Harrah's Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino

We went to Lake Tahoe for our anniversary and just to get out of town after a winter of being cooped up. As a Total Rewards member, our rooms were comped so that helped in our decision to stay here (full disclosure). Rooms are nothing special but are spacious, clean and comfortable. Staff is friendly, concierge is very helpful in booking day trips, etc. Not a lot of food choices here--food court with a couple places, a typical diner, and a pretty high end joint on the top floor which was delicious--but you should have a reservation.The real draw here is the casino. Large array of games, decent limits on the tables, lots of various denominations on the slots. Cocktail service is a bit slow, but the drinks are good when they arrive.It is also a good place to use as a base to explore the are--can drive around the lake to the various other resort towns or just hang in town at the many bars.

This was disappointing. We hadn't been anywhere for a year and I guess I was thinking of the past when we visited. None of the restaurants are open when we went and there is no place to get food unless you ask for delivery. I never did figure out how we were supposed to get reservations because there was no one in the restaurant and our only contact was a computer who kept texting us to check out (on the day we arrived LOL) The food delivery cannot be described as anything but a rip off. When you have such a limited choice for dining, this should be free in my opinion. They are charging $75.00 for a steak (each) and a $10 delivery charge on top of an added 21 percent gratuity. Dinner cost $200 for us. I did not know I was eating at the French Laundry. We also had tremendous waits to get our car and to get any help of any kind at the hotel. Anyway, we will probably come back later in the year, order no food and hope some of the bars are open.

We usually stay at Harrah's when we plan only one-two nights trip. Rooms are specious and clean. Hint: executive rooms are lower floor but recently remodeled , whereas, premium rooms are higher floor but older, not remodeled. There are many dining options here, Starbucks for delicious morning coffee too. Underground tunnel connects Harrah's to Harveys Hotel, which is really nice to walk back-forth without leaving hotels in winter. Locations is excellent - Heavenly Village and surrounded with shops and restaurants. Gondola to take you straight to Heavenly Ski Resort is near too. Both connected hotels have arcade for kids . CONS: Rooms can be very dry, so we bring our own humidifier . Beds are soft and bouncy that I personally don't like.

OK, I did not read the details while booking this hotel via the @Southwest airline's site. There was a $28.50 plus tax per night Resort Fee. I picked this hotel quickly and did not read the fine print beyond the “grand total” I was being charged. When I checked in I asked what the “resort fee” was for. The young lady at the desk blurted out quickly …. “pool” but was quickly interrupted by a more senior male manager who said the pool was closed for the season. He ran off a list of things…. Wi-Fi (which was listed as free on the amenities), a morning newspaper (OK), and “access to the casino” ( random people can walk into the casino), parking (but parking was not monitored and free to any random person who wanted to go to the casino). I had pre-paid for the room so canceling the hotel was not an option. I asked for a waiver of the fee give that it had no value to me. The manager said, “You will have to take it up with Priceline who sent us the booking”. I called the number listed on the SWA website. It was to Booking.com and they would not talk to me unless I entered my confirmation number. I tried repeated on cell and landline phones but the system would not take my number. I gave up.In the future, I will avoid booking a hotel via the @SouthwestAirlines site and will be a LOT more careful on Booking.

We stayed 4 nights. I had read the bad reviews and was hesitant. We were extremely happy with our huge room that includes two bathrooms. Our view of lake and mountains was incredible and like looking at a picture. There are two full length mirrors and large sitting area in the room.. Our two queen beds were super comfy and everything was quiet. We missed the in-room coffee and microwave but found our way down to Starbucks each morning. There is some updating that needs done and especially in the bathrooms. However, they were clean and housekeeping brought us towels and refrigerator on request. Everyone has been very nice and friendly to us. The location next to Heavenly Village can't be beat. There were always $10 tables in the casino however they stayed full which lead us to leave a couple of times. I was impressed with the top shelf choice of free drinks while gambling. They allowed to spectate tables as long as we stood 6 feet back. They needed to be more tables in the evening. Dining is limited but were able to find dinner/breakfast nearby at Edgewood Cafe and Crows BBQ. Basecamp pizza is always crowded but a good choice. A short drive is Idle Hour for sunset wine tasting. We snowmobiled while in the area as well. This hotel was a nice surprise for us and we can't wait to come back.