Updated:  6/24/17
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City

(click any image to enlarge)

Overview

Rooms at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City are located in five different towers. The Waterfront Tower is the newest, followed by the Bayview Tower, Marina Tower, Atrium Suites and Harbour Tower.

Insider Tip


 VIP Check-In at Harrah’s, above, is now adjacent to the front desk and to the right of the new lobby bar. The space is considerably smaller than the former VIP Check-In, but comparable in size to those at Bally’s and Caesars. It's open 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.

Insider Tip

Participates in the PetStay program.
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 $27 (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.

Insider Tip


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.

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.
Hotel Overview

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. 


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. 


Insider Tip

The direct number to Harrah's is (609) 441-5000.

No matter which tower I've stayed in, it's been my experience that housekeeping is a real problem – especially if you have dust allergies.  On the upper shelves in the Bayview and Waterfront Tower bathrooms I've found everything from laundry tags, safety pins, and matches (in non-smoking rooms!).  The shelves often are full of dust.  Ditto with the tops of picture frames and the wooden rails connecting the legs of the chairs, the sofa, the coffee table and the desk in the room.  Check the tops of the picture frames in the "toilet room" or behind the glass door.  Harrah's either needs to hire taller housekeepers or give them longer dusting wands.

 

Perhaps it's the dark and drab decor, but some of the "regular" rooms in this 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."


Fitness Center - Harrah’s has opened a new Fitness Center between The Pool and The Red Door Salon & Spa.   It’s open 24 hours and free for hotel guests.  Use your room key for access.

 

Casino Overview

Insider Tip

There is a $5.99 per transaction fee to use the ATMs.
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 casino is equipped with Caesars proprietary Total Touch system that allows customers to order drinks, redeem free play, check their Total Rewards account balances, and receive real-time offers based on play.

 

Insider Tip


Don't try to use one of your monthly food coupons at Guy's Sammich Joint at Harrah's. They're not accepted there. However, other food and beverage outlets where they are accepted, but are not included on the coupons, are Guy's BBQ Joint and Dunkin' Donuts at Bally's, and Pin-up Pizza at Harrah's. The Corner Cafe closed last year.
Dining - Food and beverage options include The Steakhouse, Veracruz, Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, Martorano's, Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen, The Waterfront Buffet, AC Burger Co., Pin-up Pizza, Guy's Sammich Joint, Starbucks, The Pool (lunch only), and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant.

The Steakhouse is widely inconsistent with its food and service.  One time the food is terrible and the service is great; another time, the food is great and the service is terrible.  Rarely do both match the standards expected in such an establishment.

Insider TIp

McCormick & Schmick's and Caffe Tazza accept Reward Credits, but at a 2:1 ratio, i.e., 1,000 Rewards Credits = $5.  Alternatively, if you have comps earned from your play at Golden Nugget, you can use them at M&S.
McCormick & Schmick's is also 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". Those who've dined there complain about the prices, and the "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.  After 10 p.m. Martorano's becomes a "disco" of sorts with a mirror ball, a DJ and scenes from "R"-rated movies.


More casual options include AC Burger Co., Veracruz, 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 (the website lists it 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 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.

Insider Tips

Based on two breakfasts over the Memorial Day weekend, I can safely say that most entrées are large enough to share – especially The Longshoreman ($21).  The Longshoreman includes two pancakes, two slices of toast, two sausages, two strips of bacon, two eggs, potatoes, coffee and juice.  Someone at the table next to me ordered the Slim Shady Wrap ($12) and it, too, looked like enough to share.  Omelets ($12) also are large and include cheese and one additional ingredient.  Problem is, those additional ingredients are not listed on the menu and there is no indication how much it will cost if you want more than one.  Turns out my cheddar, tomato and mushroom omelet cost only $1 extra.  Among the other “missing” prices on the menu are coffee ($4), juice, and the cost of fresh fruit if you want it added to the Steel Cut Oatmeal ($8) or Cereal ($6).  he fruit is $2 extra, but I never did find out how much juice is.  Oh, and before you order the French Toast ($15), note that the word “Seasonal” precedes it.   That weekend, instead of just plain French toast, it was made with peanut butter and jelly.   Yuk!   Perhaps a little consideration is in order for the less adventurous breakfast eaters?   And, maybe a waffle could be added to the menu?  Finally, the “oven roasted potatoes” turned out to be slabs of hash brown potatoes like the ones you get at McDonald’s – but without the cute little white paper bag.  Also, don’t believe the hours posted on the website or the blackboard at the restaurant.  Breakfast is served daily until 10, when sandwiches, soups & salads, and an odd assortment of options like deviled eggs, bone marrow, chicken wings, jalapeño poppers, etc., become available, and are added to the regular breakfast menu, and it’s called Brunch.  If you’re leaning to start your day with oatmeal, a pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich, or a breakfast burrito, consider Guy’s Sammich Joint.  The oatmeal at Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar is $8, and the pork roll sandwich and burrito are $14 each.  At Guy’s the oatmeal is $3.95, the pork roll sandwich is $8.95, and the burrito is $9.95.  My guess is that coffee and juice, as well as other items, are probably less too.
Located next to hotel registration, the bar and lounge, 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 in The Steakhouse, Veracruz and Martorano's.
Harrah’s transformed the former Temptations into Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen, right. 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.

The Pool
The Pool is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  There is no charge for hotel guests, $5 for guests staying at Bally's or Caesars, and $10 for all others.  On Thursdays the pool is open from 8 a.m. until midnight, but, after 6 p.m., while there is still no charge for hotel guests, all others pay $5.  On Saturdays the pool opens at 8 a.m.  From noon on, there is a $20 cover charge – even for hotel guests, but, as long as you're inside by noon, there is no charge for hotel guests, $5 for guests staying at Bally's or Caesars, and $10 for all others.  There is never a cover at The Pool for Seven Stars cardholders.

The Red Door Salon & Spa

The fabled Elizabeth Arden institution, The Red Door Salon & Spa, is still somewhat of a disappointing experience for men.

Insider Tip

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 Total Rewards Center.
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.

For women, though, the experience is much more positive.


Total Rewards Center
The Total 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.

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.  You'll need to use your Total Rewards card for access.
 
Seven Stars Lounge
Harrah's Resort has one of Atlantic City's two Seven Stars Lounges.  [The other is located at Caesars.]  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 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 Diamond Lounge.  Currently, the lounge is open:

Thursday: 4 to 10 p.m.*
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
 

Insider Tip

https://sites.google.com/site/sevenstarsinsider/harrah'sresortatlanticcity/Business%20Center.jpg

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.
The Diamond 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] and, depending on the time of day, a buffet consisting of cold cuts, salads, 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.

Insider Tip

Here's a typical 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, cheeses, 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.
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: Noon to 8 p.m.*

NOTE: A lighter lunch buffet is served until 4:45 p.m. and more substantial fare is served from 5 p.m.

Due to special events and holidays, the Diamond Lounge may close or alter its hours some days.

*last admittance is 30 minutes prior to closing; last call is 20 minutes prior to closing

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.
 
 
Getting Around Atlantic City
A complimentary Total Express shuttle runs daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The circuit makes stops at Bally's in front of the outside entrance to Harry's Oyster House (near casino valet), at Gate 11 in Caesars bus terminal and outside Harrah's casino entrance on Harrah's Boulevard.


Riders must have a valid Total 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 $15 per person. There also are a number of private car and limousine services.


Should You Choose This For Your Annual Retreat?

Insider Tip

Additional information about Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore is available at www.MyJerseyShore.com.

Atlantic City is a premier destination for "locals" throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. With two other Caesars properties in town, The Playground across from Bally's and 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., even if they take place at Caesars or Bally's.

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.

 

Insider Tip

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.
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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