Published on: January 29, 2026, 04:32h.
Updated on: January 28, 2026, 02:37h.
- The upcoming Hollywood Casino Aurora is set to offer a luxurious spa experience.
- This new land-based facility will replace the longstanding Aurora riverboat casino.
- Penn Entertainment and its partner are committing $360 million to this state-of-the-art resort.
The Hollywood Casino Aurora in Illinois, a project with a budget of $360 million from Penn Entertainment and Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., is preparing to unveil what is being touted as a “luxury wellness spa.”
This new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora will replace the existing riverboat casino. The new venue will rise next to the Chicago Premium Outlets, conveniently located near Exit 119 off Interstate 88 at the intersection of N. Farnsworth Ave. and Bilter Rd.
The resort will boast a hotel with 200 rooms, 1,700 parking spaces, top-tier dining options, including a restaurant by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, a 12,000-square-foot event center, along with a casino that features 900 slot machines, 50 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. Construction for this ambitious project commenced in November 2023.
When Penn announced its decision to move Hollywood Casino Aurora inland, it confirmed the inclusion of a full-service spa. Recently, they revealed a partnership for the spa.
Drift Spa
Upon opening in the second quarter of 2026, the new Hollywood Casino Aurora will feature a spa named Drift Spa.
This spa will offer a dedicated salon and barbering section with 11 stations for hair, makeup, and nails, seven specialized massage rooms providing deep tissue, Swedish, and therapeutic treatments, alongside non-chemical salon offerings designed for healthy hair and holistic care. Drift Spa will also include manicure and pedicure services as well as tailored facial treatments.
Originating in Pennsylvania from Lancaster, the first Drift Spa opened in 2022 at the Marriott at Lancaster’s Penn Square and has received favorable reviews. The Drift Spa at Aurora will be their second location.
“This strategic partnership creates a retreat where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and truly unwind,” stated Drift Spa founder Stacey Steffes. “I am dedicated to building relations with local Chicago brands, creatives, and artisans who share our vision to make meaningful connections in Aurora.”
Penn Entertainment is headquartered in Pennsylvania and is a leading gaming company.
Focus on Wellness and Dining
Penn Entertainment strongly believes that transforming Hollywood Aurora from an older riverboat into a wellness and relaxation destination, complete with a casino, will be a successful venture.
They anticipate that spa visitors will not only indulge in Drift Spa treatments but will also explore the diverse culinary options available at the casino.
In addition to De Laurentiis’ Italian steakhouse, termed Sorella, Penn has enlisted celebrity chef Stephanie Izard to open a burger eatery named the Lucky Goat. Furthermore, a food hall concept is being cultivated in collaboration with Shawn McClain, an acclaimed chef and restaurateur.
In 2019, Illinois lawmakers approved legislation allowing riverboat casinos to relocate inland, and Penn expressed its intentions to shift its Aurora riverboat in October 2022.