Press Releases

Santa Ana Star to Open Hotel, Steakhouse and More on July 4
The Pueblo of Santa Ana, N.M. – July 2, 2018

Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, New Mexico's Best Bet, is proud to announce that its property expansion—including its newly constructed hotel—will officially open to the public on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. The long-anticipated $85 million expansion includes a 204-room hotel, Juniper Steakhouse, state-of-the-art meeting and events spaces, additional retail and more.

"The significance of this project cannot be understated. It is an essential and positive step forward for the Pueblo of Santa Ana and the surrounding communities," said Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel Chief Executive Officer John Cirrincione. "This project synergizes the Pueblo's businesses and creates roughly 230 new jobs. Most importantly, it enhances our ability to meet the fundamental mission of our company—providing economic sustainability for the Pueblo of Santa Ana which supports essential tribal programs and services for its people."

The centerpiece of Santa Ana Star's expansion is its new hotel which stands 130 feet tall, features seven guest room floors and boasts a total of 204 rooms with 28 suites and two pet-friendly rooms. Although there are four room types available, each room is well-appointed with elegant, modern design features and includes complimentary Wi-Fi, an in-room Keurig® Coffee Maker, refrigerator, complimentary continental breakfast and access to the hotel's fitness center and indoor pool. Reservations are available for dates as early as Wednesday, July 4, 2018. Guests may book reservations by visiting www.santaanastar.com or calling 1-844-466-2378.

Juniper Steakhouse will also open to the public on July 4, 2018. Merging elegance with affordability, the steakhouse concept will deliver an upscale culinary experience from start to finish. The menu features premium cuts of USDA Prime steaks and fresh seafood, as well as an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. Maintaining a warm, intimate atmosphere, Juniper Steakhouse celebrates southwestern culture with a collection of specialty art pieces, detailed metalwork, traditional finishes and a signature kiva fireplace. The steakhouse is open Thursday through Monday, opening at 5 p.m. daily. Reservations can be made through Seatninja, an online reservation service, or by calling 505-771-7145.

Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel's expansion also features the addition of more than 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting and events space. The Vista Grande Ballroom is the largest indoor space, accommodating up to 400 people. It features flexible, divisible walls that can be easily moved to size the space appropriately. Warm and versatile in design, all of the indoor meeting and events spaces feature dramatic ceilings, state-of-the-art audio and video capabilities, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to verandas with stunning Bosque and mountain views. An outdoor event area, Cedar Greens, was also constructed to accommodate weddings and special events of up to 400 people. It offers spectacular scenic views with a backdrop of the Bosque and the Sandia Mountains. Full service banquet and catering services are available for meetings and events at Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel. For more information, contact Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel's Sales Department at 844-466-2378.

"Our long-term goals and vision are centered on safeguarding Santa Ana Star's value-driven position in the local market. We are committed to keeping our promise of being 'New Mexico's Best Bet,'" said Tamaya Enterprises Inc. Board Chairwoman Melissa K. Paquin-Leon. "We have built our business on providing our guests with great service and reasonable pricing, and we will not waiver from this philosophy as we move forward."

JCJ Architecture designed Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel's expansion. Construction began in July 2016, with Jaynes Corporation, a New Mexico-based company, serving as general contractor. Over the course of the two-year, $85 million project, more than 30 local subcontracting companies and five local suppliers contributed, creating several hundred temporary construction jobs.

"Santa Ana has been a great business partner for us, and we look forward to maintaining this positive relationship in the future. Our top team members worked alongside Santa Ana Star's talented and experienced casino management team, making the project seamless from start to finish," said Shad James, President of Jaynes Corporation. "The $85 million project poured millions back into the local economy, creating well-paid construction jobs and helping many local subcontractors."

The expansion also resulted in the addition of 230 permanent positions at Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel. Full-time team members receive full benefits and both full-time and part-time team members can participate in the company's 401(k) plan, life insurance policy and get a free meal during every scheduled shift.

"This expansion represents an important step into the future for the casino and for the people of Santa Ana Pueblo," said Pueblo of Santa Ana Governor Glen Tenorio. "We are growing a prosperous business. We are creating jobs. We are taking care of people. We are building our future together."