Click here for general information about – as well as special benefits available to Seven Stars cardholders at – Caesars Rewards casinos in Atlantic City.
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. You'll arrive close to the front desk, and won't have to drag your belongings through the casino from the parking garage.
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. 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.
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
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, the Seven Stars Lounge (the former Veracruz), 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
Until the governor changes his mandate, Harrah's must operate at 25 percent capacity: Capacity of gaming floor: 14,716 | Capacity at 25%: 3,679
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.
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 AC Bar & Grill: Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, Martorano's Italian Restaurant Atlantic City, Oshi Modern Asian Kitchen, Caffe Tazza, 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.
More casual options include AC Burger Co., Starbucks and Caffe Tazza. The former Sammy D's has reopened as AC Bar & Grill: 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.
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 at Gordon Ramsay Steak and Martorano's.
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. 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 has one of Atlantic City's two Seven Stars Lounges. [The other is located at Caesars.] During major casino events, it can become very crowded – especially at lunchtime on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as cocktail hour. Fridays: 4 to 10:30 p.m. Saturdays: 2 to 10:30 p.m.
Sundays: Noon to 7 p.m.
Laurel Lounge (formerly the Diamond Lounge)
The Laurel Lounge is an alternative to the Seven Stars Lounge, or when it is not open.
The lounge, temporarily located in Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, 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.
Hours (subject to change): Sunday: 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday: Closed Fridays and Saturdays: 2 to 10 p.m. 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 admission charge for Diamond cardholders, but admission is complimentary for Diamond Plus, Diamond Elite and Seven Stars cardholders.
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? Atlantic City is a premier destination for "locals" throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. With three 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., at Caesars.
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. 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 Holding, Caesars Entertainment Inc., Caesars License Company, LLC, Caesars Enterprise Services, LLC ("Caesars Entertainment") 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.
■ The direct number to Harrah's is 609-441-5000.
Floor Plans
(click to enlarge)
■ 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.
■ 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.
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■ 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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