The tribe is in the process of hiring and architect and general contractor following the approval of the project by its membership earlier this month. The $70 million to $80 million project would begin in June, with construction taking about a year.

Four casinos are opening or expanding along Route 76 between Fallbrook and Valley Center, of which the Pala band is the largest. Tribal spokesmen say they hope to lure people from Los Angeles and San Diego for overnight stays.

The project would also help Pala compete with two nearby tribes that are also building hotels: a 522-room project on the Pechanga reservation near Temecula and a 200-room hotel on the Rincon reservation near Valley Center.Pala's $110 million, 185,000-sf casino has been open since April. The casino has 2,000 slot machines, 46 card tables and six restaurants.