L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort Property Fact Sheet

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L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort is located two hours from the 4.5 million person Houston Metropolitan area on Contraband Bayou in Lake Charles, Louisiana; a locale with a rich and fabled history. L’Auberge is located on I-210 at Exit # 4 – Nelson Road. This premier facility is ideally located for the business traveler or the customer who is looking for the ultimate in hospitality and dining experiences, plus non-stop Vegas-style gaming action.

 

PROPERTY SIZE

The property sits on 227 acres with a total of approximately 770,000 square feet.

 

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD/OPENING DATE

Construction began early September, 2003 with an opening date of May 26, 2005.   

 
OWNERSHIP

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.

 
DESIGN TEAM 

ArchitectureInterior Design

Joel Bergman Todd Avery-Lenahan

Bergman, Walls & Associates ABA & Associates

Landscape Design  Golf Course Design

Don Brinkerhof Tom Fazio

Lifescapes International Fazio Design Group

Structural DesignMEP Engineers

Mustapha Assi Pat Grant

M.A. Engineering CHPA Consulting Engineers

Kitchen DesignNaval Architect

Jim Menasco Rodney Lay & Matt Pitman

CDF, Inc. Lay, Pitman & Associates

 

MANAGEMENT

Daniel R. Lee

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer

Steve Capp

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Jack Godfrey 

Executive Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel

Wade Hundley

President

Alain Uboldi

Chief Operating Officer

Larry Lepinski

Vice President & General Manager

 
DESIGN APPROACH

Inspired by the architecture of the Texas Hill country, L’Auberge du Lac provides a unique addition to the gaming market in southern Louisiana. Natural materials, including stone and wood set the overall mood of the facility. The resort’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere provides distinctive offerings certain to entice and entertain.

Set amidst lush landscaping of the resort’s golf course, the property entrance is distinguished by a porte cochere with a lantern cupola providing the first glimpse of the architectural aesthetics. Guests enter the complex through a wood adorned ceiling vestibule, which leads to a fireplace lobby lounge. This space, reaching up three stories to a beamed ceiling, is layered with a ring of balconies and lit by skylights providing natural light. The main lobby features massive stone fireplaces, defining a lobby lounge on one side and a coffee bar on the other. Warm woods, natural stone and rich fabrics add color and texture to the space. Inviting furniture groupings are inspired by turn-of-the century arts and crafts classics.

The large, single-level casino is a short distance from the front door, just beyond the lobby. This space is anchored by a large dome over a rustic themed gaming area. The slot machine and table game experience is enhanced with vaulted ceilings and the use of vibrant colors and lush fabrics befitting a grand atmosphere.

L’Auberge features several distinct dining options. Le Beaucoup Buffetsm is inspired by the courtyard architecture of Louisiana and Texas. Large stucco arches define cozy seating areas and provide an architectural backdrop. An array of international choices is featured in this 370 seat buffet, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the first time, the famed Jackson Hole, Wyoming landmark, Snake River Grillsm, takes its award winning dining experience east of the Rockies and offers its renowned rustic ambiance and modern innovative American cuisine. A dual-sided fireplace enhances the relaxed setting of warm wood and fine leather providing a backdrop for 140 guests to enjoy steaks, seafood and wine.

Le Cafésm, our 24-hour casual dining experience, blends stone pergolas and shingle roof architecture, providing a variety of different alcoves for dining. The setting is inviting and enhanced with cheerful colors and fabrics. Enjoy large portions of all-American favorites, seafood, sandwiches and desserts. Asiasm, a more contemporary space features Asian-fusion cuisine. Here, guests can experience a fresh and bold décor. It is a great place to grab a quick snack or a fast bowl of traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Using the famed Tennessee sippin’ whiskey as inspiration, Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill offers seating for 165, along with a 26-seat curved bar, fire pit and a performance stage featuring live entertainment. The full service restaurant features barbeque, steaks, specialty sandwiches and other roadhouse favorites along with more than 40 beers from around the world.

Lattessm is located in the hotel lobby and features specialty coffees, teas and pastries in addition to sandwiches and light snacks. globarsm, located in the center of the casino floor allows guests to take a break from the gaming action in a stylish environment and entices them with cool libations. Our lobby lounge, located directly across the pavilion from Lattes, serves as a meeting place with comfortable leather seating. The Poolside Bar gives the swim-up customer access from the lazy river and specializes in frozen cocktails and poolside snacks. Guests can relax on a chaise, enjoy cocktails and dine on gourmet cuisine at Nevie Beach Clubsm, located on a beautiful veranda overlooking all the action poolside.

Spa du Lacsm, a fully-equipped cardio fitness center, a salon and a pampering full-service spa treatment facility provides refreshing rest and rejuvenation. The use of natural décor creates a relaxing environment and complements the overall experience.

 
DEVELOPMENT

Project Highlights

· Large casino with 30,000 sq. ft. of non-stop Vegas-like gaming

· Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Aubergesm – a Tom Fazio-designed18-hole championship golf course; open to the public

· Pool and lazy river with private pool-side cabana courtyard

· Spa du Lac – a first-class spa and fully-equipped exercise facility

· A variety of innovative dining options, including:

· VIP check-in

· Full service Business Center

· Tour Lobby

· Meeting and Event Center -- big name entertainment monthly; flexible event space

· Island Park Event Lawn

· Arcade (Temporarily closed due to construction of new hotel tower; reopens in new larger location 4th quarter 2007)

· The Shops at L’Auberge (Note: Additional retail outlets open Fall 2007)

· Marina – 16 slips with shore power and water hook-ups; permanent berth for amphibious seaplane

· RV Parking Facility – 15 sites with power and water; 8 additional spaces; pull-through dump station

· High speed wireless internet access available

 

HOTEL

This unique, 26-story, asymmetrical hotel complex has approximately 750 spacious rooms, including several suite and villa configurations. The guest rooms are characterized by a contemporary, rustic theme. The well-appointed rooms and suites utilize fresh colors and fabrics, providing an up-to-date version of the arts and crafts aesthetic. Both comfortable and inviting, the guest rooms are an ideal location to relax after an exciting day of gaming or resort activity.

Executive suites ranging in size from approximately 550 square feet to over 2,100 square feet, include a private “villa complex” adjacent to the hotel tower, overlooking either the lavish resort pool area or beautiful Contraband Bayou. Each villa includes a private courtyard and spa.

250-room hotel tower expansion project scheduled for completion in the 4th quarter of 2007.

 

CASINO

The large, single-level casino is 225 feet wide and 330 feet long, with 30,000 square feet of non-stop Vegas style gaming including 62 table games and over 1,600 slot machines. The casino features the latest in slot technology with machines offering ticket-in ticket-out convenience.

In addition to the main casino, L’Auberge invites guests to play a few hands in the elegantly appointed High Limit Casino, featuring a variety of table games, slot machines in denominations up to $500 and a plush VIP lounge area. Guests must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. For more information regarding casino promotions or to qualify for special members-only perks, sign up for a complimentary L’Club player’s club card.

 
THE SHOPS AT L'AUBERGE

 Along the promenade, our collection of shops offers a wide variety of items from unique gifts to jewelry to flowers.

· The Floral Shop showcases regional, as well as traditional flowers and foliage. Our talented staff will design an arrangement for your special occasion or event.

· L’Sundries is the ideal spot to pick up your trip souvenirs; choose from a variety of L’Auberge logo items to help you remember your stay with us. You can also purchase a bottle of wine, a good cigar or a magazine to enjoy pool side. Forget your toothpaste? L’Sundries carries basic toiletry items too.

· Modele highlights the finest in ladies resort apparel; top off your outfit with the perfect accessory.

· Nouveau features a full line of Tommy Bahama brand merchandise for men; apparel, accessories, sunglasses, fragrance and shoes.  

· Ambalo features diamonds and fine jewelry.

 
MEETING AND EVENT CENTER

L’Auberge features approximately 26,000 gross square feet of meeting and conference space, including a business center and conference registration. The design, inspired by early 20th century arts and crafts architecture, includes rich colors and fabrics and a paneled wainscot and beamed coffered ceiling that gives the ballroom and meeting space a warm welcoming atmosphere. The multi-function facility includes:

· The L’Auberge Ballroom consists of 14,175 square feet that can accommodate banquet seating for up to 1,182 guests or theater style seating for 1,500; it can also break out into six separate meeting areas

· The Sycamore Room with of a total of 3,892 square feet has seating for 260 classroom style; it can also be divided into 4 separate meeting rooms, which includes 2 Boardrooms of 697 square feet each.

· The Cypress Room is 1,653 square feet and can accommodate a cocktail reception for approximately 200 guests.

 
ENTERTAINMENT

Several outstanding entertainment venues are featured at L’Auberge, including:

· The L’Auberge Ballroom, with a 40-foot by 30-foot stage, has the ability to be converted into a 1,500-seat performance venue with tiered seating; state of the art AV equipment.

· The 165-seat Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill becomes an entertainment lounge in the evenings complete with live performances Thursday – Saturday night.

· The Video Arcade containing approximately 30 of the latest in interactive video equipment and traditional arcade games attracts children of all ages; it includes a redemption center for turning tickets into prizes. (Note: Arcade currently closed for construction; reopens Fall 2007 in a new larger location.)

· globar - the hip place to be seen - is conveniently located in the center of the casino action.

· The Stage Bar – take a break from the action without leaving the casino floor; enjoy a refreshing cocktail while enjoying a variety of ever changing entertainment.

· Show information and concert tickets available at www.ldlcasino.com; must be 21.

 
POOL, SPA & FITNESS CENTER

The heated pool, lazy river and oversized spa are situated in a tropical atmosphere, enabling guests to unwind and indulge in a vacation experience. The Poolside Bar gives the swim-up customer access from the lazy river and specializes in frozen cocktails. In addition, cocktail servers are available for pool-side food and beverage service. A complete staff of pool attendants provides complimentary towels and lounge chairs.  

Embellish your senses and taste buds at Nevie Beach Club; offering lunch and libations seven days a week. Bask in the natural lighting amidst natural woods and white fabrics and join the hip, sassy and elite gatherers at “nbc”. Light gourmet selections include specialty salads and wraps plus unique seafood appetizers; served on a beautiful veranda overlooking the pool.

For a more private experience, the reserved poolside cabana complex features sunbathing patios and personalized attendant services. The Island Lawn, located in the center of the lazy river, can be accessed via two bridges. It’s the perfect place to renew your vows, host a luau or enjoy a spectacular special event.

Spa du Lac is approximately 8,700 square feet and includes a cardio fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a hair salon and a full offering of pampering spa treatments that will provide refreshing rest and rejuvenation. Enjoy massages, body scrubs, custom facials, sunless tanning and teeth whitening; customized packages available. Men’s and women’s relaxation lounges.

 

GOLF COURSE

Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge, designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, emphasizes the marsh and lowland features of the natural Louisiana environment to enhance this unique 7,000 yard, par-71 championship 18-hole golf course. A combination of aquatic and natural vegetation on the edges of eight spectacular lakes challenges golfers of all skill levels. At least four sets of tee boxes on every hole provide an enjoyable playing experience for all. Contraband Bayou is the only public Fazio designed course in Louisiana. ProLink GPS in every cart improves your game; hit the driving range to hone your skills.

The golfer's experience is complete with beverage cart service that   includes sandwiches and a visit to the clubhouse, featuring a variety of quality men’s and women’s golf apparel.

 

PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

Pinnacle Entertainment owns and operates casinos in Nevada, Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri, Argentina and The Bahamas; owns a hotel in Missouri; and has significant insurance claims related to a hurricane-damaged hotel and casino complex previously operated in Biloxi, Mississippi. Pinnacle also has two casino development projects under construction in the St. Louis, Missouri area, which are dependent upon final approval by the Missouri Gaming Commission. Pinnacle is currently developing the Company's second casino resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to be called Sugarcane Bay; anticipates developing a casino project in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, subject to various approvals; and, is designing a hotel casino resort to be built on its site at the heart of the famed Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PNK. To learn more about Pinnacle Entertainment, please visit www.pnkinc.com.

 

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort and Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. are equal opportunity employers committed to responsible gaming.