Connecticut Governor John Rowland captured the essence of the place in one word--"Wow"--during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Uncasville, Connecticut casino on April 23, 2002, marking the hotel's first day of operation. The formal program featured a blessing by tribal elders, native dancing and brief remarks by the governor and by Mohegan Tribe Chairman Mark Brown.
I'll tell you more about everything that glitters within this 34-story, 1,200-room luxury hotel on a virtual "Opening Night" photo tour, where you'll see the rooms, the suites, the view, the pool, the spa and much more. For example...
Glitter: The new 35,000-square-foot lobby of the hotel, pictured at top, designed by Rockwell Group, a 90-person architecture, planning and design firm based in New York City, is simply stunning. It features 10 trees made of natural cedar that represent the red cedar trees that are sacred to the Mohegan tribe. Their canopy of foliage is made of sparkling beads. According to Ed Bakos, a Rockwell Group Principal, the hand beadwork in these trees alone required 155,000 hours of labor. The shimmering trees harbor a shallow reflecting pool lined with colorful glass mosaic tiles, arranged to symbolize the layers of Mohegan culture--past, present and future.
I'll also share a few tales of opening night "jitters" that will hopefully be worked out as the hotel's new staff gets up to speed. For example...
Jitter: I had a lot of time to enjoy my view of the lobby from the check-in area, as it took me an extraordinarily long time to get checked in. The check-in process seems cumbersome, requiring a lot of one-to-one explanation of amenities and options to guests. Of course, it was opening day, so hopefully check-in time will improve as staff members become more accustomed to the process and to the types of questions that guests have.
After reaching the counter, I was eventually diverted to the VIP check-in room, Aquai, due to an inexplicable "breakdown" involving the reservation computer and printer. Though I had to start again from the beginning, that check-in process went much more smoothly, and the VIP check-in room is one of the warmest and most inviting indoor spaces I have ever seen, even without a fire burning in its towering core fireplace. Unfortunately for most hotel guests, Aquai is only open to those pre-invited to use VIP check-in.
Begin the photo tour now--along the way, I'll also share some tips for making the most of your stay. Or, if you can't wait to book your room at the Mohegan Sun Hotel, call toll free, 888 226-7711.
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