A rendering of the second Viejas hotel tower. Courtesy of Viejas Casino & Resort
A rendering of the second Viejas hotel tower. Courtesy of Viejas Casino & Resort

Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine will open its second luxury hotel tower on Friday, jut two years after completion of the first tower.

The new $50 million, five-story tower features 109 rooms and suites, a fitness center, a business center, a spacious bar and lounge, and nine state-of-the-art meeting spaces including the Oak Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,200.

The new building is separated from the first tower by the hotel pool and the Park at Viejas, a space for concerts and special events.

“Our new hotel tower and casino expansion raises the bar for our guests and delivers an experience that’s unmatched in the San Diego area,” said Viejas Tribal Chairman Robert Welch.

A grand opening celebration on Friday will include a tightrope performance between the two towers by Tino Wallenda of the world-famous Flying Wallendas, tours of the new tower and fireworks.

The opening of the second is the last step in a year-long development project that includes an expansion of the casino floor and the addition of 1,000 new slot machines. The casino is operated by the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians.

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.