March 28, 2011--Sands Casino Monday announced what was obvious to most any motorist who has traveled the Minsi Trail Bridge in Bethlehem lately: Sands' 300-room hotel is on pace to open in May.

Sands President Robert DeSalvio announced that what will be the Lehigh Valley's largest hotel will open in May and include a new Italian restaurant by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

The hotel will include 16 Executive Suites and 6 Presidential Suites, an indoor pool, fitness room, meeting rooms, complimentary continental breakfast and room service from the kitchens of Lagasse's three on-site restaurants.

"Whether you're joining us in my restaurants, or dining in the comfort of your room, we want to serve a memorable and delicious meal," said Chef Emeril Lagasse. "I'm really excited to provide guests with this unique option as part of their overall experience while staying at the new Sands Hotel."

The Sands Hotel is also designed for events and corporate meetings -- from executive retreats to intimate gatherings and industry conferences. It has over 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and 3,000 square feet of pre-function and exhibit space, and a professional event planner is available to help plan events.

Sands officials have been racing to complete the hotel to give people who travel to the casino for its table games such as blackjack, craps and poker, a place to stay, DeSalvio said.

"We have been a proud member of the Lehigh Valley business community since we opened our doors nearly two years ago, and look forward to bringing even more new visitors to the area with the addition of the Sands Hotel," said Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem President Robert DeSalvio. "With deluxe amenities, premium dining options and state-of-the-art meeting space, we expect the Sands Hotel to be a destination for leisure and business travelers alike."

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