Desert Palace Hotel and Casino Resort is a premier entertainment destination located in Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa. Offering a blend of gaming excitement, comfortable accommodations, and leisure activities, it has been a popular attraction since its opening on June 12, 2000.
Play online →Location and Contact Information
Desert Palace Hotel and Casino Resort is situated at Erf 1, Golf Course Road, Keidebees, Upington 8801, South Africa.
Phone: +27 54 338 4100
Email:
Website: www.desertpalace.co.za
Operating Hours
The casino operates with the following hours:
Slots:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 – 02:00
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 02:00
Sunday: 14:00 – 23:00
Tables:
Monday to Thursday: 20:30 – 02:00
Friday & Saturday: 20:30 – 02:00
Sunday: Closed
Casino Bonus
Desert Palace offers a loyalty program called Club Oasis. Members earn points for every bet placed, which can be redeemed at slot machines. Higher tiers unlock additional benefits such as hotel discounts, free weekend stays, and exclusive promotions.
Get bonus →Gaming Facilities
The casino floor spans approximately 1,500 square meters and features:
- 169 gaming machines, including slots, video poker, and progressive jackpots
- 6 table games:
- 2 Blackjack tables
- 3 American Roulette tables
- 1 Poker table
Gaming machine denominations range from 2c to R5 ($0.001 to $0.30).
Casino games →Dining and Bars
The main restaurant at Desert Palace is Bella Roma Grill & Pizzeria. It offers a variety of cuisines suitable for the whole family. There’s also a bar by the hotel pool area for guests to enjoy drinks and light refreshments.
Dishes Served
Popular dishes at Bella Roma include:
- Steaks (estimated price: $15-$25)
- Pizzas (estimated price: $10-$18)
- Seafood dishes (estimated price: $18-$30)
Drinks Served
The bar offers a selection of:
- Local and international beers
- Wines from nearby Orange River Cellars
- Cocktails
- Soft drinks
Special Events
Desert Palace hosts various events throughout the year, including:
- Live music performances
- Seasonal celebrations
- Private and business events in their conference facilities
Dress Code and Age Restrictions
The dress code at Desert Palace is smart casual. Beachwear, flip-flops, and overly casual attire are not permitted in the casino area.
The minimum age for entry into the casino is 18 years old.
Hotel Accommodations
Desert Palace Hotel offers 60 rooms:
- 24 Superior Rooms: Double or twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with DSTV, mini-bar fridge, Wi-Fi, room service, electronic safe, and hairdryer.
- 36 Standard Rooms: Similar amenities to Superior Rooms but without mini-bar fridges.
Guest reviews on Booking.com rate the hotel 7.5/10, praising its cleanliness (8.0) and location (8.3).
Nearest Spa and Sauna Facilities
While Desert Palace doesn’t have its own spa, there are several options in Upington:
- Kalahari Spa at Protea Hotel Upington (approximately 5 km away)
- Revive Day Spa (approximately 6 km away)
These spas offer various treatments including massages, facials, and body treatments. Prices range from $30 to $100 depending on the service.
Nearest Airport and Transportation
The nearest airport is Upington International Airport, located approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) from Desert Palace.
Transportation options from the airport:
- Taxi: Estimated fare $10-$15
- Hotel shuttle: Available upon request (contact hotel for pricing)
- Car rental: Available at the airport
The drive from the airport to Desert Palace takes about 10 minutes.
Car Rental
Several car rental companies operate at Upington International Airport, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Daily rates start from approximately $30 for a compact car.
Suitability for Visitors
Desert Palace is suitable for various types of visitors:
- Singles: The casino and bar provide entertainment options
- Couples: Romantic dining and leisure activities available
- Families: Kid-friendly amenities and nearby attractions
Things to Do in the Area
Upington offers several attractions for visitors:
- Orange River Wine Cellars: Wine tasting and tours (5 km away)
- Kalahari-Oranje Museum: Local history exhibits (6 km away)
- Augrabies Falls National Park: Scenic waterfalls and hiking trails (120 km away)
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Wildlife viewing and safari experiences (250 km away)
Additional Amenities and Services
Desert Palace offers various amenities and services:
- Free parking
- 24-hour front desk
- Conference facilities
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Casino school for newcomers
- Ten-pin bowling alley
- Putt-putt golf course
Amenities and Services for Children
- Kids’ club
- Playground
- Family-friendly dining options
VIP Treatment
Desert Palace offers VIP services for high-rollers and Club Oasis Black tier members, including:
- Personalized casino host service
- Exclusive promotions and events
- Priority restaurant reservations
- Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability)
Citations:
[1] https://www.thecapelodge.co.za/upington-attractions-activities/
[2] https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/desert-palace-hotel
[3] https://www.desertpalace.co.za
[4] https://www.booking.com/reviews/za/hotel/desert-palace.en-gb.html
[5] https://www.upington.com/desert-palace-hotel-casino-resort/
[6] https://www.desertpalace.co.za/casino/
[7] https://www.desertpalace.co.za/hotel/
[8] https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/northerncape/bysuburb/upington/
[9] https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/desert-palace.ja.html
[10] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312646-d639600-Reviews-Desert_Palace_Hotel_And_Casino_Resort-Upington_Northern_Cape.html