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Caesars New Orleans recently completed a $325 million renovation, including:
A new 340-room hotel tower above the existing casino valet porte cochère.
New culinary and hospitality offerings within the casino.
Additional development of the unoccupied area on the second floor of the casino.
Full exterior and interior architectural and design enhancements.
Caesars New Orleans
(click any image to enlarge)
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.
Hotel overviewHarrah's New Orleans is the "Ritz Carlton"/"Four Seasons" of the Caesars hotel chain. And, unlike most casino hotels, this is a stand-alone property. To get to the casino, you need to walk across the street or take the underground passageway accessed through a courtyard to another building. There is not always a separate Seven Stars check-in, but generally there is an employee in the lobby who will direct you to the next available clerk. Front desk clerks are attired in crisply contemporary brown suits, and are extremely professional. The enthusiastic greeting guests receive when they walk in or walk out would be almost cloying if it weren't so sincere. These folks actually seem like they're happy and proud to have you as their guest! The concierge staff is as professional and knowledgeable as the finest concierges in any four- or five-star hotel.
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.
■ Due to the national coin shortage, for a limited time, Harrah's will convert your coins to bills at no charge. The coin redemption machine is located at the Main Cashier.
■ Harrah's has partnerships with a number of nearby restaurants (some in the casino or hotel, or across the street) and attractions. For a oomplete list, click here.
■ While Seven Stars and Diamond cardholders are exempt, Harrah's charges a daily Resort Fee of $17.09. (You can use Reward Credits to pay this fee.) The fee includes:
complimentary WiFi for up to two devices.
free local and toll-free number calls.
access to the Fitness Room on the second floor, below. Use your room key for 24-hour access.
Valet parking is complimentary for Seven Stars and Diamond guests, though there is no sign indicating such.
The only amenity the hotel really could use is a first-class spa. However, there is a small fitness center, accessible with your room key.
Hotel guestrooms
Guestrooms are large and include a coffee-maker and small refrigerator. There are lovely views of the city or river from every direction. The corner suites are particularly large and comfortable, and include a sitting area the size of most standard rooms. They're furnished with a table and four chairs, a flat screen TV (even larger than the one in the bedroom), a large curved sectional sofa, a comfortable chair, and wet bar. The bedroom closet – more an armoire which has pretty limited space – contains robes for use during your stay, and the large bathroom has double sinks, a shower, bathtub, and separate private toilet. While newspapers are not delivered each day, ask at the concierge desk and you can get a complimentary paper (subject to availability).
Three "smoker friendly" outdoor gaming areas are open at Harrah's. One is located by the Casino Valet entrance on Canal Street, another is located next to the food court, and the third is located on South Peters Street. The outdoor gaming areas were added for the convenience and benefit of gamblers who smoke. In January 2015 the New Orleans City Council passed a ban on smoking in casinos. The ban went into effect April 22, 2015. Just like indoors, there is slot service, beverage service, TVs and music.
And, while all three areas have slot machines, the Canal Street area offers baccarat and blackjack. To make things even more comfortable, Harrah's has the ability to pump cool air through the slot bases when it's warm outside and they have added heat lamps to the area to warm things up when it gets a little chilly.
access to concierge services.
Casino overviewThe large casino is very atmospheric. However, it's very dark to give the feeling that you're outdoors at night. Periodically in the evening a colorfully costumed band parades through the facility playing dixieland jazz. The casino offers all the standard table games and the usual slots. Dealers, slot attendants and servers all are extremely friendly and helpful.
If you require host service, there is a desk in the High Limit table games area.
access to the Business Center, above, on the second floor. Use your room key for 24-hour access.
Harrah’s Signature Bar is located on the casino floor next to the Poydras Street entrance. The bar features specialty cocktails and top-shelf liquors paired with fine cigars. In addition, you’ll find 11 video poker machines and six 40-inch televisions lining the bar.
■ If you opt out of housekeeping services during your stay (minimum two-night stay), Harrah's will credit your account with 500 Reward Credits ($5!) per stay. 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.
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
■ Stop by the Caesars Rewards Center and join the Locals Lagniappe Club for special discounts and other benefits.
ParkingSelf-parking in a convenient garage adjacent to the casino is complimentary for all Caesars Rewards cardholders. (See graphic for instructions on how to print your voucher.) The parking garage is around the corner from the hotel.
Entertainment
Live Nation has opened The Fillmore in the second story of Harrah’s. The multimillion-dollar venue for concerts and other live performances has a standing-room capacity of 2,200 people. The space is partially modeled on the original Fillmore West in San Francisco. Fillmore-branded venues already operate in Charlotte, Detroit, Miami, Philadelphia and other cities. Live Nation also owns and operates the House of Blues chain.
Shopping
Harrah's has a number of shops in the casino. All accept Reward Credits at a 1:1 ratio, i.e., 100 RCs = $1. Or pay cash and take advantage of tier status discounts.
Crislu - Known primarily for their sparkling cubic zirconia jewelry, Crislu's colorful collections include: Micro Pave Rose Gold Amethyst, Micro Luxe, Radiant Gems, and Aquamarine. Crislu is located across from Essentials gift shop near the Poydras Street entrance.
Essentials Gift Shop - Essentials features a selection of brand name products from Betsy Johnson, Rioni, Fossil, Jimmy Crystal to Raybans, as well as other fine collectibles, apparel and jewelry. The shop also carries Mardi Gras gift items, as well as Harrah’s and World Series of Poker® logo merchandise. In addition, a variety of beverages, snacks, and other sundries is also available. Essentials is located near the Poydras Street entrance. [There is a second Essentials on Fulton Street, right, in the location formally occupied by Aidan Gill For Men.]
Swarovski - Located next to the Theatre entrance, this specialty shop sells hundreds of crystal sculptures, signature jewelry pieces, collectibles, figurines, accessories and home décor, all bearing the iconic Swarovski swan logo.
■ Forgot or lost your Caesars Rewards card? You can reprint your card just by using your driver's license here:
■ Because they're located on the casino floor, the Buffet at Harrah's, The Steakhouse and the Cafes on Canal are open only to guests 21 and older.
Uniquely NOLA - In place of The Gift Box, Harrah's has opened Uniquely NOLA – products, clothing and memorabilia unique to New Orleans, including an array of Southern-inspired gifts, home décor and souvenirs. The shop – located near the Canal Street entrance – sells seasonal gifts, sports-themed items, nostalgic Southern pieces and tastefully themed Mardi Gras merchandise.
Special Seven Stars benefits*
The concierge will print your airline boarding pass and check you in online, if applicable.
Seven Stars cardholders and their guests receive a $1 discount at the buffet.
Seven Stars LoungeThere is no Seven Stars Lounge, but there is a Laurel Lounge (formerly Palm Room) located in the High Limit table games area.Seven Stars cardholders do not get priority entrance and may bring up to three guests; Diamond cardholders may bring one guest. Seven Stars companion cardholders may be admitted, but unless they are Diamond cardholders in their own right, they will not be served any alcoholic beverages.
No more standing in line at the Caesars Rewards Center.
■ There is a $6.99 per transaction fee to use the ATMs.
■ As an alternative to Harrah's breakfast buffet, try Poydras & Peters(formerly Café Adelaide), across the street at Loews New Orleans Hotel.
The lounge offers a buffet that generally includes a soup and/or salad, entree (baked chicken, blackened chicken, pulled pork), starch (pasta primavera, macaroni and cheese, baked beans), dessert (cookies, cannoli, etc.), and sometimes cheese cubes and crackers.To be perfectly candid, the ambience is not terribly pleasant, depending on how busy the lounge is. The room is very small compared to most Laurel Lounges, the ceiling very low, and the "background" music way too loud. Frequently, one or two (or more) noisy guests standing by and sitting at the bar can disturb the entire room, and management seems to be reluctant to say anything. That said, the entire staff at the Laurel Lounge goes out of its way to be welcoming and accommodating.
I'll drink to this!
Aside from the complimentary drinks on the casino floor, Seven Stars cardholders can get up to eight complimentary cocktails per day; Diamond cardholders are limited to four cocktails per party. Simply present your players card to the bartender either at Masquerade, the Signature Bar or Hoodoo Cocktail Lounge.
Alternatively, when it's open, you can use some of your drinks at the Laurel Lounge. For example a Seven Stars cardholder and a guest may each have two cocktails in the Laurel Lounge, then one each at the Signature Bar, and still have two more in the "bank". A couple where one is Seven Stars and the other is Diamond would have 12 cocktails a day available to them. Two Seven Stars cardholders would have 16 drinks available during a gaming day.
While Poydras & Peters doesn't accept Reward Credits directly, you can get a voucher from the casino at 2:1 (see below). Prices are reasonable and portions are generous. The ambience and service also contribute to a relaxing way to start the day.
■ If you're staying in the hotel, another [expensive!] alternative to the breakfast buffet is Room Service.
■ 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, Phoenix and Tunica – and perhaps others – are among those with similar policies.
■ Learn about all the benefits of Caesars Rewards and the play by TR app and receive $20 in free slot play or a complimentary buffet. Presentations take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (blackout dates may apply). Visit the Caesars Rewards Center for more details or to sign-up. Participants must be Caesars Rewards cardholders, and download and log-in to the play by TR app to receive the slot play or buffet, and they're limited to one per person.
■ As far as I can determine Harrah’s New Orleans is the only casino that will allow you to redeem Reward Credits (2:1) to reimburse you for your airfare. Go to VIP Services in the High Limit area to process your request.
■ Both Gordon Biersch and Grand Isle Seafood Restaurant will allow you to charge meals (but not any gratuity) to your hotel room if you're staying at Harrah’s. They also accept Quick Rewards; however, Reward Credits are accepted at 2:1.
■ Federally-taxable jackpots of $1,200 or more also are subject to a mandatory six percent Louisiana state income tax – withheld even if you are not a Louisiana resident. Nonresidents must file a Louisiana state income tax form in order to recoup this, probably not worth the time and expense unless you have substantial winnings in a calendar year..
■ Harrah’s partners with certain area restaurants, attractions and services. Using Reward Credits at these partners is at a ratio of 2:1 and players must obtain vouchers in advance. View or download the latest list by clicking here. If you’re interested in the program, visit VIP Services in the High Limits area.
■ Did you know that there’s a bowling alley just steps from the hotel and casino at Harrah’s New Orleans? Fulton Street Alley is actually more than a 12-lane bowling facility. Inside you’ll find a bar and restaurant featuring craft cocktails and a Southern American-influenced menu. Moreover, you can use your Reward Credits (at 2:1) to cover your bill. Check it out here.
■ Click here for an "Insider's Guide to New Orleans" from the website "Inside Outside Travel." Neither Harrah's New Orleans nor the Seven Stars Insider has any connection with this site, but the Seven Stars Insider is providing this link as a service to its readers.
■ Click here for an article in The New York Times. The paper named New Orleans one of "52 Places to Go in 2018." Neither Harrah's New Orleans nor the Seven Stars Insider has any connection with The Times, but the Seven Stars Insider is providing this link as a service to its readers.
Here are the current hours (subject to change):
Monday - Thursday: 4 to 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 4 p.m. to midnight
Sunday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Should you choose this for your Annual Retreat?
If you've never been to New Orleans, or are a real fan of the this city, this is the place to go. Note, however, that, instead of a $500 hotel folio credit, you will receive 50,000 Reward Credits deposited into your Caesars Rewards account approximately two days prior to your arrival. You can use these credits while you are in New Orleans or anytime/anywhere in the future.Ruth's Chris Steak House New Orleans has a location in the hotel (accepting Rewards Credits at 3:1, i.e., 3,000 Reward Credits = $10 instead of the usual $20!); Gordon Biersch and Grand Isle Seafood Restaurant across the street accept Reward Credits, but at a 2:1 ratio – meaning 2,000 Reward Credits = $10 instead of the usual $20. (Note that Grand Isle imposes an automatic 20 percent service charge on your bill.) Acme Oyster House in the casino has closed.
In terms of other dining options: The Steakhouse New Orleans (formerly BH Steak, formerly Besh Steak) is and the Buffet at Harrah's are located in the casino and Manning's Sports Bar and Grill is located on Fulton Street outside the hotel. [Note that, while Reward Credits are accepted at Manning's, they're at a ratio of 2:1. However, you can use your Celebration Dinner "certificate(s)" 1:1, e.g., $100=$100.] Alternatively, you can pay directly with your Caesars Rewards card or sign the charge to your room if you're staying at Harrah's.
In addition, look for the Cafes on Canal (Starbucks, Fuddrucker's and McAlister's Select) in the casino, all of which accept Quick Rewards® (but at 2:1).
Forget what you’ve heard about Mother’s Restaurant, about a block from Harrah’s. If my experience is any example, I wouldn’t recommend it. My breakfast arrived cold on a plate so small the food was falling off the side. Gotta give them credit, though, for their biscuits and raspberry jam. Out of this world!
For a quick breakfast snack or beverage, try 501 Coffee just inside the entrance to the passageway leading from the garage to the casino. For tacos, frozen margaritas, chips and queso and more, try 2geauXpress Cantina next to The Steakhouse.At Royal Noodle Bar guests can enjoy authentic Asian specialties including Beef Pho and Seafood Ramen from the noodle cart located by The Buffet adjacent to Harrah's Theatre.
Reward Credits are accepted at each of these locations 1:1.
Next to the Poker Room is Lucky Dogs hot dog stand; however, note that you cannot use Reward Credits here – just credit cards.
*subject to change, revision or cancellation
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®.
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