Greektown Casino-Hotel Matches Reopened Downtown Detroit’s Energy

Despite being in the midst of COVID-19 recovery, Greektown Casino-Hotel in downtown Detroit has managed to revive the vibrant atmosphere of the neighboring Greektown Historic District that it is named after.

There are two main approaches to consider when establishing an entertainment venue. Firstly, you can choose to stand out from the surrounding crowd and establish a unique vibe. Alternatively, you can embrace and align with the characteristics of your surroundings.

When I visited this casino on East Lafayette Street during my recent trip to Detroit, it already exuded a familiar ambiance. Despite not having access to every amenity during my short stay, which seemed to be a recurring theme in the other two Detroit casinos, there were enough choices and features that had been restored to uplift my spirits as I concluded my journey.

Note from the editor: Due to the rapidly changing circumstances of the COVID-19 recovery, the services and features offered by hotels may be subject to change. The information provided in this report is based on the amenities, hours, and price ranges that were available at the time of the author’s visit.

Greektown Casino ambience

I arrived in the Greektown area later than expected due to a weather delay during the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. It was around 7:30 p.m. when I reached the front entrance, only to be informed that all valet parking spots for hotel guests were already occupied.

The parking structures at Detroit’s casinos have exhibited an early indication of an atmosphere that is not quite normal yet. In truth, there were numerous vacant spaces in the valet wing. However, a significant portion of the area was cordoned off. Although it may be considered a minor matter, it is worth noting due to the maintained appearances at the hotel’s main entryway.

After locating a suitable parking spot on the sixth floor of a different building, I proceeded to the main lobby for check-in. It was brought to my attention by the amiable concierge that both the adjacent restaurant and the current lobby area were scheduled for extensive renovations over the span of a year. Additionally, the check-in services were expected to relocate to a different floor as the construction work commenced.

I was pleasantly surprised when I got upgraded to a luxurious 28th-floor executive suite with a kitchenette, soak tub, and a stunning view of downtown.

Although the setup may have tempted me to stay indoors and relax after a tiring day on my feet, there was a certain excitement in crossing a skybridge towards the casino area.

Food and beverage scene

As I stepped into the casino, I noticed the prominent signs displaying Greektown’s renowned dining establishment, Prism. Concerns arose about my attire, as I was wearing dressier jeans and a polo shirt, wondering if it would meet the requirements of the business casual dress code. However, my worries were put to rest when I discovered that it was a late seating, with last admissions accepted around 9:30 p.m. This fortunate timing ensured ample seating availability and a friendly maître d’ willing to accommodate me.

Prism offers a top-notch experience, even in the current phase of reopening. The restaurant provides a spacious and elegant ambiance, along with excellent service. I thoroughly enjoyed their expertise in preparing a delightful salmon and asparagus dish, followed by a satisfying chocolate cake.

If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, the food court located outside the casino premises provides a variety of choices every day. Specifically, on Thursday evening, the 313 Burger Bar and Basil Leaf Pizza were highly recommended options. And yes, they truly deliver what they promise.

As of now, the Noodle Bar at the court is only open on Fridays through Sundays. Additionally, the burger bar offers a basic breakfast that I eagerly consumed before leaving on Friday mornings.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a pub or sports bar atmosphere, the Barstool Sportsbook located within the casino will cater to all those desires. However, we will delve into that topic in more detail at a later point.

Greektown Casino floor

Due to my frequent experience of getting lost on casino floors (most likely intentionally designed by hotel owners), I hold a great admiration for the Greektown layout, which spans across two floors. In a matter of 10 or 15 minutes, I quickly familiarize myself with the entire establishment and confidently navigate through it without feeling disoriented.

As the clock approached 10 p.m. on a Thursday night before a long weekend, it was no wonder that the casino seemed somewhat less bustling than usual. The ambiance suggested that the venue was occupied to about a quarter or a third of its usual capacity.

The popular games were extremely crowded in the evening. Whenever I walked past the upper area, all eight stations of the large-screen Dragon Link slot were occupied. Similarly, on the lower floor, all seven Buffalo Grand slots were taken. The Lightning Link games generated a similar level of excitement on the next tier.

In the casino’s slot area, it is worth mentioning that the pandemic-installed dividers between seats have been removed, with only a few remaining.

Despite the presence of those dividers, they were still in place for all dealer-based and other table games. The Thursday visit saw a high demand for blackjack, ultimate hold ’em, three-card poker, and a royal flush variant with a dozen tables dedicated to these games. Additionally, there were live craps tables that enhanced the overall experience. The electronic craps and blackjack areas were also quite popular, with approximately half of the seats being occupied.

Additionally, worth noting on the lower floor are the electronic blackjack machines that offer more favorable minimum bets on weekdays. However, if you plan to visit the casino between 6 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Monday, be prepared for a minimum bet of $5 per hand.

Finally, the poker room in Greektown had an intriguing aspect. Its peculiar oblong shape reminded me of a Tetris block or a dynamic pattern from the Snake game on a mobile phone. The room was enclosed by misty glass, yet I couldn’t resist the urge to sneak a glimpse around the corner. To my surprise, out of the numerous tables available, only two were occupied with players engaged in live gameplay.

Out of the three downtown Detroit casino poker rooms, Greektown’s poker room was the most safety-conscious. It had extensive dividers between each seat.

Barstool Sportsbook

The Greektown property prominently displays the Barstool brand on various signs outside the casino, capitalizing on its strong consumer recognition and customer loyalty. However, the sportsbook is the primary destination within the property where Stoolies and sports enthusiasts gather.

Seated at the bar, one’s dream setup was the 30-foot long TV wall. On another Eastern Conference Finals game night, approximately 40 individuals filled the book. As you venture inside to indulge in sports, an extensive yet unoriginal food menu accompanies your experience, allowing you to watch to your heart’s content.

There are still many external kiosks available for those who prefer not to use the app when placing bets. To my surprise, during my three visits to Detroit casinos, I observed that half a dozen kiosks were occupied for betting, which is the highest number I’ve seen so far.

For the fans who are constantly connected, there are 14 enormous leather chairs positioned in front of the secondary TV section, where five of the biggest screens can be found. Although not all the chairs were occupied, 10 of them were filled with enthusiastic individuals who energetically responded to each basket, foul, and turnover.

Overall impressions

Greektown Casino Hotel in downtown Detroit successfully combines the perfect amount of luxury and liveliness in a vibrant neighborhood. With its inviting layout, upscale food, energetic service staff, and the thrilling opportunity to watch sports in real-time, this establishment truly excels in creating a memorable experience.

The front desk concierge went above and beyond to provide me with a perfect parting gift during my stay. They graciously allowed me access to a partially under construction meeting hall, where I could complete my note-taking for the trip. This level of hospitality made me feel like a valued guest, especially considering the reasonable price of $160 for the room. In a time filled with constant tension, it was a refreshing and welcome experience.

Greektown is currently open for business, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking view of downtown from one of its top-floor rooms. Taking a moment to soak in this unique experience is definitely worth it.