Twin River is still trying to compete with the big boys in CT and MA. With the addition of tables games a few years ago, a poker room, and of late a hotel, stadium gaming and additional dining options, they are making a play. The following is from our RI Correspondant Miguel.

 

NE Time Gabling recently had the opportunity to spend a night at the new Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI.  The 136-room hotel opened just over a month ago and also features an indoor pool, outdoor courtyard area with a fire pit, fitness center and conference/boardroom. 

 

The lobby is bright and open.  When I arrived there was no one else in line so I was able to check right in with no problem.  The lobby also features 3 computers for internetaccess, printing boarding passes, etc…  There are a few seating areas as well as a small concession area with snacks and refrigerated items for purchase.  The snack area is on the backside of the centralized check in desk – so if you weren’t told there was food back there, you’d never know.  There is a $10/night resort fee to cover the wifi, pool, fitness area and the usual hotel amenities.  After a quick check in, I was off to my room.

 

Right down the hallway is the indoor pool with 8-10 chaise lounges and an enclosed gas fireplace in the stone wall.  There are tall glass doors which, in nicer weather, can open right out to the courtyard.

 

Up to the room!  The room is spacious and modern with nice pops of color.  As with the Twin River Tiverton Hotel, the standard hotel dresser has been replaced with bookcase/shelving unit under a wall mounted flat screen tv.  Unlike the Tiverton hotel, the Twin River hotel features dark wood tones as opposed to the mostly white toned Tiverton.  A chair in the corner and a window seat by the window (go figure!) provide a few options for reading or watching tv. A nice use of wall space – across from the closet is a 3 hook area for coats.  

 

The bathroom continued the color theme and contemporary features.  The king bed was just as comfortable as Tiverton Hotel and also featured two wall mounted reading lights directly above the bed which could be easily reached without fumbling to a night stand for a lamp switch.  Even though my room was at the end of the hallway, the hotel was quiet and didn’t hear any door slamming throughout the night.

 

1. At the one end of the hallway you can look out on to what used to be the main attraction at Lincoln Greyhound Park – the old dog track including the still standing race results board.   If you look over to the right, you can see in to the stands where race fans cheered on their favorite greyhound.  Unfortunately park of the racetrack is now a parking lot, so it may only be a matter of time before they ‘pave Lincoln Park and put up a parking lot’.  Out the other end of the hallway, you can look down onto the VIP and North entrance parking lot.
   

 

While we were walking around we popped in to check out the other new addition to Twin River – Stadium Gaming which recently opened in the previously mentioned race viewing area – located off the 2nd floor non-smoking table area, between Sbarro and Dunkin Donuts.  The 30-seatstadium area is very spacious, though as the only attraction in that area, you certainly feel disconnected from everything else going on in the casino.

 

Now the quick hits:

 

Overall, the new Twin River Hotel is a great addition and they are already selling out Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  As NE Time Gambling has said previously, it’s definitely not a destination resort/hotel – but we’re pretty sure that isn’t their goal.  I would certainly suggest staying a night to experience one of the newest Rhode Island hotels.  While I was only 15 minutes from home – I still felt like I was on a mini-vacation and enjoyed every minute of being away.  

Cashing out for now…Miguel.