Just returned from a 4-night stay at Harveys Lake Tahoe. This visit was our first glimpse at the guest rooms after completion of their renovation project.We've been long-time Harveys guest, our first visit occurring in something like 2004. The standard guest rooms had become tired and worn, long due for an update. Given the challenges with which Caesars has been confronted, we anticipated a modest warm-over of amenities.Upon opening the door to our guest room, we were greeted by all new furnishings and a room full of rich, warm tones. And the bathroom features were impeccably attractive and welcoming. When you combine these improvements with what have always been some of the best views of Lake Tahoe (it's definitely worth paying up for a room above the "treeline"!), I'd vote Harvey's as having the best accommodations available in South Lake Tahoe!COVID-19 adjustments pose some moderate inconveniences: In particular, removal of coffee makers from the room meant vying at times with long lines at Starbucks (not to mention having a quick cup within easy grasp upon first waking). I wish Harveys would provide single-cup Keurig makers, like many other hotels. These are easily wiped down and sanitized by housekeeping, like most any other surface. I wouldn't even object to a modest charge for the coffee pods (or needing to purchase them at the sundry store).Likewise, I understand no longer providing bottled water in the guestrooms, but complimentary water should be available on request at the reception desk. (I see no more health risk in a agent handing me a bottle than receiving the same from a waitress or bartender.)On the dining front, I'll keep my comments cursory. Generally speaking, we find that food quality has declined a bit over the last couple of years. The fare is still satisfactory, but it's been awhile since we've enjoyed an exceptional meal. Frankly, Harvey's/Harrah's could stand an independent review of it's dining franchises, as well as those of its lessors for ideas on how to upscale the quality of their menus without breaking the budget.It's been a couple of years since we've last indulged in the Spa at Harrah's, so I'm not prepared to comment on those facilities, post COVID-19. I'll just say that our past spa visits have proved among the most satisfying that we've enjoyed at any standard hotel property. Facilities are a bit on the basic side for a spa, but are well managed and have yielded some wonderfully relaxing breaks. But where the spa particularly shines is the skill and finesse of their massage staff. My wife and I have been delightfully rejuvenated after an 80-minute session. (I opt for a citrus-spice salt scrub and deep tissue massage.)A stay at Harvey's, surrounded year-round by drop gorgeous beauty, is a recipe for a wonderful getaway.
