This hotel is more of a budget to moderate-priced hotel. There was nothing special about the room, and you could really see the age of the property. The service at this hotel, however, was excellent, and the breakfast buffet is a must. All in all, I would recommend this hotel, but I probably will not stay there again, unless I get the same rates. I got a special offer in the mail.

The best thing about the hotel is the smiling faces who work there. They know how to make you feel welcome. I would recommend this hotel for people on a tight budget, rate permitting. If you pay more than $90 per night, you are paying too much. If you're a high-roller, stay somewhere else, as you wouldn't like it.

It is a little more expensive to stay here, but it is worth it. The rooms are beautiful. I have not slept in a more comfortable bed in my life. And the staff was great. There is a lot of entertainment inside and outside the casino. It is also in a prime location. It is in walking distance to Caesars, MGM, The Mirage, Treasure Island, Imperial Palace, and many small strips of stores. The dueling pianos is entertaining, along with the live music outside. The restaurants are great and not overpriced.

On our last visit to Las Vegas, we stayed at Harrah's. There was some serious confusion with our reservations because we had made reservations through Fairfield resorts and the representative at Fairfield was very rude. It was a bad experience for us because no one was taking responsibility for our lost reservations. The good part is that the staff at Harrah's was very friendly and apologetic and also gave us a $30 credit to use at the hotel towards any hotel expense. That was very generous since it ended up being Fairfield's fault.

Harrah's also upgraded our room to a view room, which was nice. The rooms are typical hotel rooms. They do not have separate rooms or kitchen/dining areas. The first night we stayed in a room with one queen sized bed and a television. The second night we requested another room with two beds because we had some friends flying in and needed another bed. The staff was very quick to meet our request for a different room.

The second room was on the same floor and also did not have kitchen/dining area. There were two beds, a television, a desk, a phone, and a bathroom.

The hotel staff was also good enough to locate our room on the same floor as another couple traveling with us.

Harrah's is a good place to stay, but not the most luxurious place to stay. The hotel has a restaurant, casino, and buffet. I don't remember it having a pool because I rarely swim while I'm in Vegas!

I was invited to play in Harrah's Winterfest Slot Tournament the weekend of 12-20-03. The casino graciously paid for my room, and two entries into the tournament. (NOTE: If you're a slot machine enthusiast, consider Harrah's. The company is known for treating their slot players very well, inviting them to tournaments and other special events year-round. Rooms are often comped and player rates are available outside of promotional dates.)

At the reception desk, I was given the key to a Junior Suite. When I reached the room and opened the door, it was obvious that the room was not ready for occupancy. I saw an unmade bed, heard water running in the bathroom, and saw toilet paper wrapped around the phone receiver. I quickly backed out and returned to the desk. I alerted the clerk to the situation, she apologized, and booked me into a proper suite for the inconvenience.

Having stayed at the property previously, I was expecting to see the usual, garish Mardi Gras color scheme carried over into the decor of my room, but I was pleasantly surprised; this tower had recently undergone renovations, and the gold, purple, and green had been replaced by a very tasteful, neutral color palette.

The one bedroom suite offered a living area, dining area, wet bar, refrigerator, king bed, chaise lounge sitting area, and a beautiful bathroom -- complete with Jacuzzi tub. The potted plants, contemporary furnishings, and decorator artwork made this room comparable to other Strip suites -- which is an opinion I hadn't held in the past.

The casino is in a great location, mid-strip, and the usual facilites found at most other casinos can be found here, including Harrah's spa. Dining options are numerous, and include a buffet, asian and italian restaurants, a coffee shop, and a top-rated steakhouse called The Range. On July 15, 2004, the Las Vegas Monorail will open, and Harrah's will be a stop along its route, making it even more attractive for those visitors who choose not to rent a car.

Harrah's really needed an update, but now that they've completed it, I would not hesitate to stay there again, whether my visit was complimentary or not!

While this is a great journal, I visited Las Vegas six months later, in July of 2004. Read Suite Vegas, Part Two for more up-to-date information (includes a visit to the Venetian's top-floor Prima Suite and the Penthouse at Bellagio)!

The pros: our $55/night rate, McDonald's next door (great to avoid the breakfast crowds), good shows at hotels nearby, a good casino, Caesar's Palace/The Mirage across the street, a great place to eat outside (and Ghiradelli as well!), Caesar's Palace shops and a nice mall within easy walking distance.

Cons: at one of the 'ends' of the strip, not one of the fancy themed hotels (think NY, NY or Paris), no fantastic restaurants in hotel, far from some of the shows, a not-so-nice pool, wasn't able to get a room in the same tower as friends.