At the midpoint of the 20th century, New York’s Catskills Mountains were considered among the chicest and most desirable of vacation destinations. Dozens of five-star hotels and resorts dotted the smallish peaks and valleys, providing a welcome getaway for the millions who inhabited America’s largest city at that time, New York City. During the summer, a short train ride or bus trip transported visitors from the steamy city to the cool breezes of the mountains. Gambling may not have been a legal activity, but it was certainly one of the amenities offered at the mountain palaces and surrounding properties.
The Concord was a premier hotel of the region, featuring 1,500 rooms and a dining room that sat 3,000. But its mid-century heyday wound down; it closed in 1998, and was demolished soon after.
It took a few years, but like a phoenix rising from the rubble, Resorts World Catskills (RWC) made its debut in February 2018. It may replicate the success of the Concord at its height—complete, this time, with legal gambling.
The last of four “northern tier” casinos to open in the last two years, RWC has the most going for it. Only 90 minutes from New York City, it has more amenities than the other Empire State
gaming halls. With almost 100,000 square feet of gaming (out of a total property square footage of 1.6 million), gamblers can enjoy the latest slot machines, table games and a poker room.
The 332 room all-suite hotel has already turned heads for its in-room amenities and contemporary style.
The best part of RWC is that it will eventually be part of a vast entertainment complex with a water park, additional food and beverage outlets and more accommodations.
The Concord’s legendary golf course, the Monster, will also be revived in a new Rees Jones design. The Monster was often rated in Golf Digest’s list of the Top 100 American Golf Courses.
Entertainment was long a staple of the Concord—as in other “Borsht Belt” hotels—and RWC is restoring that crown as well. Singers, bands and comedians—including Jerry Seinfeld at the grand opening—will make RWC the entertainment capital of the Catskills once again.
Celebrity chefs like Scott Conant and others will resurrect the dining elegance once experienced only at the Concord. Along with Conant’s Cellaio, RWC offers two Asian-themed restaurants, two sports bars, a diner, the Food Hall—RWC’s buffet—and several other options.
It’s only the beginning in this magical part of the country, with possibilities and plans just ready to happen.
OWNER: Empire Resorts
ARCHITECT: JCJ Architecture
FEATURES: 332 suites, 2 pools, 2 fitness centers, 100,000-square-foot casino
INVESTMENT: $900 million
