All this, DeSalvio said, "takes us from being a day-trip destination to an overnight destination-resort" that should benefit not just his property, but Lehigh Valley tourism in general.
At 304 rooms, the Sands tower is hardly a match for mega-properties such as Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa and Trump Taj Mahal, both of which have more than 2,000 rooms and suites. As a result, acknowledged DeSalvio, nongamblers will probably have a tough time booking weekends, especially during the summer. "I think weekends will wind up being heavily driven by casino guests," he said.
However, DeSalvio added that even during the summer, those who roll at the low end should have little trouble getting rooms Sunday through Thursday.
Either way, DeSalvio expects the hotel to attract business from farther out than it has since the casino opened in May 2009.
The hotel is just the first phase of the Sands' ambitious expansion strategy. A 200,000-square-foot upscale outlet mall for the lower floors of the hotel is slated to open in November. While DeSalvio couldn't identify any tenants (agreements are in place, but contracts haven't been executed), he said the mall will resemble shopping centers such as the Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick. Among the stores there are Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Restoration Hardware and Bath & Body Works.
Also on tap is a 40,000-square-foot events center that will house conventions and trade shows as well as headliner entertainment. Its opening has yet to be scheduled.
