Vernon Downs Casino and Hotel

I’ve photographed weddings at Vernon Downs many times over the past 15 years, and it’s a dream place to work. The property has so many beautiful photo spots, so I can get lots of variety without feeling rushed, and the sunsets are gorgeous. Hospitality is fantastic, and the staff are wonderful: professional, organized, and easy to work with. They keep the day running smoothly for vendors and couples from start to finish.

The room was dated and dirty, and the pool area had no heat. I booked it for my kids and fiancée to have a girls’ night out and use the pool and hot tub, but the hot tub was out of service, the pool was dirty, and black mold was visible in several places. On Monday I’d called to ask about the pool and hot tub and was told both were available. Once we got there, the desk worker said the hot tub had been broken for a week while they waited for parts. They refused to refund us. It was a complete waste of money and a hell hole. We went to Turning Stone instead and got a room with a clean pool, a working hot tub, and no mold. I definitely don’t recommend this place.

Vernon Downs is a fun time. It’s a smaller place with only slot machines, a few restaurants, and a nice bar with live music. The racetrack is nice too, with seating indoors or outside.

The rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable. We needed a slightly later checkout because of an event, and the staff were really nice about it. This isn’t the fanciest hotel around, but the great hospitality and amazing staff made up for that. I’d stay here again.