Travel Fanboy

Harrah’s Las Vegas: Review

It’s taken me a while to come around on Harrah’s. I used to avoid the place. Yes, it’s in a great location and has low limits, but it didn’t have a “wow factor” to keep me coming back. I gave the hotel a chance on my Trip Report: VIMFP trip. Most of my time was spent downtown, so I was looking for a single cheap night on the Strip. I was offered an unbeatable rate after logging into my TR account.  This was despite not gambling much at TR properties. It pays to log in and just see what’s available.

My timing for check-in wasn’t ideal, as I arrived right at check-in time. Amateur move on my part- I was more a victim of circumstance. I like to jump in line early and avoid this mess. Despite the crowd, it moved quickly. An employee was walking around handing out bottled water to guests waiting, which was a nice touch. I may have tipped her if it was beer.

I was put in a basic room in the Mardi Gras Tower. It’s a bit dated, but clean and had a decent view of the pool and high roller. When I spend less than $80 on a room, I’m just hoping for something other than a dumpster to look at. The room reminds me of a “before” walkthrough on an episode of House Hunters. There’s no real touch of modern here.

The bathroom features a single vanity and a shower curtain that matches the curtains on the windows. There’s no escaping the reddish/brownish tinge of yesteryear.

The dining options at Harrah’s aren’t altogether exciting. Toby Kieth’s, Ruth’s Chris, Flavors Buffet, and the aptly named Oyster Bar round out your potential culinary adventure. My favorite spot was video poker bar at Fulton Food Hall. Breakfast and VP? Absolutely. The VP bars here have the green light/red light system. It didn’t impede the flow of drinks. Normal, max play will still yield consistent drink offers.

I don’t gamble at Harrah’s much, if at all. This is partially because I can find better craps nearby at Cromwell and better blackjack across the street at TI. I also don’t feel very comfortable in the casino. It’s not unsafe or anything, I just find that it’s an odd layout and overshadowed by better options nearby. One standout is the spacious, renovated sportsbook.

Despite my qualms with the casino, It’s still a resort I consider again. Harrah’s offers consistently low rates in a great location. Stay here, dine and play elsewhere.

Simple Center Strip
  • Room
  • Casino
  • Service
  • Location
  • Low roller friendly
3.9

VFB Takeaway

Low limit tables, but are mostly 6:5 at the $5 threshold. Simple rooms, a bathtub sized pool, and limited dining options. But, it’s an unbeatable location at a great price.

Travel Fanboy

Adam is the editor of TravelFanboy.com and CheapskateVegas.com. Beyond being the world's most famous travel influencer, he's passionate about reckless points and miles pursuits. Formerly of Vegas Fanboy fame.

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