Fodor's Expert Review Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Situated on a sweeping mesa 6 miles southeast of downtown Pendleton, this contemporary hotel at Wildhorse Resort (operated by the Umatilla tribe) offers plenty of perks even if you're not a gamer, including spacious, modern rooms, a slew of amenities, and a completely smoke-free environment. Rooms are in two different buildings: the stylish 10-story tower building completed in 2011 as part of a $45-million expansion has spacious and attractive rooms. The older courtyard building's rooms are more economical but small and very dated; the building is slated for replacement with a new 200-room tower in the near future. On-site draws include the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute museum, one of the largest casinos in the state, several restaurants and bars, a concert hall, and an acclaimed 18-hole golf course. A $26-million expansion in 2020 added a "Family FunPlex" with a 24-lane bowling alley, food court, arcade, and drop-off child care center. Plan ahead with a reservation for dinner at the fine dining restaurant Plateau, which features several entrees that include Pendleton whisky, including pepper-crusted New York strip steak and pork chops glazed with the whisky. Don't miss the delicious desserts that change by the season but might include cheesecake, creme brulee, chocolate mousse cake, and housemade ice cream.