Click here for general information about – as well as special benefits available to Seven Stars cardholders at – Caesars Rewards casinos in Atlantic City.
 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. You'll arrive close to the front desk, and won't have to drag your belongings through the casino from the parking garage.
 Harrah's has installed kiosks near the front desk to speed-up check-in and check-out. 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. 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 player card for access. The problem is that, on frequent visits, the gate is permanently open so anyone can park there.  VIP Registration at Harrah's  VIP 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.
 Harrah's participates in the Pet Stay program. Click here for details.
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.
 The newly remodeled Bayview Tower has brighter hallways and nicely designed rooms. Amenities are identical to those in the Waterfront Tower. 
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.
 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 Book, the Laurel Lounge, the Third Floor Ballrooms (where many events and gift giveaways take place), and the Poker Room, 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, Mynd (formerly the Red Door Salon & Spa), 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 between The Pool and Mynd. 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 sportsbook at Harrah's remains closed until further notice.  With the legalization of sports betting in New Jersey, Harrah’s has opened its sportsbook, The Book, in the area across from the Caesars Rewards Center where the Royal Derby horse racing game took up the center of the floor. The Book has nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of space. There are TVs across almost every wall and extra plush seating all around. The Book also features food options from the AC Burger Company.  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. Food and drink Food and beverage options include Veracruz, AC Bar & Grill: Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, Martorano's, Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen, Caffe Tazza, The Waterfront Buffet, AC Burger Co., Pin-Up Pizza, Guy's Sammich Joint, Starbucks, The Pool (lunch only), Gordon Ramsay Steak (the former Steakhouse) and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant.  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.
  The newest additions to the drinking and dining scene are a lobby bar and lounge (the bar has no "official" name, but it's known by its Twitter hashtag #barwithnoname) and Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen.  Other options are the Eden Lounge and X Bar (Xhibition Bar), as well as the bars at Gordon Ramsay Steak, Veracruz and Martorano's.
Harrah’s transformed the former Temptations into Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen. You might remember Oshi from Showboat, but Armiyanot “Harry” is no longer the chef. The opening hours are tied to the hours of The Pool.
Check 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.
Mynd Spa & Salon  It's still somewhat of a disappointing experience for men. In the men's "grooming area" there
are only two sinks, and the lighting is so bad, it's like shaving in the dark. (Assuming it was a man, whoever designed the lighting should be forced to shave there for a month.) Add to that one of the "wimpiest" Jacuzzis (in terms of jet strength) and it's not the most satisfying way to relax.
The Caesars Rewards Center is open 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.For women, though, the experience is much more positive.
 Harrah's has a small business center in the retail corridor between the Atrium Tower elevators and Caffe Tazza. Services include computer access, printing, scanning, faxing, shipping, etc. 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
 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. 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. Currently, the lounge is open: Friday: 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.*
Saturday: 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.*
Sunday: Noon to 8 p.m.*
*last admittance is 30 minutes prior to closing; last call is 20 minutes prior to closing 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.
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 members). 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.
Hours (subject to change): Monday - Thursday: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.*
Friday: 2 to 11 p.m.*
Saturday: Noon to 11 p.m.*
Sunday: 1 to 8 p.m.*
NOTE: A lighter lunch buffet is served until 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and more substantial fare is served from 5 p.m. weekdays and during opening hours on Saturday and Sunday. Due to special events and holidays, the Laurel Lounge may close or alter its hours some days. NOTE: There is a 10 comp dollar (1,000 Reward Credits) per person per admission charge for Diamond cardholders who did not earn a least 25,000 tier credits last year (January 1 through December 31) or have not earned at least 25,000 tier credits since January 1 this year.
 A complimentary Caesars Rewards Shuttle runs daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The circuit makes stops at the Bally's Bus Center, at Gate 11 in Caesars bus terminal and outside Harrah's casino entrance on Harrah's Boulevard. 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 Harrah's does not provide limo service, in addition to taxis, which run about $35, the Atlantic City Jitney Association offers one-way transportation from the airport to any casino or hotel in the tourist district for $10 per person. The return trip is $10 per person also. There also are a number of private car and limousine services. Should you choose this for your Annual Retreat?  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.
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
Gambling problem? Seven Stars Insider® promotes responsible gambling. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Neither Seven Stars Insider nor http://www.sevenstarsinsider.com is affiliated in any way with Caesars License Company, LLC or Caesars Rewards®. | Inside 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.
 Floor Plans
(click to enlarge)
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Don't try to use one of your monthly food coupons at Guy's Sammich Joint, Pin-Up Pizza or Starbucks at Harrah's. They're not accepted there.
■ 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:
 The kiosks are located near the Caesars Rewards Center.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ Here's a typical Laurel Lounge lunch menu (from Caesars): Several cold salads (shrimp, chicken, tuna, potato), marinated cherry tomatoes with basil and onions, tossed garden greens salad with assorted dressings, hot dogs, two soups (one was chili), a make-your-own-sandwich section with sliced turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and more desserts than anyone should even consider consuming (including sugar-free). And, oh, yes, there’s a self-serve ice cream machine with your choice of vanilla or chocolate (or, for the really daring, you can combine both). Plus, don't forget, for those who choose to imbibe, a full bar
■ 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.
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