Parq Casino, also known as the Edgewater Hotel and Casino, is a hotel casino located on the border of Vancouver and New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. It was previously owned by Glendale-based Phoenix Group before being sold to Onex Corporation in 2015. The resort parqcasino-vancouver.ca features two separate casinos: the Parq Casino Vancouver and the Edgewater Casino.

History and Background

The land where the casino stands was originally a former industrial area that had been vacant for several years after the closure of a nearby sawmill. In 1999, Phoenix Group acquired the site with plans to develop an upscale hotel and gaming facility. The construction process took five years due in part to environmental concerns and community opposition over the project’s proximity to residential areas.

The Edgewater Casino officially opened on June 18, 2008, offering about 850 slot machines as well as other table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, Caribbean stud poker, and three card poker. In March 2015, Phoenix Group announced its intentions to sell the property due in part to significant losses over several years.

Following this announcement, the resort was rebranded Parq Casino Vancouver and underwent a major renovation and expansion project. A new 12-story hotel wing added approximately 418 rooms while also introducing more gaming areas and entertainment venues. The renovation was completed just before its official reopening on March 26, 2017.

Gaming Options

The casino offers over 600 slot machines from well-known manufacturers including Ainsworth Game Technology, Aristocrat Leisure Limited (Aristocrat), IGT, Konami Gaming, Inc., Microgaming and others. Table games are provided across the two casinos with a range of limits to suit different player preferences.

Parq Casino also hosts poker tournaments throughout the year at both beginner-friendly stakes as well as high-stakes events for seasoned professionals. Players can participate in either cash games or online competitions via the site’s online poker room, PokerStars Vancouver.

Food and Beverage Options

The property includes multiple dining options catering to diverse tastes:

  • BC Kitchen + Tap : Offers a selection of seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Voyageur Steakhouse : Serves premium cuts of meat along with seafood.
  • Kelter Café : Provides European-inspired fare for breakfast and brunch items.
  • Downtown Eatery at Parq Vancouver : Serves gourmet burgers, salads & sandwiches.

A wide variety of beverages can be enjoyed from multiple bars on site including craft beer stations, wine lists featuring both domestic and international vintages and specialty cocktails designed by world-renowned mixologists such as Bobby Heugel’s handpicked cocktail menu ‘Hatch’.

Accommodations

With its expansion in 2017 came the addition of two new hotel wings which include a total of approximately 428 guest rooms across standard, executive and luxury suites categories. Amenities within these rooms range from free Wi-Fi to an assortment of amenities like flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view access.

Parq Casino’s rooms are part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection brand offering personalized experiences tailored specifically toward travelers based on their individual preferences during check-in process through integration using the company’s customer loyalty program Marriot Bonvoy membership status level when staying at this property location also offers priority reservations line availability and an increased number complimentary upgrades offered when booking stays under these conditions.

Recreational Facilities

The resort features multiple amenities designed to provide guests a holistic entertainment experience:

  • Pools : Accessible during hotel stay, including two rooftop infinity pools offering panoramic cityscape views alongside adults-only cabanas offering private seating areas & wait staff assistance providing refreshing cocktails or appetizers upon request while lounging poolside enjoying direct sightline overlooking entire Vancouver.
  • Spa By JW Marriott Parq Hotel: Offers a rejuvenating retreat featuring luxurious treatments inspired by natural elements like eucalyptus & lemongrass – complete with steam room and cold plunge pool options for relaxation post-spa visit.

Community Involvement

The property takes an active stance within its community supporting initiatives such as ‘The Downtown Vancouver Foundation’s Family Centre’, which addresses child hunger concerns through meal programs. Furthermore, Parq Casino has been involved in promoting arts & culture by partnering with ‘PNE Arts Fund’ helping enhance access to art activities throughout the region.

Overall Experience

Parq Casino offers an immersive gaming environment combined with upscale amenities catering towards those seeking entertainment as well relaxation during their stay at its hotel property set amidst a vibrant downtown Vancouver backdrop providing something for every guest regardless of age group preferences or needs visited thus far – combining both urban convenience alongside natural beauty present within walking distance allowing guests complete fulfillment under one roof.

Conclusion

Parq Casino is an ideal destination for individuals who enjoy various aspects including gaming, food & beverage options as well recreational activities while immersed amidst vibrant downtown area backdrop which offers an extensive selection of local culture exploration possibilities surrounding Vancouver’s central business district region providing unique memorable experiences across multiple areas within complex itself making it well-suited towards fulfilling diverse preferences across varied age demographics alike.

Types and Variations

Parq Casino’s comprehensive range allows something for every taste preference:

  • Edgewater Casino : Offers a classic casino experience with over 850 slot machines.
  • Parq Casino Vancouver : Houses the primary gaming floor housing additional table games alongside modernized amenities.

Each of these venues caters to distinct tastes providing different aspects for guests including poker rooms, beverage offerings & unique entertainment experiences under one roof available through staying overnight as a part-time traveler wanting extended time enjoying various activities during their visit making the overall Parq Casino offering appealing due its versatility catering diverse interests within vicinity also fostering opportunities growth throughout surrounding urban space.

Parq Casino continues evolving; its evolution can be attributed to commitment ongoing efforts towards adapting changing needs & tastes reflecting true hospitality by constantly incorporating innovative approaches contributing positively toward guests’ satisfaction levels in an always shifting market dynamic while simultaneously engaging wider social issues through supporting programs.