THIS SECTION INCLUDES EXPANDED ONLINE COVERAGE

The new indoor-outdoor pool and a king suite at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, Mo., adds luxury to a Midwest “staycation” this summer. The all-suite hotel opened in January; the pool and spa opened in May.

New casino hotel opens spa, pool

Swimsuit models greeted guests entering a lush indoor pool and deck area. Cool drinks were served from bars carved in ice. Large hotel suites, some with rose-scented whirlpool baths in bay windows, beckoned to travelers seeking a bit of luxury in a getaway.

This isn’t Hollywood, Beverly Hills or even Las Vegas. We’re in St. Charles, Mo., at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, a new 400-suite luxury hotel.

A visit in May for the opening of the Ara full-service day spa and indoor-outdoor pool had many favorable surprises. A beautiful glass atrium houses the indoor pool and hot tubs. Fountains, palms and lush plants create an indoor oasis. Swim through to the outdoor pool and see the tiled deck area with more fountains, lounge seating, a fire pit, hot dub and bar service. Views of the Missouri River remind you that this getaway is close to home.

Guests who seek pampered treatments need only visit Ara, a 7,000-square-foot spa. Have a eucalyptus-scented steam, or try the dry therapeutic heat in Ara’s sauna. There’s a hydrotherapy pool, wet room and Vichy shower with several heads distributing pulsing water, a facial room and treatment rooms where guests can get a variety of massages. Create a personal scent for an aromatherapy massage at the aroma bar. Or combine treatments for a custom experience.

The nail suite behind the spa’s reception desk has two pedicure and manicure stations. Relax with friends or family in the women’s or co-ed relaxation rooms that offers complimentary beverages.

A hotel stay will be just as enjoyable. Suites have sunken seating areas with a floor-to-ceiling window that allows a view of either St. Charles or the Missouri River. Custom furnishings and a crisp, minimalist decor create a tranquil, tasteful environment. Baths have whirlpool tubs and separate showers, plus a LCD television screens. Plasma televisions are placed in the sleeping and seating areas.

Ten king spa suites have the whirlpool tub in a bay window, full wet bar and 42-inch plasma televisions. Two presidential suites are palatial, with surround sound entertainment systems, large windows, fireplace, bar, pool table and more.

Dining choices during a stay must include the 47 Port Street Grill, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired restaurant that welcomes guests with soft lights, warm woods and fabulous fare. It’s easy for diners to forget they are steps away from the bustling casino. Enjoy a bleu cheese filet or Kansas City Strip steak. The crab cake appetizer and desserts–pineapple soufflé and crème brûlée–also were excellent. Service was polished, polite and attentive.

Entertainment options here, in addition to the 130,000-square-foot casino, include the new HOME St. Louis dance club plus the popular Bottleneck Blues Bar that features interesting live musical lineups. A variety of other dining and bar options can keep guests busy for a weekend with no problem. And the casino resort’s location just north of Interstate 70 and the Blanchette Bridge (take the Fifth Street north exit) puts guests close to historic downtown St. Charles and its many shops, restaurants, recreation opportunities and events.

For a fast summer getaway that won’t burn a lot of gas, consider the Ameristar resort. Suites start at $169 (weekday) per night. Call (636) 940-4301 or www.ameristarcasinos.com.

AAA Travel events will satisfy all tastes

From Europe to Disney, AAA Travel events planned this summer offer a varied menu of topics sure to please everyone. The events are free, but reservations are necessary.

• July 10, Mickey and You, 9–10 a.m., AAA Travel in Shawnee, 15810B Shawnee Mission Parkway. Reserva-tions: (913) 248-1627, ext. 100;

• July 16, Europe by Land and Sea, 6:30–8:30 p.m., The Writer’s Place, 3607 Pennsyl-vania Ave. in Kansas City. Reservations: (816) 931-5252, ext. 106;

• Aug. 14, Grand River “Hi” Tea with Uniworld (European) River Cruises, 9–10 a.m., AAA Travel in Shawnee. Reservations: (913) 248-1627, ext. 100;

• Aug. 14, Rollin’ on the River, with Uniworld (European) River Cruises, 2–4 p.m., AAA Travel in Independence, 4201 S. Noland Road, Suite Y. Reservations: (816) 373-1717, ext. 150;

• Aug. 26, Cruise West Night, 6:30–8:30 p.m., AAA Travel, 12901 N. Forty Drive, St. Louis. Reservations: (314) 523-7350, ext. 6433;

• Aug. 28, The “Royal Treatment” with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, 9–10 a.m., AAA Travel in Shawnee. Reservations: (913) 248-1627, ext. 100.

Tax rebate check can fund vacation

A family of four may enjoy a trip to Universal Studios for under $2,000 to experience the new Simpsons ride.

For those thinking about using their tax rebate check on a vacation, here are some ideas.

• A family of four with an $1,800 rebate might consider Florida and this package with a four-bedroom villa with private screened-in pool. This seven-night trip includes a two-day, two-park visit to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure with a bonus third day free. The inclusive price for a family of four starts at $1,696.

• A couple with a $1,200 rebate can also see Florida and a relaxing week on the beach. Choose a great value Daytona Beach package from $756, which includes seven nights in an oceanfront room with balcony. Breakfast is included. Take a break from the beach and visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center. The package price includes general admission. Enjoy a second day free visit within a seven-day period.

• A single person with a $600 rebate also has options. Consider a four-day western Caribbean cruise on Carnival’s Imagination with fares starting at $217 (per person, double occupancy, exclusive of air fare to Miami).

For more ideas about how to spend your tax rebate check on a vacation, visit www.AAA.com or call AAA Travel at (888) 366-4222.

A crowd watches Yellowstone’s Old Faithful.