Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino

We were assigned a room in the Mountain Tower. I had asked for a king non-smoking and got a 2 queen smoking. The room not only reared of smoke, it smelled. It was reasonably cleaned, but clearly had not been updated in many years. It would not meet Motel 6 standards. We were able to pay a fee and transfer into the new tower and the room was very nice. It was updated, large and comfortable, One issue that did arise was my request (before we got to our first room) to get a non-smoking room even if it had 2 queen beds. I was told it was $60 to change to a non-smoking room. They also added a resort fee of $28.50 for no apparent reason. I realize resort fees are becoming common, but a little more transparency about it ahead of time would certainly engender some good will.

I've traveled various places such as Cabo, Bahamas, Alaska, and have been to Lake Tahoe before this visit. However, this is my first visit to a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and it will be my last. The toilet NEVER flushed properly even after the repairman came and worked on it. The pool only provided umbrellas which were attached to the lounge beds. There were NO umbrellas for use otherwise. Our room was located above the pool so we could see the pool clearly. No one came at night or early morning to pick up dirty towels left on the ground or chairs, and I know this because two dirty, wet towels lay on the ground the entire afternoon, night, and all of the following day. I was horrified at the lack of cleanliness and attention to detail. We ate breakfast at the restaurant but the food was cold. I had to send my waffle back because the butter never melted it was so cold.And to insult to injury, the repairman just walked into our room without knocking. He profusely apologized saying that he was told our room was vacant, but remembered coming to our room earlier that morning, so he took another look at the toilet.This was my second trip to Tahoe. The first trip we stayed at a cute little newly renovated, small lodge which was fantastic!! I will NOW stay at smaller hotels when visiting Lake Tahoe. I'm sure many people already know this, but I certainly didn't. I don't mind paying money for quality but I do mind paying for sub-standard service.

Sad to see how dingy this once iconic hotel has become. The service was also a huge disappointment...from check in to dinner at Sage. The women that checked me in was just downright rude. And while we were a large party for dinner at Sage, it took 2 hrs. before we finally were served our entree. Oh and did I mention the food was very subpar?

This was our first vacation to Tahoe and hopefully will not be our last. After this past year, it was wonderful to take a road trip to such a beautiful area.  Check-in at Harvey's, unless you are diamond or higher, is done at kiosks and there is an agent available if you need help. Our room was in the Tahoe Tower and had a lake view.  Housekeeping is not on a daily basis, but you are given a text message that you can reply to for housekeeping if you need extra supplies. The casino is easy to get around and there is a connecting tunnel to Harrah's.  Not all of the restaurants are open all of the time. We found out thru our text message you can order room service from any Harvey's or Harrah's open restaurants and have it delivered to your room. We did that one night and it was fast.  We ate at Joe's Sports Bar and Grille twice, once in the dining room and once for take out.  We used the workout room, and was happy with the variety of equipment. While I am use to "resort fees", my biggest peeve with Caesar's properties in the last few years is they are charging for parking.  We didn't have to pay as they haven't reinstated it, due to COVID, but WHY Caesar's charges parking is beyond irritating.

Our room was so much better than we experienced when we visited there 20 years ago! It had been refurbished and upgraded and we had a wonderful stay. Housekeeping supervisor (can't remember her name, darn it!) was extremely solicitous of two older folk trying to score a late checkout. Check in gentleman was equally supportive.