Lavish New Lounge Opens Atop Morongo Casino: See Inside the 'Drum Room'

CABAZON, CA – Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa is celebrating the opening of a new space that'll give patrons a one-of-a-kind view– both inside and outside of the new 'Drum Room.'

The new lounge officially opened for business at the resort over the weekend, after a special ribbon-cutting and VIP ceremony.

"Morongo’s new Drum Room is a remarkable and breathtakingly beautiful new gathering space with rich, dark woods and light-colored leathers set against floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the nearby San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains," said Morongo Chief Operating Officer John James. "Every detail of the Drum Room has been meticulously designed and the results are spectacular."

The lounge was designed by SoCal based-Kenneth Ussenko, who has overseen the design of some 14 restaurants in the U.S. and Qatar. Ussenko said he wanted to create something that would help tie in the Native American culture into the space, hence the magnificent custom-built drums that adorn the walls of the Drum Room.

"The interior design, custom furniture and lighting of the new Drum Room celebrates the fabled iconic spirit of drums and the elegance of this ancient tribal commodity," Ussenko said. "We were thrilled to work with Morongo to create this luxurious backdrop for many future celebrations to come."

Also a sight to be seen: there are more than a dozen large chandeliers that create a canopy of light soaring above the main room with rich walnut accents blanketing the walls and columns along with the bar-back centerpiece. Brilliant red agate gemstone slabs cast an ambient glow along the cladded columns and under the bar die. Custom seating and tables populate the room over the luxurious patterned floors.

And don't forget the views! Located on the 26th floor of the resort, you can see the majestic mountains of the San Gorgonio Pass along with the sea of distant lights of traffic flowing on Interstate 10 far below.

The Drum Room won't be open daily, though; rather for special occasions and gatherings. Once such upcoming event will be on New Year's Eve.

"The Drum Room will periodically host select gatherings, from special spirit and wine tastings to intimate musical performances and dinners," resort officials say.

"The Drum Room will also be available for bookings through the Morongo Sales Office for weddings, parties and corporate and community receptions."

– Images courtesy of Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa