azgrl

I've been to Vegas several times, I have never stayed at Harrah's. I got a great rate, I know the location is good. However, I really need to know how the rooms are. I'm staying in the Carnival Tower. I'm taking my in-laws and I really don't need any surprises about the hotel. I've stayed at the Monte-Carlo, Paris, Venetian and even the Orleans off strip. What am I to expect at Harrah's? Seeking all opinions please!

rjw_lgb_ca

Harrah's is middle-class Vegas all the way. The rooms are clean, the appointments are larger-city Holiday Inn quality (interestingly, it was originally a Holiday Inn), but if you're expecting luxury amenities like 400-square foot marble-lined johns, you're going to be disappointed. The restaurants are decidedly middle-of-the-pack-- nothing outstanding, but nothing will kill you (however, the buffet and coffee shop are rather downmarket). The casino is mediocre-- nothing spectacular, watered-down free drinks while you play. And the entertainment choices are weak, except for the Improv-- where you might get a good show (the time I went was only fair).

Having said all that, it's a perfectly good place to sleep and clean up while hitting all the preferable hot spots around the Strip.

vegaslocal

If you are the type who likes to spend more than a little time in the room, you will not be impressed.

I took advantage of a slot club comp and stayed at Harrah's for my birthday. I was hoping for a weekend of relaxation and "playing tourist". Even after explaining that it was my birthday and begging for a nice room (as a total diamond slot club member), we still got the view of the air conditioner units on the roof and the alley below.

After asking to change rooms, the best I could get was a pool view. I thought that was okay until 11pm when I went to bed...(staying up all night is for the tourists).

Anyway, Harrah's has an outdoor nightclub which was so loud I could understand EVERY word being spoken or sung out there, from INSIDE my room! This went on until 2am on Friday and Saturday night. It turned my weekend of relaxation into a weekend of sleeplessness. I was exhausted after two nights of this. Now, I'm only 36 years old, and I occasionally like to party, but I think that the most important thing a hotel can provide is a good night's rest. That's not happening if your room is anywhere near the southwest side of the building.

The room was clean but unimpressive. The pool is the worst. The casino is crowded, confusing, and didn't really have anything unique to offer. Went to see Skintight. (I try to see most shows here at least once.) It was pretty bad.

Harrah's is a clean place to sleep in a very good location....that's it, nothing more.

Treck

I have stayed both at the Carnival and Mardi Gras towers at the Harrahs in Las Vegas. I was pleased with my rooms on the several occasions when i was there. I think the rooms in the Carnival tower are a bit nicer though.

azgrl

Thanks for the information. My husband and I are paying a week for two rooms (including a Friday and Saturday night) That's 10 days worth of room rates, Ouch! This is the reason I jumped at Harrah's deal. They promised me rooms with a view, I payed the extra charge. I there such a thing? It seems like all I read is about air condtioning units or a view of a lousy pool. Any more comments out there?

rjw_lgb_ca

Carnival Tower is somewhat nicer vis-à-vis room quality. I got a beautiful view of Caesar's and beyond clear to the mountains north of the city, so I lucked out. Harrah's is NOT a dump by any means, but you have to accept that it is 100% geared to middle-class tourists who are accustomed to Holiday Inns and Ramadas and are happy with them.

I think everyone will have a great time. Use the money you save by staying at Harrah's and put it toward a really good couple of meals at Picasso or Shanghai Lily's (my favorite Chinese restaurant on the Strip) or somewhere like that. See the sights, see shows, have fun! Harrah's serves very well as a crash pad.

bashfulLV

I must disagree with the poster who said the entertainment at Harrah's is "weak." That comment couldn't be farther from the truth. The headliner at Harrah's is Clint Holmes and he is terrific and his show is one of the best you'll find. He's won several awards (The "Best Of Las Vegas") since being at Harrah's and has been touted by Variety Magazine as the "heir apparent to Sammy Davis Jr."

I had the good fortune of seeing his show and thought he was very talented, personable and thoroughly enjoyed the show. If you get a chance to see it, go for it, I doubt that you will be disappointed.

rjw_lgb_ca

bashful: I'm glad you liked Clint Holmes. I did not, but that reflects my taste in entertainment. I stand by my opinion that the entertainment at Harrah's is weak-- other than the Improv (and Clint Holmes, if that's your bag), you'll usually find a couple of cheesy lounge acts, a mediocre magician and a truly dumb topless revue. Not exactly my idea of top-tier entertainment, frankly.

Loki

My wife and I enjoyed Clint Holmes very much, but there is nothing top tier about Harrahs or any other hotel in it's range. If I had my choice at that price, I'd probably stay at Barbary Coast, maybe Rio if I didn't want to be on the strip.

hipvirgochick

azgrl -- I've stayed at Harrah's 3 times now and it's always been very nice and consistent. It's average-plus (you get what you see for a 3* hotel). The atmosphere is fun and casual, not intimidating. Plus, there's something to say for being able to gamble at your own hotel (I've played many hours there on a small budget). So there's not a lot of shopping or good eats there, that's why it's great to be in a location close to other casinos. Have fun!