HBG Design Featured on No Vacancy: Why Casino Resorts Now Compete Like Destination Hotels
Regional casino resorts have evolved—and today’s most successful properties are no longer competing solely on gaming floors or square footage. They are competing as full-scale destination hotels, designed to extend stays, increase spend, and drive repeat visitation.
That shift is the focus of a recent episode of the No Vacancy podcast, hosted by Glenn Haussman with guest co-host Dr. Suzanne Bagnera, featuring HBG Design leaders Kelly DeVine, Principal, and Emily Marshall, NCIDQ, NEWH, IIDA, Principal and Interior Design Leader.
In the episode, Kelly and Emily discuss how design, operations, and profitability are inseparable in modern regional casino resorts—and why performance-driven design must start long before finishes and aesthetics are considered.
From Regional Casino to Destination Resort
Using Gun Lake Casino Resort in Michigan as a case study, the conversation explores how regional gaming properties now compete with Las Vegas–style destination resorts. Guests expect more than gaming alone: hospitality, dining, entertainment, and thoughtfully designed hotel experiences all play a role in attracting longer stays and repeat visits.
Kelly and Emily emphasize that this evolution requires a fundamental shift in how projects are approached—one that prioritizes operational strategy and guest behavior from day one.
Designing for Gaming Performance
Designing for Gaming PerformanceOne of the key insights from the episode is how hotel design directly influences gaming behavior. Guest rooms must strike a careful balance: they should feel comfortable and welcoming, but not so indulgent that guests disengage from the casino floor and resort amenities.
This intentional approach ensures that the hotel supports—not competes with—the core gaming experience, reinforcing the overall business model of the resort.
Operations First: The Engine Behind the Experience
At HBG Design, successful casino resorts begin with operations. Kelly and Emily discuss why elements such as:
- Housekeeping flow and back-of-house efficiency
- Durability and material selection
- Turnover time and maintenance realities
are often more critical to long-term performance than purely visual considerations.
By designing the “engine” before the exterior experience, properties are better positioned to operate efficiently, control costs, and deliver consistent guest satisfaction over time.
Programming Spaces for Repeat Visitation
Programming Spaces for Repeat VisitationBeyond the hotel and gaming floor, the episode highlights the importance of programming spaces that keep guests coming back—especially local and regional visitors. Flexible entertainment venues, food and beverage offerings, and social spaces all contribute to building loyalty and extending engagement beyond a single visit.
Design as a Business Tool
Ultimately, the conversation reinforces a core HBG Design philosophy: design is not a vanity exercise—it is a business tool. When design decisions are grounded in operations, guest behavior, and measurable outcomes, they can directly support revenue growth and long-term success.
We’re proud to see Kelly DeVine and Emily Marshall share their expertise on No Vacancy and contribute to an industry-wide conversation about performance-driven design in today’s casino resorts.
Listen to the full episode of No Vacancy: Episode 1009 – Why Casino Resorts Now Compete Like Destination Hotels to hear the complete discussion and insights.
Designing a Better Stay: Golden Mesa’s Guestrooms Set a New Hospitality Standard
At Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel, the guestrooms and suites were intentionally designed to do more than provide overnight accommodations—they were conceived as a strategic extension of the resort experience, supporting guest satisfaction, brand perception, and long-term value. For hospitality operators, these spaces demonstrate how thoughtful interior design can directly enhance a property’s competitiveness within its market.
As part of the $78 million expansion, HBG Design approached the hotel tower with a clear objective: deliver guestrooms that feel warm, contemporary, and rooted in place, while aligning with the expectations of today’s resort guest. The result is a collection of rooms and suites that elevate comfort and atmosphere without unnecessary complexity—raising the design standard for hospitality in Oklahoma’s Panhandle.
A Cohesive Design Strategy from Arrival to Guestroom
The guest experience begins well before the room door opens. Elevator lobbies introduce a subtle dusk-to-dawn progression through shifting wallcovering tones, guiding guests vertically through the tower and reinforcing a sense of journey and arrival. Guestroom corridors continue this narrative with ambient lighting and a warm, textural palette—setting a calm, welcoming tone that supports guest satisfaction and wayfinding.
Inside the guestrooms, natural materials and a disciplined color strategy establish an immediate sense of comfort. Warm white oak millwork anchors the space, delivering durability, longevity, and a residential feel that resonates with today’s travelers. Custom headboard assemblies integrate upholstered panels and built-in reading lights, reducing visual clutter while enhancing functionality and ease of use.
Above the bed, landscape-inspired artwork reflects the open skies and sunlit plains of the Panhandle through layered blues, soft whites, and sandy neutrals. Rather than literal theming, these elements provide a sense of place that feels authentic and timeless—supporting brand identity without limiting future adaptability.
“We focused on creating depth and contrast rather than relying on expensive gestures. By layering rich, saturated colors against warm wood tones and soft neutrals, we created guestrooms that feel calm, refined, and highly livable—spaces that elevate the guest experience while remaining efficient to build and maintain.”
— Chris Wood, Lead Interior Designer
Accent walls in deep, atmospheric blue tones add contrast and visual interest, framing seating areas and window views while giving the rooms a stronger sense of identity. Layered window treatments—sheer panels paired with blackout drapery—offer guests control over light, privacy, and comfort, a critical expectation in resort and casino hospitality.
Custom-designed carpet introduces subtle movement through geometric patterns inspired by the surrounding landscape. The pattern adds energy and durability while visually tying the room together—an important consideration for high-traffic hospitality environments.
Lighting Designed for Comfort, Efficiency, and Atmosphere
Lighting was treated as a foundational design tool rather than a finishing layer. Integrated bedside sconces provide focused task lighting, while ambient and accent illumination shape the overall mood of the room. This layered approach supports both relaxation and functionality, allowing guestrooms to transition seamlessly from daytime retreat to evening sanctuary—enhancing guest comfort while supporting operational efficiency.
Suites Designed to Deliver Premium Value
Golden Mesa’s suites—offered in 1.5- and 2-bay configurations—were designed to meet the needs of longer stays, VIP guests, and premium players, while maintaining a strong sense of cohesion with the standard guestrooms.
A defining feature is the solid white oak slat feature wall, which creates separation between living and sleeping zones without sacrificing openness. Integrated twinkle light detailing adds a refined, hospitality-forward moment—introducing visual interest, warmth, and a sense of occasion that elevates the suite experience without adding operational complexity.
The suites introduce a deeper, more grounded color palette, with rich green walls that create a residential, intimate atmosphere. These tones are balanced by warm wood finishes, textured ceiling treatments, and tailored furnishings—enhancing the perception of value while maintaining a welcoming, approachable feel.
Custom millwork desks with stone-look surfaces provide flexible functionality for work or leisure, while curated lighting and accessories elevate the space beyond a typical hotel suite. In the bedroom, large-scale artwork continues the landscape narrative, reinforcing a consistent design story throughout the tower.
An organic-patterned carpet flows through the suite, visually connecting zones and reinforcing the natural inspiration behind the design—while offering durability and ease of maintenance for long-term operations.
Strengthening the Resort Through Guestroom Design
By investing in elevated guestrooms and suites, Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel strengthens the entire resort ecosystem. The hotel tower provides a refined counterbalance to the energy of the casino floor and entertainment venues, supporting longer stays, repeat visitation, and a broader guest demographic.
For hospitality clients, Golden Mesa demonstrates how strategic interior design—focused on materiality, lighting, durability, and sense of place—can enhance guest satisfaction, reinforce brand identity, and deliver long-term value. These guestrooms are not simply places to sleep; they are a critical component of the resort’s overall performance and positioning as a destination.
Guestroom and Suite Vendor List:
-
Casegoods: Custom white oak casegoods
Manufacturer: Distinction Hospitality -
Carpet: Custom-designed carpet
Manufacturer: Brintons -
Elevator Lobby Accent Wallcoverings: Textured wallcoverings
Manufacturer: Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering -
Guestroom Headboard Wallcovering: Custom wallcovering
Manufacturer: Astek -
Sheer Window Treatments: Custom tribal-pattern sheers
Manufacturer: Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering -
Guestroom Lighting: Decorative and architectural lighting
Manufacturers: Trinity Lighting and Laspec -
Illuminated Mirrors & Backlit Artwork:
Manufacturer: Spacia
HBG Design Thinking: Hospitality Design Report
In 2026, hospitality design is all about creating immersive, memorable experiences that resonate with guests long after they leave. From boutique hotels to large-scale resorts and entertainment destinations, the bar for innovation has never been higher. HBG Design, ranked #2 Hospitality and Entertainment Design Firm in the U.S., by Hotel Business Magazine for 2026, has decades of experience translating industry insights into transformative guest experiences. This year, our team has identified the design thinking that will define hospitality experiences and drive both engagement and operational success.
You can download the full 'HBG Design Thinking' Hospitality Design Report here.
Social Wellness: Connection as the New Currency
Wellness has evolved beyond serenity and self-care—connection is now central to well-being. Guests increasingly seek shared experiences that foster community and engagement. HBG clients are already ahead of this curve, with co-ed hydrothermal lounges at WinStar Spa and hydrotherapy pools at MnoYé Spa at Gun Lake Resort. These spaces blend luxury, functionality, and social interaction, transforming wellness into a destination activity rather than a solitary experience.
Open Edge Environments
Seamless indoor–outdoor environments are no longer just a coastal luxury—they’re expected year-round, everywhere. The Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Resort exemplifies this trend, featuring a six-story glass dome that creates a tropical, light-filled escape in Wayland, Michigan. Guests enjoy the sensation of being outdoors while designers control climate, programming, and operational flexibility, proving that immersive environments drive engagement and revenue alike.
Maximalism with Meaning
Color and material storytelling are taking center stage. For an upcoming boutique resort lobby, HBG Design collaborated with Schumacher Hospitality to transform iconic residential patterns into hospitality-grade fabrics and wallcoverings. Custom applications—from vibrant lobby wallcoverings to rooftop restaurant fabrics—combine durability with artistry, craft, and narrative inspiration drawn from the surrounding woodland landscapes and local industrial heritage.
Ready to explore all six trends in detail?
Download the full 'HBG Design Thinking' Hospitality Design Report to see more quotes, actionable owner checklists, and client case studies that bring these insights to life.
A Tropical Escape in the Heart of Michigan: The Wawyé Oasis
When winter grips Michigan in icy temperatures, guests at Gun Lake Casino Resort are now floating beneath a sunlit glass dome in a lush, 82-degree tropical paradise. Debuting in May 2025, the six-story, 32,000-square-foot Wawyé Oasis redefines what’s possible for year-round resort design—seamlessly shifting from daytime pool retreat to high-capacity concert venue, nightclub, and banquet space. Shaped by solar studies and engineered as a massive glass “sundial,” the Oasis is both sculptural and supremely functional, capturing natural daylight while shielding guests from the region’s harsh climate.
As the architectural and experiential centerpiece of Gun Lake’s $300 million expansion, the Oasis anchors a new 252-room hotel and full-service spa—establishing the resort as a true “daycation” destination for guests across Michigan and major Midwest markets. From bird-safe, low-E glass and climate-responsive HVAC systems to flexible acoustics, dynamic lighting, and thoughtfully zoned guest experiences, every element was precision-engineered to support comfort, performance, and unforgettable entertainment.
The result is more than a building—it’s a fully immersive, adaptable environment where architecture, engineering, and guest experience converge in spectacular fashion.
▶ Watch the full design thinking video to explore the innovation behind the Wawyé Oasis—and flip through the complete Project Design Release for detailed insights into the architecture, engineering, sustainability strategies, and guest experience that bring this extraordinary destination to life.
A New Era of Entertainment Rises in the Oklahoma Panhandle at Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel
Warmth, Light, and Modern Comfort: A New Era of Entertainment Rises in the Oklahoma Panhandle at Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel, Guymon, Oklahoma
The $78 million expansion of Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel has redefined entertainment and hospitality in Oklahoma’s Panhandle, transforming the Shawnee Tribe’s vision into a vibrant destination that celebrates both culture and community. The project doubles the casino’s gaming capacity to more than 1,100 electronic games and 10 tables across a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor, introduces a 99-room hotel and a 45-slip RV park, and adds new dining and lounge experiences that elevate guest comfort and connection. From the Cimarron Ridge Restaurant and Panhandle Press Café to the dynamic high-limit room and two lively casino bars, every new space was purposefully crafted to enrich the guest journey and offer a warm, contemporary sense of hospitality.
Across the new hotel tower, the elevator lobbies introduce a subtle thematic progression—each level reflecting a “dusk-to-dawn” concept through shifting wallcovering tones. Guestroom corridors extend this narrative with soft, ambient lighting and a warm, textural palette. Inside the guestrooms and suites, neutral foundations pair with bright accents inspired by the region’s open skies and sunlit plains, creating spaces that feel both grounded and refreshingly modern.
Lighting plays a defining role in shaping the atmosphere of Golden Mesa—both as a functional tool and an expressive design element. The exterior façades feature a distinctive cross-weave illumination that animates the architecture at night, while the lobby’s soaring atrium showcases a glowing geometric chandelier that sets an elegant tone for arrival. Throughout the property, lighting transitions seamlessly between hospitality and entertainment zones, guiding guests from calm to energy, from relaxation to anticipation. Every glow and reflection reinforces the resort’s identity as a destination that subtly shifts in mood from day into night.
Architecturally and operationally, the expansion embodies graceful growth—an evolution of the property’s design that preserved full operations throughout construction while introducing a new benchmark for resort-style amenities in the region. Warm yet contemporary prairie-inspired materials, the dramatic new porte cochere, and the signature nighttime lighting pattern establish a welcoming exterior presence; while inside, the clearstory hotel lobby, geometric fixtures, and rich layers of color and texture create an atmosphere of approachable comfort and elevated luxury. Together, these elements position Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel as a beacon of progress and pride for the Shawnee Tribe and a standout destination for travelers across the Panhandle.
Delivering a project of this scale on time and on budget required extraordinary coordination between the owner, operator, and design and construction teams. HBG Design’s ability to anticipate operational needs and sustain continuous functionality was essential to the project’s success. The team’s challenge was to merge the new with the existing without visual or functional disruption—an effort that highlights the depth of talent within HBG’s architecture and interior design studios and the strength of collaboration with Global Gaming Solutions, Connect Advisors, and the Chickasaw Nation.
Designing for Distinction: VIP Suites that Define the Guest Experience
When it comes to hotel design, no space is more powerful—or more defining—than the VIP suite. These rarefied sanctuaries are not simply accommodations. The casino resort curates these private domains exclusively for its most loyal and high-value guests. Here, privacy, prestige, and personalization become the ultimate amenities.
For properties competing in today’s hospitality market, suites offer more than luxury—they are strategic assets that deliver strong returns. By offering one-of-a-kind, invitation-only spaces that can’t be replicated elsewhere, resorts build loyalty and memorable guest experiences. HBG Design is trusted nationwide to create signature sanctuaries. Each balances bold design statements with the comforts elite guests expect.
The Ogema Suite at Gun Lake Casino Resort
At the heart of Gun Lake Casino Resort’s $300M expansion in Wayland, Michigan, the Ogema Suite crowns the new 252-key hotel tower as its premier two-story penthouse. Meaning “Chief” in the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians’ language, the 3,096-square-foot suite is the pinnacle of prestige within the hospitality setting.
Reserved for the resort’s most important patrons, the suite offers a private elevator and dramatic countryside views. Two-story living spaces, walnut herringbone floors, radiant heating, and a bespoke crystal chandelier heighten the sense of privilege. A sculptural floating stair adds distinction and artistry. With INNCOM smart technology, drapery and lighting respond seamlessly, making the guest experience effortless and striking.
The Ogema Suite is more than a stay—it is a premier environment that symbolizes leadership and luxury, ensuring the property’s best guests are rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Third-Level VIP Suites at Four Winds South Bend Casino & Hotel
At Four Winds South Bend, the resort elevates privacy to a new dimension. It dedicates the entire third floor to VIP hospitality suites, creating a select tier of accommodations for its best guests.
Designed for private receptions, catered parties, and intimate gatherings, these suites feature tailored aesthetics ranging from lighter, feminine-inspired palettes to darker, masculine tones. Guests enjoy private bars, screened dining nooks, fireplaces, luxurious living and bedrooms, and terraces—some with dedicated whirlpools.
By offering a level reserved only for high-value players and dignitaries, Four Winds guarantees its most loyal guests an experience that feels indulgent, privileged, and deeply personal.
Private Cottages at Rain Rock Casino Resort
At Rain Rock Casino Resort in Northern California’s Siskiyou region, intimacy defines the guest experience. Designers envisioned eight boutique cottage suites as lodge-like retreats for the property’s most valued visitors.
Nestled into landscaped grounds, the cottages embody HBG Design’s “Journey Upriver” narrative. Their power lies in the privacy and retreat they offer. Moreover, warm woods, layered stone, and spa-like interiors connect VIP guests to place, while also granting the privilege of staying apart from the main hotel.
By layering seclusion with cultural storytelling, the cottages ensure Rain Rock’s most valued guests receive a one-of-a-kind hospitality encounter.
Hotel Suites at Golden Mesa Casino
At Golden Mesa Casino Hotel in Guymon, Oklahoma, designers created boutique-inspired suites for the resort’s most discerning guests. These suites balance sophistication with simplicity.
A distinctive wooden portal signals arrival into a premier space. Inside, accent art wallcoverings, oversized pendants, and custom carpeting bring individuality. Clean-lined vanities and refined finish palettes enhance comfort. The spa-inspired shower, with dark mullions and glass, becomes a sophisticated centerpiece.
At Golden Mesa, tailored details deliver a personal, upscale experience that strengthens guest loyalty.
Prestige as the Ultimate Amenity
From Gun Lake’s dramatic penthouse to Four Winds’ dedicated VIP floor, Rain Rock’s private cottages, and Golden Mesa’s boutique suites, HBG Design’s work demonstrates one truth: the best guests deserve the best spaces.
Privacy, prestige, and personalization form the common thread—transforming suites into rewards, retreats, and lasting memories that strengthen loyalty. For casino resorts, these rooms are not just lavish showcases of design—they are strategic investments with measurable returns in guest satisfaction, reputation, and repeat visitation.
For a resort’s most valued guests, the VIP suite remains the ultimate expression of design and devotion.
A Journey Upriver: The Rain Rock Experience
HBG’s Design of the New Rain Rock Casino Hotel is Rooted in Land and Culture
A Story Written in the Landscape
Within the mountains of Yreka, California, the Karuk Tribe’s Rain Rock Resort Hotel rises from the rugged beauty of the Siskiyou landscape. Designed by HBG Design and opened May/June 2025, the 78,995-square-foot casino and hotel expansion tells a story rooted in land, culture, and connection.
Inspired by the HBG team's “Journey Upriver” concept, the design carries guests along a path shaped by the Klamath River itself—flowing through valleys and forests, into lakes and up toward the mountains—where each bend reveals a new experience and every space reflects the enduring spirit of the Karuk people.
At HBG Design, we believe architecture should tell the story of place. For Rain Rock, that story unfolds in four archetypes drawn from the natural world - the Bountiful Forest, the Winding River, the Majestic Mountains, and the Tranquil Lake.
“As designers, our goal was to craft an experience rooted in the spirit of the Siskiyou landscape and the cultural narrative of the Karuk Tribe,” reflects Joe Baruffaldi, AIA, Principal & Project Manager at HBG Design. “Every design move—from the arrangement of cottages to the choice of an earthy palette—was about strengthening that sense of place and community.”
The journey flows to the Tribal Council Boardroom and semi-private terrace. From there, it flows across the serene pool deck and anchors the private outdoor cottages as sanctuaries of reflection.
Each environment becomes a passage in the guest’s journey, moving them as naturally as the river shapes the land.
The expansion introduces 72 guestrooms and eight boutique cottages, balancing luxury with intimacy.
Spa-inspired baths, custom finishes, curated art, and warm natural palettes anchor the interiors in their Siskiyou setting. Together, fire pits and the poolside garden extend the story outdoors.
Materiality grounds the project in authenticity. Stone, wood, and metal echo the surrounding terrain. In harmony, fluid patterns and tactile textiles weave the natural story indoors. Public spaces gather around a glowing hearth, an anchor of warmth and welcome.
Beyond its restorative comforts, Rain Rock is growing as a regional entertainment destination. The expansion infuses new energy with 175 gaming positions across the 20,000-square-foot floor. It transforms the sports bar and unveils a banquet hall where gatherings and celebrations take root.
The Rain Rock Casino Resort Hotel is an invitation to journey. It invites guests to escape into the Siskiyous and follow the metaphorical river from vibrant spaces to sanctuaries. Along its flow, guests discover the enduring bond between design, nature, and community.
Designing Nature-Inspired Luxury at Gun Lake Resort
Designing Nature-Inspired Luxury at Gun Lake Resort
Gun Lake Resort’s new hotel tower is more than an expansion—it’s a transformational destination for West Michigan and the greater Midwest. Rising prominently above Highway 131, the 15-story tower positions the resort as a premier super-regional draw for guests traveling from Chicago, Detroit, and beyond. With its blend of high-end accommodations, world-class amenities, and the one-of-a-kind Wawyé Oasis tropical atrium, the resort elevates the standard of hospitality in the region, offering guests an experience that rivals the nation’s top luxury destinations.
A Grounded Arrival: Biophilic Hospitality
The best hospitality spaces don’t just provide a service—they create experiences that linger long after checkout. At the new Gun Lake Resort Hotel Tower, HBG Design has reimagined the guest journey by blending biophilic principles with elevated luxury, crafting interiors that connect guests to nature while surrounding them with comfort and sophistication.
The interior concept was shaped by the natural rhythms and beauty of the region—dynamic summer sunsets, dappled light filtering through the trees, and serene views of Gun Lake. These elements became the design DNA for the tower’s interiors, translated into atmospheres of Dappled Light, Serene, and Radiance.
The journey begins in the soaring double-height lobby, where guests are welcomed by a vibrant living green wall—a vertical garden that breathes life into the reception experience. Expansive glazing frames the lush Wawyé Oasis atrium, filling the space with natural light and views of greenery. Together, these layered strategies set a calming tone, grounding guests the moment they arrive.
Material selections extend this connection to place: warm wood, natural stone, and metals that mirror Michigan’s rugged beauty. Radial ceiling treatments echo organic patterns, while daylighting establishes rhythm and flow. For HBG, biophilic hospitality design isn’t a trend—it’s a philosophy of guest wellbeing, ensuring each space resonates with a sense of balance and belonging.
Serene Wellness and Retreat
Below, the MnoYé Spa embraces Serene. Inspired by the soft glow of Gun Lake sunsets, its palettes of warm stone, tranquil colors, and layered textures create a restorative retreat. Flowing water features, hydrotherapy pools, and customizable lighting reinforce the sensory calm, allowing guests to feel both nurtured and renewed.
Guestrooms extend this atmosphere of serenity. Broad glass openings frame the surrounding landscape, while natural woods and layered fabrics echo the colors and textures of Michigan’s seasons. Here, biophilic design ensures that the restorative qualities of nature are never out of reach, even in the most private spaces.
The Pinnacle of Luxury: The Ogema Suite
At the summit, the Ogema Suite redefines modern luxury. Spanning more than 3,000 square feet across two levels, the suite delivers architectural drama with its soaring two-story glass wall framing panoramic views of the Michigan landscape. A sculptural floating stair, bespoke railings, and curated art add layers of sophistication, while fireplaces and a full-service bar create opportunities for both retreat and gathering.
Technology enhances this indulgence with seamless personalization—integrated automation of lighting, drapery, and climate, plus radiant floor heating for comfort in Michigan winters. Every detail, from crafted finishes to immersive views, reinforces the suite as the pinnacle of hospitality design.
Redefining Regional Hospitality
At Gun Lake Resort, luxury and biophilia converge. Rooted in the landscapes and skies of Michigan, the interiors balance restorative, nature-inspired design with the drama of high-end hospitality, giving guests spaces that are both grounding and unforgettable. From dappled light in the lobby, to sunset-inspired spa palettes, to the radiant vistas of the Ogema Suite, HBG Design has crafted an immersive experience that elevates regional hospitality and sets a new benchmark for connection, comfort, and design excellence.