Graton Resort and Casino — Hotel in Rohnert Park

If you want to see what poor leadership looks like, come here—this place is a case study.

My sister-in-law and I attended a concert at the event center inside the casino last night. The concert itself was excellent—well-run, entertaining, and worth every minute. Unfortunately, what followed exposed a disturbing culture of incompetence, arrogance, and outright disrespect within this establishment.

After the show, we went to one of the casino bars and were served without issue. Then we walked over to another bar, where I was blindsided by one of the most insulting experiences I’ve ever had in a public venue. I ordered a drink, and the bartender looked at me and said: “No, you don’t need a drink, but I can serve you water.” That is not customer service—that is condescension. I was completely coherent, not slurring, not stumbling, and carrying a clear, full conversation. There was absolutely no reason for such a degrading response.

My sister-in-law, understandably upset, asked to speak with management. This is where things went from bad to appalling. The manager refused to even acknowledge her, saying flatly, “I don’t want to talk to you, I’ll only talk to her.” That level of dismissal was not only unprofessional but insulting, as if my sister-in-law had no voice or right to speak. Leadership 101: you don’t talk down to customers, you listen. This manager did the exact opposite.

Instead of addressing the situation with tact, she walked off to gossip with staff in plain sight, pointing, whispering, and creating an atmosphere of intimidation. At no point did anyone offer an explanation, show empathy, or take accountability. It felt less like management and more like a clique of insecure, power-tripping employees who have never been trained in basic hospitality.

Despite their behavior, we remained polite and patient—until I finally expressed frustration and said, “to hell with this.” That single, human expression of being fed up was apparently enough for them to throw me out. Imagine that: a 5’3” woman deemed such a “threat” that removal was the best they could come up with. That speaks volumes about how unprepared, unprofessional, and fearful their staff truly are.

If I were the CEO of this organization, I would be horrified. What I witnessed was a breakdown in every aspect of service and leadership: no training, no emotional intelligence, no accountability, no humility, and no respect for paying guests. The manager in particular demonstrated behavior completely unfit for a leadership role—rude, dismissive, unprofessional, and utterly incapable of conflict resolution.

This isn’t just poor customer service. This is systemic mismanagement so needs training on basic communication and leadership. Chris is, without question, the worst example of management I have ever encountered. He has no business holding the position he’s in—it’s a complete insult to the very definition of a manager and profession itself. The people running this venue are not just failing their guests—they are tarnishing the reputation of the entire casino. Until there is a complete overhaul of training, leadership, and accountability, this establishment is not worth your time, your money,...

I haven't had a chance to visit this casino that often, even though it seems easier to drive to than ones closer to Sacramento. In fact, before my recent visit with family, I hadn't been here since it first opened. But I enjoyed my visit a lot since they seem to have a large assortment of slots to choose from. I do wish more casinos would be smoke-free, since it really takes the fun out of a great machine when someone's smoke seems to drift directly my way. I actually wouldn't mind the smoke in general, if people would just be more thoughtful & at least blow their smoke away from other people. I did think their awesome rotating seat covers in the restrooms were really neat! You just have to remember to activate the sensor before you sit down. Every public restroom should have these things!

I had to get a rewards card again, because I have no idea where my old card even is. I always recommend signing up for one, even if you don't think you'll visit very often. It's better to get some offers than no offers. That was one of the things that did disappoint me previously about this place, because I never got any e-mailed or snail mail offers back after we'd first visited a couple of times during their first year open. While my brother, who has been able to visit more frequently since he drives, receives all these cool offers in the mail. I had asked the rewards center staffer if I needed to update my address or e-mail to get mailers & was told I'd only receive something if I qualified for an offer. I guess in recent years a lot of casinos cut down on their mailings in order to cut costs, but I thought that kind of sucked. Like how am I supposed to consider visiting this place again, if it seems like I'm only a valued visitor if I already play a ton there? I get that they focus on repeat visitors, but I would've thought at least initially it would've been nice to know they wanted to see us back again. As it was, I did eventually come back...years later!

I was sad to actually have only a short time to play, but it was great to be able to earn enough points for the amazing giveaway that day. Only negative was the long walk & somewhat long line for redeeming the gift. Some people may have mobility issues that would make it more difficult, though that particular day was a good knee day for me, so I actually enjoyed the chance to get more steps in. I only played a few different slots, but the machines reminded me a lot of Reno & Las Vegas in terms of space & variety.

And maybe I mainly have a positive view of my visit because this was the first time in a while that I actually won some of my money back from a casino. It's always a good trip when you can have some fun & still have some of your budgeted play money still left in your pocket. I hope my family wants to go back...

For anyone looking to immerse themselves in energy, lights, and people Graton Resort and Casino might be the place to be.

Specifically located at 288 Golf Course Drive West this casino is always alive with movement. Whether you’re people-watching, pulling slots, or joining a table, there’s no shortage of stimulation. As long as you're actively playing, staff members come around offering complimentary small water bottles, and waiters/waitresses make the rounds to take drink orders, which adds a nice touch of hospitality.

Graton hosts frequent raffles and giveaways, from cash prizes to cars and even golf carts. To participate, you’ll need one of their tier cards—and the more you play, the more entries you rack up. It’s a clever way to keep folks engaged in addition to other event nights like Chinese New Year celebrations, which are full of color and fun.

The property is also home to several restaurants and the newer addition of a nightclub called The B Side, adding nightlife options to the mix. There are also bars and lounges throughout different spots of the casino. On some weekends they'll have live music playing at the bar and you'll see a few people getting down to the groove. Graton Casino and Resort also has an event center where they host plenty of concerts, talk shows, comedians, etc. They also have pool parties in the summer where DJS play. There is a spa on the hotel side as well for those looking to relax.

The location of this casino is quite scenic with greenery and hills. It is also near the Oxford hotel, starbucks and even an Amy's drive thru. The parking here is spacious. They have a parking lot connected to the front of the casino and they also have a 5 level parking garage. There are plenty of handicapped parking in all floors. There is wheelchair accessibility as there are 4 elevators on each floor as well as stairs for those who don't mind the exercise. Since this is a casino of course it is not a kid friendly place including the hotel. This resort and casino is also not pet friendly unless it is a service animal.

To the Sonoma County People and visitors abroad I will say the overall vibe is lively and social—it’s definitely not the place for quiet reflection, but if you’re looking for stimulation and connection, Graton delivers and has...