Downstream Casino Resort opens 12-story hotel

Downstream Casino Resort officials on Saturday unlocked the 222 hotel rooms at the $301 million development that stretches into three states: Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas.

The casino opened in July six miles southwest of Joplin at Interstate 44, Exit 1, and the opening of the 12-story hotel component completes the Quapaw Tribe-owned development's first phase, a company news release said.

"Downstream is now a fully operating luxury destination resort," Quapaw Chairman John Berrey said at a Nov. 22 news conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Our goal is to become a regional and national attraction to bring people here from all over the country, spur economic development and benefit the citizens and cities of this area."

Hotel service and amenities include wireless check-in, a 24-hour concierge and guest services staff, catering and round-the-clock room service.

The resort comprises 1 million square feet and includes five restaurants and two cocktail lounges, an outdoor concert venue and a 36-hole golf course. An outdoor swimming pool and 10,000-square-foot deck are slated to open in the spring, and a wellness spa is planned in a later phase.

Quapaw Tribe officials have said Downstream Casino Resort employs more than 1,100 people with a projected annual payroll of $42 million, including tips. They expect more than 2 million visitors a year and $30 million in annual goods and services purchased in the tri-state area as a result.[[In-content Ad]]