"Valley Forge's renovations are about delivering a modern, all-encompassing experience that sets the property apart"

As the Philadelphia region’s only full-amenity gaming resort, Valley Forge Casino Resort offers a dynamic blend of gaming, dining, nightlife, and live entertainment. Featuring 40,000 square feet of gaming space and a wide range of guest services and dining options, the resort has become a key destination for both recreation and gaming. Now, it's undergoing a significant renovation aimed at securing its future and distinguishing itself in a competitive landscape.

In this conversation with Yogonet, Martha Morales, Vice President and General Manager at Valley Forge Casino Resort, discusses the property’s ambitious multi-phase transformation. She offers insight into the recent redesign of the Stardust Tower, which included the complete redesign of 253 guest rooms and a full refresh of the tower’s main lobby. Morales also discusses the broader vision behind modernizing the resort’s key areas and how these improvements will help Valley Forge stand out in Pennsylvania’s gaming market.

What was the overall strategy behind the redesign of the Stardust Tower, and what does this milestone represent within the resort's wider renovation plan? Can you walk us through some of the standout features of the renovated guest rooms?

The Stardust Tower redesign is part of a multi-phase transformation to create an all-new, modern experience for our guests. It was important to reimagine these spaces in a way that honors the tower's history while introducing a fresh, timeless look.

Drawing inspiration from mid-century Las Vegas, the redesigned rooms blend classic glamor with contemporary comfort. Guests will find custom furnishings, ambient lighting with sleek headboards, and bathrooms featuring integrated lighting and refined finishes. 

This milestone represents the first major step in our broader renovation plan, which also includes updates to dining, entertainment, and the casino floor.

Valley Forge's Stardust Tower was recently renovated

The lobby has also been refreshed. How important was it to create a strong first impression for guests, and what inspired the design approach there? What is the image that the casino wants to project from the first moment guests walk in?

The lobby is the first touchpoint for every guest, so creating a welcoming and stylish arrival experience was a priority. We focused on modern finishes, inviting textures, and a clean, contemporary aesthetic that complements the overall look of the Stardust Tower.

Our goal was to set the tone for what guests can expect across the resort—an experience that feels both comfortable and thoughtfully designed.

The resort's redevelopment goes beyond the Stardust Tower. Can you provide us with an update on what's already opened and what's still to come? What has reception been like thus far for the new additions and upgrades?

In addition to the Stardust Tower renovations and refreshed lobby, we recently opened the Valley Forge Food Hall, which features four distinct dining concepts: Café Primo, American Grill, Peng Zu Express, and Taqueria Buena. Each concept offers fresh, fast-casual options to fit a variety of tastes and occasions.

Over the next 18 months, we'll continue rolling out additional upgrades, including a rebranded tavern, a new steakhouse and cigar lounge, and a modernization of the entire casino floor. The response so far has been fantastic—guests are excited to see the changes and what's next for the resort.

While many of these changes focus on the hospitality and dining side, what should we expect from the gaming floor experience? Will we see changes to the gaming offerings, be it through new slot additions, layout changes, etc.?

Yes, the gaming floor will undergo a total renovation as part of this multi-phase project. Guests can expect a completely updated look and feel, as well as improvements designed to create a modern, engaging gaming experience. We're reimagining the layout and overall design to complement the rest of the resort's enhancements.

How do you see the resort's upgrades contributing to your competitive position in the greater Philadelphia gaming and hospitality market? What can guests expect from the resort once the multi-phase project is completed?

These renovations are about delivering a modern, all-encompassing experience that sets Valley Forge apart in the Philadelphia market and throughout all of Pennsylvania. When the multi-phase project is complete, guests can expect a fully refreshed property featuring stylish accommodations, diverse dining options, a revitalized casino, and new entertainment spaces.

You stepped into the role of VP and GM earlier this year. How would you describe your first few months at Valley Forge, particularly while leading such a major upgrade? And what's your long-term vision for Valley Forge under your leadership?

It's been an incredibly exciting time to join Valley Forge Casino Resort. Leading such a talented and passionate team during this transformative period has been both rewarding and inspiring. Our staff has been at the heart of every phase of this project, ensuring that each new enhancement not only meets but exceeds guest expectations.

Seeing guests respond positively to the changes reaffirms our commitment to creating memorable experiences. My long-term vision is to build on this momentum—continuing to invest in both our people and our property—to ensure Valley Forge remains a premier destination for gaming, dining, and exceptional hospitality in the region.