Best of the Best

16 BEST OF THE BEST FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013 • NWA MEDIA PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT ownstream Casino Resort expands across three states – the casino and hotels are in Oklahoma; the parking lots and concert venue are in Kansas; and the front entrance, golf course and convenience store are in Missouri. Nominated as one of the Best of the Best casinos in the 2013 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reader's poll, the resort is located four miles southwest of Joplin, Mo. and about an hour from the Walmart Home Office in Ben - tonville. The resort is locally owned and operated by the Quapaw Tribe. The distance from Northwest Arkansas can make it difficult to attract new visitors, but the extra few miles are worth the experience, according to public relations man - ager Sean Harrison. "We have heard it over and over — when our Arkan- sas neighbors visit, and they see, feel, taste the difference. They always go away feeling like they've had a true Vegas experience, and the little extra drive is more than worth- while," he said. Emphasis on exceeding guests' expectations is a top-priority at Downstream Casino Resort. "We believe it is the key to giving every guest a unique and special experience, whether they are visiting the casino for a few hours, or staying for a long weekend in the hotel," Harrison said. "It covers everything from the first phone calls for reservations, to opening the doors for guests as they depart and pick up their cars at the valet." That mentality extends into the surrounding commu - nities. "We support numerous community and charitable or- ganizations in all four states of the region," Harrison said. Donations are made to food banks, including $20,000 of canned food every six months to the North- west Arkansas Food Bank. A long-term commitment to helping rebuild Joplin after the 2011 tornado has donated and raised nearly $500,000 of relief assistance. As a result of their contributions to the tornado re - covery, Downstream was recognized with two national hu- manitarian awards in 2012. The casino has 70,000 square feet with 2,000 elec- tronic gaming machines, 36 live tables and an intimate, upscale poker room. Smoking is permitted in some areas, and a state-of-the-art ventilation system creates a nearly smoke-free environment. The two hotel towers provide a variety of rooms, includ - ing one- and two-bedroom luxury suites, a penthouse VIP lounge, and two 1,500-square-foot hospitality suites. Com- mon amenities include oversized bathrooms, high-definition televisions, high-speed internet, a safe, Egyptian cotton lin- ens and towels and the attentive guest-services staff. The Kappa Tower houses an indoor and fitness cen- ter, as well as the Neé Spa, which provides salon services, steam rooms, whirlpools and massages. The Osotouy Tower has luxurious suites that include a walk-in shower with a river rock floor, handsome vanities with granite counters, a wet bar with padded stools and a Keurig coffee maker with gourmet teas and coffee. Some of the suites have balconies and there is also an outdoor pool and cabana area. Six dining options include a sports bar, a bakery, a fine- dining restaurant, a buffet and a 24-hour delicatessen. There is also a 14-acre RV park, a championship 18-hole golf course, a multipurpose events center and a 6,000 capacity concert venue. The fall/winter indoor concert season will begin in November and the New Year's Eve event will have a 70s- era disco theme. More information can be found on Face - book at downstreamcasino.com. SPECIAL TO NWA MEDIA Downstream Casino Resort spans three states and has amenities and gaming that make it well worth driving the extra mile to visit. DOWNSTREAM CASINO RESORT >> Casino Downstream Casino Resort: Aiming to offer Vegas-style experience BY AMBER KRUTH | NWA MEDIA D

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