Florence, Indiana, is located about midway between Madison, Indiana, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Just to the east of Florence is Belterra Casino Resort. Although it is a riverboat, arriving at Belterra Casino Resort does not give that impression. The landscaped entrance is one of luxury and fun with a central fountain highlighting it.
A large open area is immediately inside the entrance. It encompasses several restaurants that range from a steakhouse to a buffet. To the right of the main entrance is a utilitarian main hotel lobby. The hotel lies to the west of the lobby and encompasses some 600 rooms in the double towers. The décor of the rooms is one of quiet luxury.
Just off the large open area and towards the river is an area devoted to the Player’s Club and the associated VIP Lounge. The Player’s Club tracks the activity of those players who want their activity tracked and offers rewards based upon their level of play. The VIP Lounge is available to those players at a higher level of play.
The Jasabola2 casino there is another convenient service that visitors can avail. The main level has table games located in a center strip. The tables games include favorites such as blackjack, roulette, and craps as well as newer games such as Mississippi Stud, Crazy Four Poker, and Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus. A myriad of slot machines surrounds the table games. The eastern end of this level is devoted to a poker room that has multiple tables. As well as cash games, each day features at least one tournament with varying buy-ins and prize structures.
An escalator and an elevator, as well as stairs, access both the upper and lower levels of the casino.
On the lower level of the casino, video poker machines abound in many denominations of play. Also on the lower level is the Casino Cafe where snacks and light meals are available and priced mostly below $10 (Chili is $4 and a Chicken Tender Basket is $8). On this level, there are also slot machines with various denominations of play. There are free soft drink dispensers located throughout the casino as well as beverage service from the bars which is not complimentary.
On the upper-level lights, flash and bells ring as it is devoted to slot machines. A further level up takes the patron to the top deck which is open to a panoramic view of the Ohio River countryside both in Indiana and in Kentucky. The pilot’s cabin and smokestacks rise from this top deck with the boat’s name – Miss Belterra – in prominent display.
In addition to the hotel and casino, Belterra has the Beleza Spa and Salon which offers an array of massages, body treatments, and facials. There is also the Belterra Golf Club which is contoured with diverse bunkers and water hazards and offers views of the Ohio River and Log Lick Creek.
Vevay, IN, is about 7 miles downriver and contains several places of interest. Two Living History Museums – Agricultural Museum and River History Museum – are in Vevay and there is a vineyard – The Ridge Winery – that offers tastings. Vevay, IN, had the first successful commercial winery in the United States.
The Ogle Haus Inn in Vevay is an extension of the Belterra Resort. It is replete with a banquet hall, a pool with a deck overlooking the Ohio River, and a cocktail lounge. Jacuzzi suites overlooking the river are available.
More information about Belterra including hotel room availability at both Belterra proper and at Ogle Haus Inn is online at Belterra web site.
