Where to Stay and What to Do in Danville’s Casino District

Danville, VA, has rapidly become a weekend destination since Caesars Virginia opened its doors in December 2024. Visitors from Virginia and North Carolina are arriving in growing numbers, and the first question most of them ask is the same: where should I stay, and what else is there to do besides the casino? The answer is more interesting than you might expect. Danville’s lodging and entertainment options span from a $750 million casino resort with its own hotel and spa to a boutique property that won Virginia Hotel of the Year to a revitalized downtown district packed with restaurants, bars, and an entertainment venue that draws crowds every weekend.

This guide breaks down your hotel options and the entertainment that surrounds them so you can plan a stay that fits your style.

The Caesars Virginia Hotel

For visitors whose primary focus is the casino, staying on-property is the most convenient option. The Caesars Virginia hotel offers 320 guest rooms with modern amenities and direct access to the gaming floor. You can roll out of bed and be at the slots in minutes, which is exactly the appeal for dedicated players or anyone who wants to maximize their time at the tables.

On-site hotel amenities include:

  • ✓ Full-service spa (Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm)
  • ✓ Pool (daily 9am-8pm)
  • ✓ 24/7 fitness center
  • ✓ Access to 12+ on-site restaurants and bars, including Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen
  • ✓ 2,500-seat live entertainment theater for national touring acts
  • ✓ Caesars Rewards loyalty program perks for members

The casino hotel is ideal for solo travelers, couples on a casino-focused getaway, or groups that want the full resort experience without needing to drive between venues.

The Bee Hotel: Virginia Hotel of the Year

If your vision of a casino weekend extends beyond the gaming floor, The Bee Hotel is one of the most compelling boutique hotel experiences in Virginia. Located in downtown Danville’s River District, this 47-room property occupies the former Danville Register & Bee newspaper building, which has been beautifully converted while preserving the historic character of the structure.

What The Bee Hotel offers:

  • ✓ King Deluxe rooms, Queen Suites, and the Honeybee Suite
  • ✓ Complimentary breakfast for guests
  • ✓ Rooftop veranda overlooking the River District
  • ✓ Fitness center
  • ✓ Complimentary parking
  • ✓ Walking distance to River District Social, Ballad Brewing, Golden Leaf Bistro, and other downtown venues

The Bee Hotel won Virginia Hotel of the Year, and the award is well-earned. The combination of boutique charm, downtown location, and proximity to both the River District nightlife and Caesars Virginia (a 10-minute drive) makes it the smartest lodging choice for visitors who want to experience the full Danville scene.

Chain Hotel Options

For budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer familiar brands, Danville offers several chain hotels along the main corridors. These properties provide standard amenities at competitive rates and are typically a short drive from both the casino and downtown. Options include established national brands with consistent quality and pricing. While they lack the character of The Bee Hotel or the convenience of the Caesars property, they serve the practical needs of overnight visitors and families well.

The Entertainment Layer: River District Social

Hotels provide the place to sleep, but River District Social provides the reason to stay awake. Located at 680 Lynn Street in the center of the River District, this entertainment venue occupies a 120-year-old converted tobacco warehouse and packs multiple activities under one roof.

For hotel guests in the area, River District Social serves as the primary off-casino entertainment destination:

Golf Simulators: Full Swing technology with 38+ world-famous courses. Each bay holds up to 8 guests with table-side food and drink service. Perfect for groups looking for an activity before or after the casino. Daytime rates start at $30/hour.

Bowling: Rollerball Classic lanes with LED lighting create a social, high-energy atmosphere. Up to 4 per lane, automatic scoring, and full bar access. Starting at $20/hour.

Pool: Pro-grade billiard tables in a lounge setting with music and cocktail service. Starting at $13/hour.

Live Music: Weekend performances from local and touring artists. The live music schedule keeps the weekend atmosphere fresh and gives returning visitors something new each trip.

Full Restaurant & Bar: Chef-crafted menu with signature burgers, wings, flatbreads, and shareable appetizers. Craft cocktails, local draft beers, and espresso martinis. Open Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight (21+ after 9pm).

More Entertainment in the Casino Area

Beyond River District Social and Caesars Virginia, the broader Danville area offers additional activities to fill out your stay:

  • ✓ Ballad Brewing – Craft brewery in an 1891 tobacco warehouse with a family-friendly taproom
  • ✓ Golden Leaf Bistro – Upscale dining with steaks, seafood, and live music Thursday-Saturday
  • ✓ Cotton – Riverfront restaurant with patio dining overlooking the Dan River
  • ✓ Danville Riverwalk Trail – 12.8 miles of paved trail along the Dan River, accessible from downtown
  • ✓ Anglers Ridge – 35+ miles of mountain bike trails for outdoor enthusiasts
  • ✓ Millionaires’ Row – Virginia’s finest Victorian and Edwardian residential architecture
  • ✓ Danville Science Center – Hands-on exhibits and a seasonal Butterfly Station
  • ✓ Dan River water activities – Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals available

Choosing Your Hotel Strategy

The right hotel choice depends on what kind of trip you’re planning:

Casino-focused trip: Stay at the Caesars Virginia hotel. You’ll maximize your time on the gaming floor and take advantage of the spa, pool, and on-site dining. Drive downtown for an evening at River District Social when you want a change of pace.

Weekend getaway with variety: Book The Bee Hotel downtown. Walk to River District Social, Ballad Brewing, and the River District restaurants. Drive to Caesars when you want casino action. The rooftop veranda is a perfect spot for morning coffee before another day of exploring.

Budget overnight: A chain hotel keeps costs low, leaving more budget for entertainment and dining. You’ll need to drive to both the casino and downtown, but both are within 10-15 minutes of most area hotels.

Book Your Entertainment

Wherever you stay, book your River District Social entertainment in advance for weekend visits. Golf simulator bays and bowling lanes fill quickly on Friday and Saturday nights as hotel guests from both properties converge on the downtown scene. Reserve online or call (434) 228-4155.