Running Aces Hotel & Casino, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Running Aces Hotel is one of the most convenient lodging choices for players visiting Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Columbus, Minnesota. The hotel connects directly to the casino and poker room, allowing guests to reach the gaming area without driving or walking outside.

The primary poker destination is the Running Aces card room, which offers cash poker and tournament activity. The property lists its card room as operating 24 hours a day, although individual games and tournament availability can vary.

For players staying at the hotel, the trip between their accommodations and the poker room generally takes approximately 2–5 minutes on foot, depending on room location and the route through the property.

This arrangement is particularly helpful for tournament players with early starting times. Guests can prepare for a session, eat breakfast, and reach the poker room without dealing with traffic, parking, or a morning commute.

The connected accommodations are equally useful after late-night cash games. Players finishing extended sessions can return directly to their hotel rooms rather than driving tired or arranging transportation.

Food access is another advantage. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast, while the connected casino offers Trout Air Tavern and additional food service. Published dining hours extend into the late evening, although players should confirm kitchen availability before relying on food service after a long session.

Standard guest rooms include refrigerators and microwaves, providing useful flexibility for tournament players who prefer keeping snacks, drinks, or simple meals available between sessions. Larger suites offer additional living space and kitchen facilities, which may be particularly appealing during multi-day stays.

Parking is complimentary, eliminating a recurring expense that can affect the total cost of longer poker trips. Guests can leave their vehicles parked while playing at Running Aces and use them for off-property dining or other activities.

The hotel's moderate pricing positions it as a practical option for players who prioritize convenience rather than luxury resort amenities. Room rates can rise during busy weekends, racing events, and special entertainment dates, so comparing the total booking cost remains important.

Running Aces is located in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area, away from the central Minneapolis and St. Paul hotel districts. This quieter suburban location works well for players concentrating on the Running Aces poker room, but it is less convenient for visitors who want to explore multiple entertainment destinations without driving.

Canterbury Park in Shakopee is another established Twin Cities poker destination, approximately 50 miles away by road via I-35W South. A mapping check returned about 1 hour 12 minutes, with travel time varying by traffic. However, it is not a practical walking destination from Running Aces Hotel and requires a substantial cross-metro drive. Players planning significant poker time at both venues should account for traffic and consider whether separate lodging arrangements would be more efficient.

The hotel's strongest advantage is its direct connection to Running Aces rather than its suitability as a central base for multiple Twin Cities poker rooms.

Players staying several nights may appreciate the indoor pool, hot tub, fitness facilities, laundry access, and smoke-free environment. These amenities make longer visits more comfortable and provide opportunities to relax between tournament days.

One consideration is that Running Aces is primarily a card room and racetrack destination rather than a large Las Vegas-style resort. Guests seeking extensive shopping, nightlife, or multiple walkable restaurants will find fewer nearby options and should plan to use a vehicle.

For players whose primary destination is Running Aces, the hotel offers excellent logistical convenience: no commute to the card room, free parking, accessible on-property food, and the ability to return to their accommodations immediately after extended sessions.