Choctaw Casino & Resort Grant, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The croissant at the Cove Cafe was enormous, easily enough for two people. We stayed two nights in the west wing, and the room was nice with a comfortable bed. We also spent a little time playing in the casino. We won some, lost some, and had fun.

Nachos and drinks turned out to be a great call. The chips, cheese, jalapeños, and margarita made for a fun little treat. The machines had a good variety, and you can enjoy the place whether you're feeling lucky or just there for the atmosphere. It does get a bit chilly indoors, so a jacket might be handy. The whole casino felt clean, updated, and well looked after. Getting there was easy and there was plenty of parking. The staff were especially welcoming, helpful, and kind. We've been to this Choctaw Casino in Grant twice now and had a good time both visits. Money might multiply here, though of course there's no promise. We left with good memories and maybe a little less cash, and we'll be back.

We accepted the room they found, hoping to save our concert weekend, but it was a smoking double queen instead of the smoke-free king we had booked. It also cost over $200 more. By checkout, our clothes, bags, pillows, everything we brought smelled like an ashtray, and we've washed some things several times trying to get it out. The service through all this was disappointing, with little urgency or accountability and nothing that made us feel valued. Before we had even left the property the next morning, I got a receipt email and a “How did we do?” survey. The trouble started months earlier. We bought concert tickets three months ahead and booked a smoke-free king at Choctaw Casino & Resort - Grant that same night for the concert date. No confirmation came, so I called. The employee confirmed the right night and said she'd resend the email, but it never arrived. Our friends staying there had the same issue. At check-in, they said our reservation was actually for a month later, even though staff had confirmed the concert date by phone. At first we were told they were fully booked, but they'd try to fix it. Then they found a room, just the wrong type and smoking, and charged us much more for it. This was a miserable mix of reservation problems, poor communication, extra charges, and a room we never wanted. We won't return.

The staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming, easily the best part of the stay. The resort itself puts so much emphasis on gambling that it feels short on the other perks. Non-smoking spaces are surprisingly scarce. When the pool is closed in the off-season, the only real place to get fresh air seems to be outside near valet, perched on the edge of a flower bed like it's some unofficial sitting area.