Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
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Click here for general information about – as well as special benefits available to Seven Stars cardholders at – Caesars Rewards casinos in Atlantic City.
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
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Overview
Rooms at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Hotel & Casino are located in five different towers. The Waterfront Tower is the newest, followed by the Bayview Tower, Marina Tower, Atrium Suites and the recently renovated Coastal Tower (formerly the Harbour Tower).
The "light show" on the exterior of the Waterfront Tower was originally a dazzling, signature addition to the Atlantic City casino scene, but now it's gotten a little too "self-promotional" and some of the images don't translate well in lights (especially faces).
Fees and Taxes - Harrah's adds a $32.21 (which includes a 14 percent state tax) per day resort fee to all room rates, whether for a paid or complimentary stay. The resort fee includes standard Internet access for up to two devices per room, unlimited local phone calls and a $5 voucher toward parking. Seven Stars and Diamond cardholders are exempt from the fee and get all the benefits.
In addition, some guests are responsible for $5 in additional taxes and fees, and sales and occupancy taxes are additional on all paid rooms.
Parking - Complimentary self-parking – look for the dedicated Seven Stars parking area (see below) – is in a garage across the street, so if you have lots of luggage, or the weather is bad, use the complimentary valet parking (when it's available). You'll arrive close to the front desk, and won't have to drag your belongings through the casino from the parking garage. Complimentary valet parking for Seven Stars and Diamond cardholders is available only from 1 p.m. Fridays to 2 p.m. Mondays. After hours, call Security to retrieve your vehicle.
Insider Information
NOTE: All shows, events and deadlines are subject to postponement or cancellation due to temporary casino closings and/or safety and health measures implemented by the state.
This casino is equipped with Caesars proprietary Total Touch system that allows customers to order drinks, redeem free play, check their Caesars Rewards account balances, and receive real-time offers based on play.
■ Joining buffets at other Caesars casinos around the country, Harrah’s has introduced Buffet To-Go. For $15.99 you get one container to fit anything the Waterfront Buffet has to offer. The price includes one soft drink.
■ The direct number to Harrah's is 609-441-5000.
Harrah's has installed kiosks near the front desk to speed-up check-in and check-out.
When you're ready to retrieve your car from valet go to the Waterfront/Bayview Tower – not where you dropped off your car. Seven Stars cardholders get priority service, usually "guaranteed" at seven minutes or less.Outside where you retrieve your car Harrah's has installed a nifty video screen so you can watch the progress of your car. Each vehicle is assigned a number based on tier score, e.g., Seven Stars is 1, Diamond is 2, etc. Match the number on the screen with the number on your claim check. In addition, Seven Stars cardholders may self-park daily at no charge on the first floor of the Valet Garage. Show your valid Seven Stars players card at the entrance.
Harrah's also has a special Seven Stars parking area in the self-park garage. The area is gated, so you need to insert a valid Seven Stars players card for access. The problem is that, on frequent visits, the gate is permanently open so anyone can park there.
Floor Plans
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■ If you opt out of housekeeping services during your stay (minimum two-night stay), Harrah's will give you a $10 per day food and beverage credit. You still can request additional towels or other amenities, but your bathroom will not be cleaned, bed made, etc. If you didn’t get a pre-arrival email asking you to opt-in, just let the front desk know when you check-in.
■ Forgot or lost your Caesars Rewards card? You can reprint your card just by using your driver's license here:
Hotel overviewVIP Check-in has returned to its original location to the right of Caffe Tazza. Previously, it had been located in a small room to the left of the front desk, adjacent to the lobby bar. While hours always are subject to change, currently the hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
VIP Registration at Harrah's
The kiosks are located near the Caesars Rewards Center.
Rooms all are being brought up to new standards with flat screen TVs, new furniture, updated bathrooms, etc. (Strangely, many of the bathrooms don't have soap dishes – which makes a bit of a mess.) All rooms also have coffeemakers and small refrigerators, and wireless Internet connections are relatively strong.
Rooms in the Atrium Suites Tower are more like those in an Embassy Suites. They have a separate "living area" and a sofa which opens into an additional bed, but the living area can be a bit dark since there are no windows to the outside.
■ Based on two breakfasts at AC Bar & Grill: Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, I can safely say that most entrées are large enough to share – especially The Coastal Breakfast ($20) which includes two pancakes, two slices of toast, two sausages, two strips of bacon, two eggs and potatoes. Oh, and before you order the French Toast ($15), note that the word “Seasonal” precedes it. One weekend, instead of just plain French toast, it was made with peanut butter and jelly. Yuk! (You can order "regular" French toast if the special doesn't appeal to you.)
■ McCormick & Schmick's (M&S) and Caffe Tazza accept Reward Credits, but at a 2:1 ratio, i.e., 1,000 Rewards Credits = $5. Alternatively, if you have comp dollars earned through Golden Nugget's 24K Select Club you can use them at M&S.
■ There is a $5.99 per transaction fee to use the ATMs.
■ You no longer have to use all your free slot play at one machine. Let’s say you download $50, have a big win and decide your machine isn’t going to hit again for a while. You’re no longer stuck playing the balance of what you downloaded. Simply remove your Caesars Rewards card from the machine, and any unused free slot play will automatically be re-deposited back into your bank. Caesars casinos in Baltimore, Cherokee, Hammond, New Orleans, Phoenix and Tunica – and perhaps others – are among those with similar policies.
■ To get information about the Laurel Lounge, call 609-441-5000. When the operator answers ask to be connected to the Laurel Lounge. Press Option 1 for the day's menu, 2 for the hours of operation or 3 to speak to a Lounge host.
The newly remodeled Bayview Tower has brighter hallways and nicely designed rooms. Amenities are identical to those in the Waterfront Tower.
Perhaps it's the dark and drab decor, but some of the "regular" rooms in the Waterfront Tower seem much smaller than the other towers. Rooms on higher floors are somewhat larger. The bathroom is particularly small no matter what floor you're assigned. While there is a huge shower and a separate toilet "room," the single sink offers precious little space for one's personal toilet articles. Amenities (shampoo, conditioner, soaps, etc.) just sit next to a "naked" box of tissues and two plastic-wrapped paper cups. You'll find the ice bucket (assuming it's not missing, as it was on several of my visits) and "glasses" (two more paper cups) on the dresser.
The dark dreary hallways, left, are worse. With their ugly brown and orange color scheme, they look like they're permanently decorated for Halloween; the carpeting is equally unattractive and looks like it has been thoughtfully "pre-soiled."
The Harbour Tower has been remodeled and renamed the Coastal Tower. The decor is very attractive – especially the bathroom with its roomy, but impractical, shower (no door, nothing to hold on to, or place to put a towel nearby), but the lighting is terrible.
Apparently, though, no one thought about the fact that some guests sit at the desk to use laptops and other electronic devices. To plug in your laptop, you must unplug something else– like the coffeemaker. Even then, you'll have to get down on the floor to accomplish the task. There also is very little room between the bed(s) and the desk, and the heating/cooling vent blasts hot/cold air right over the bed.
The furnishings are completed by an uncomfortable and unattractive chaise.
Probably the smallest, i.e., narrowest, of Harrah's room inventory, the room reminded me of a cruise ship cabin.
One other thing to consider: location, location, location. If you want to be close to the casino, most of the restaurants, the sportsbook, and the Third Floor Ballrooms (where many events and gift giveaways take place), the Coastal Tower is your best bet. On the other hand, if you are attending an event at the Waterfront Conference Center and/or want to be close to The Pool, the Fitness Center, AC Bar & Grill: Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, Starbucks, The Waterfront Buffet, Caffe Tazza, and the front desk, then you should consider the Waterfront or Bayview Towers or the Marina Tower.
Fitness Center - Harrah’s has a Fitness Center near The Pool. It’s open 24 hours and free for hotel guests. Use your room key for access.
Casino overview
Atlantic City law requires all casinos to designate at least 75 percent of gaming space as "non-smoking." The large sprawling casino has a very contemporary feel. There is no "theme" per se, just clean lines, and lots of marble and dark woods. Dealers, slot attendants and servers all are extremely friendly and helpful. In addition to a full complement of slots and video poker (including a separate high limit area called Diamond Cove), the casino has table games, as well as separate high limit and Asian gaming areas.
The William Hill Sportsbook has nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of space. There are TVs across almost every wall and extra plush seating all around. The sportsbook also features food options from the AC Burger Company.
For groups looking to enjoy the games, the sportsbook has two Fan Caves that can hold up to 10 people. The caves provide a more private and upgraded viewing experience and include table service.
To reserve a seat or a Fan Cave, customers must complete a form on Harrah’s website or call 609-441-5800.
Caesars Rewards cardholders earn one Reward Credit and one tier credit for every $10 they bet, but it can take up to 24 hours to register.
■ If you're not using Reward Credits and want to get credit for your purchases, you'll need to charge everything to your room, or take your receipt to the Caesars Rewards Center.
WSOP Poker Room
Harrah’s World Series of Poker-branded Poker Room opens daily at noon and closes at 4 a.m. To encourage social distancing, seating is limited to eight per table and polycarbonate dividers separate players, who must wear masks.
Food and drink
Food and beverage options include Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, Martorano's Italian Restaurant Atlantic City, Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen, Caffe Tazza, The Waterfront Buffet, AC Burger Co., Pin-Up Pizza, Atlantic City Sub & Sandwich Shop: Guy's Sammich Joint, Starbucks, The Pool, Gordon Ramsay Steak (the former Steakhouse), Rum Point Crab House, The Baywalk and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant.
■ If you're dining at Martorano's on a Friday and Saturday, remember that, at 9:30, it turns into a "club" – complete with loud, pulsating music and flashing lights. Not conducive to a relaxing dinner.
■ The Hertz Car Rental counter, located next to the Bell Captain, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The counter is closed on Sundays. Phone number is 609-441-5522.
McCormick & Schmick's is very good. If you're going to become a "regular" be sure to join the frequent diner's club – Landry's Select Club. The cost is $25, but, in turn, you'll receive a $25 coupon you can use at any Landry's restaurant, plus two more coupons good for up to a $40 entree – one for you, and one for your companion (but you must sign up a companion to get both of these). Each will arrive about 30 days before your birthday(s) and are good for up to six months.
Somewhere between "fine dining" and casual is Martorano's, described on Harrah's website as "upscale Italian". It's not cheap, and there's a "no substitutions" policy. In addition, food is delivered when it's ready, so don't count on everyone's entrees arriving at the same time. Most objectionable – at least to me – are the video screens throughout the restaurant that show closed-captioned R-rated movies (think Pulp Fiction) that are filled with dialog peppered with the N-word and F-word, and some pretty graphic descriptions of sex acts. After 9:30 p.m. Martorano's becomes a "disco" of sorts with a mirror ball and a DJ. (See "Inside Information" elsewhere on this page.)
The Waterfront Buffet offers Buffet To-Go. Excluding lobster and crab, if it fits in the box and it closes, you can get it. Breakfast is $15.99 and dinner is $18.99. A "Buffet Package" – $24.99 – includes a dessert box, and all boxes include a non-alcoholic beverage.
More casual options include AC Burger Co., Starbucks and Caffe Tazza. The Waterfront Buffet (which really doesn't face water at all) deserves special mention if for nothing else than the size and scope of its menu. The former Sammy D's has reopened as Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, and Pin-Up Pizza and Guy's Sammich Joint have replaced Deli No. 4 and the Pizza Joint. The newest additions to the drinking and dining scene are The Lobby Bar and Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen.
Located next to hotel registration, The Lobby Bar, left, features wine by the glass – both pricey and moderate, craft and “regular” beers, and a cocktail menu (“Evolution – Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of the Perfect Cocktail”) which lists drinks you’ve probably never heard of – or will ever order.Other options are the Eden Lounge and X Bar (Xhibition Bar), as well as the bars at Gordon Ramsay Steak and Martorano's.
The PoolCheck The Pool's website for current operating hours and admission policies.
There also is Family Pool, Arcade & Fun Center open seasonally beginning Memorial Day Weekend.
The Spa at Harrah's
Click here for available services and current operating hours.
Caesars Rewards Center
The Caesars Rewards Center is open – hours always subject to change – from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to midnight on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays.
Special Seven Stars benefits*
While there is a 10 percent check-cashing fee, Seven Stars cardholders get the fee back in the form of free play. In other words, if you want $1,000, your checking account will be debited $1,100, but you’ll get $1,000 in cash and $100 in free play.
There is special reserved Seven Stars parking in the self-park garage. As you enter the garage, don't make a sharp left; instead head toward the second "entrance" and continue up to the second floor. Even though the gate is frequently broken, i.e., open, if it's not, you'll need to use your Caesars Rewards card for access.
Seven Stars Lounge
Harrah’s transformed the former Temptations into Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen. The opening hours are tied to the hours of The Pool.
Harrah's has one of Atlantic City's three Seven Stars Lounges. It's located toward the rear of the Diamond Cove high limit slots area next to the cashier. During major casino events, it can become very crowded – especially at lunchtime on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as cocktail hour. There is a small bar and comfortable seating, but many times seats go empty because there are too many tables and groupings for four, when parties of two are more the norm. Unlike the Atlantic City Laurel Lounges (formerly Diamond Lounges), which feature buffets, the Seven Stars Lounge offers guests menus with a limited selection of appetizers (a cheese plate, assorted dry snacks, shrimp cocktail, etc.), sandwiches, soups, "small plates" and desserts. Hours vary seasonally, but it is generally open later than the Laurel Lounge. Click here for current operating hours.
Laurel Lounge (formerly the Diamond Lounge)
The Laurel Lounge is an alternative to the Seven Stars Lounge, or when it is not open. It has a small bar [look for Debbie† (her nametag says Deborah and she won a "Best Bartender" award in 2014 – there's a photo and plaque above the bar) and Magee. They're among Harrah's best and friendliest bartenders, and they really watch out for their customers, often stepping out from behind the bar to take orders or help clean tables.
The buffet menu consists of cold cuts, salads, soup, desserts and at least two, if not three, hot entrées.
Did you ask? I didn't.
Seven Stars cardholders are now limited to one guest – previously three – plus their Companion cardholder. Cardholders who earned 500,000 or more tier credits last year or this year may continue to bring up to three guests.
The lounge offers priority entrance to Seven Stars cardholders (though you'll have to "push" yourself to the head of the line), and allows up to three additional guests (two more than Diamond cardholders). If there are others waiting to get in, simply walk in the lounge and present your card to the host. At extremely busy times when there is often a long line – especially when the lounge first opens, a host will be stationed at the door monitoring "traffic". Again, simply show your card to him/her, and you will receive immediate entrance.
Drinks may be taken out of the club, but only after being decanted into plastic cups available at the door.
Click here for current operating hours.
NOTE: There is a 10 comp dollar (1,000 Reward Credits) per person admission charge for Diamond cardholders, but admission is complimentary for Diamond Plus, Diamond Elite and Seven Stars cardholders.
Getting around Atlantic City
The Caesars Rewards Shuttle now includes Tropicana Atlantic City on its route. The circuit makes stops at Gate 11 in Caesars bus terminal, at the outside entrance to Harry's Oyster Bar at Bally's, outside Harrah's casino entrance on Harrah's Boulevard, and at the Tropicana Transportation Center in spots 6, 7 and 8. The shuttle runs Sunday to Tuesday and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Riders must have a valid Caesars Rewards card and ID. Cardholders may bring one guest. Seven Stars cardholders get priority boarding. Other restrictions apply.
Getting to the casino from the airport
If you're unable to get complimentary transportation, in addition to taxis, which run about $35, there are a number of private car and limousine services. For assistance call Operations at ext. 2002 from the courtesy phone at the taxi service desk, between baggage claim and the terminal exit.
Rideshare is available through UBER and LYFT.
Should you choose this for your Annual Retreat?
Atlantic City is a premier destination for "locals" throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. With two other Caesars properties in town (Caesars and Tropicana), The Playground across from Caesars, spa treatments, and relaxing on the beach (weather permitting), it would be easy to spend four nights (and $500) here – especially since you can "cross charge" to your room any meals, spa treatments, etc. With its huge year-round indoor pool, beautifully landscaped with tropical flowers and palms, it's certainly a viable alternative to the two Boardwalk venues.
In addition, Harrah's showroom, The Concert Venue, is often home to solo entertainers (Vanessa Williams, Tony Bennett, Jay Leno), "tribute shows" such as Beatlemania, and touring Broadway musicals (Hairspray, The Producers, Movin' Out) – but in their 90-minute, one-act format. Shows and concerts also take place at The Waterfront.
Harrah's also has a number of retail outlets, as well as a Viking Cooking School.
When you check-in, be sure to verify that your $500 comp account has been set-up. Alcohol charged to the room counts toward your $500 in expenses, but not gratuities for meals and spa treatments. Best advice is to keep all your receipts until you settle your final bill.
There are many direct and connecting flights into Atlantic City's local airport (15 minutes from the Boardwalk), but many guests fly into Philadelphia International Airport and either rent a car or arrange limousine service. One advantage to having a car is the ability to make a day trip to charming Cape May, or many of the other nearby Jersey Shore attractions. While round-trip airport transportation to your destination property is included as part of your Seven Stars trip, Caesars will not credit you the cost of this toward your rental car. Another option would be to take a limo from the airport, then rent a car in Atlantic City for a day or two, returning the car before your departure. Other than a Hertz outlet here at Harrah's Resort, rental cars are available only at the Atlantic City airport.
*subject to change, revision or cancellation
†employee may no longer work at subject property or be unavailable due to his/her specific work schedule
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