amenity access.