Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, located in Stateline, Nevada, occupies a large 18-story tower in an area home to several other properties. It’s been operating since 1955, and has undergone several renovations through the years, with the most recent remodeling bringing contemporary decor to some of the guest rooms. However, not all rooms were updated and like common spaces, they remain largely dated and in need of a revamp. Interiors are polished, if a bit bland; there are gleaming marble floors, but there’s also plenty of carpeting (even in the fitness room). Nevertheless, it’s a popular spot and attracts tourists keen on the casino, local nightlife thanks to concerts and live shows, and skiing in the winter season. A buffet restaurant, arcade room, and indoor pool provide recreation for kids.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe sits on the Nevada side of the California-Nevada border line. The area is full of other hotels, casinos, concert venues, and restaurants and it’s usually busy with foot traffic. The Lake Tahoe shore is under a 10-minute walk from the property. Heavenly Mountain ski resort and its gondola is a five-minute walk away, while Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena is a six-minute walk away. Bijou Municipal Golf Course is about a five-minute drive away, as is Edgewood Tahoe. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about an hour’s drive away.

Rooms at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe vary between contemporary and dated, with the latter in need of a refresh. The modern rooms have pleasant decor that includes eye-catching photo murals of birch trees framing beds; these are paired with patterned carpeting and sleek furnishings, including sitting areas with sofas or armchairs. Large framed photographers hang on the walls, while large windows let in natural light. Some rooms have white wood-patterned wallpaper and mirrored headboards.

By contrast, the other rooms have older traditional-style wood furnishings paired with dated patterned carpeting. They’re all spacious though, starting at 475 square feet and moving on up to 782-square-foot Spa Suites. Suites have separate living rooms

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, electronic safes, and irons/ironing boards. Wi-Fi is covered by the daily resort fee that’s added to rates. One of the highlights in the rooms is that they all come with two bathrooms. They have roomy granite vanities, walk-in showers, and shower/tub combos. Spa suites have jetted tubs. Like the rooms, some have been updated with modern fixtures, while others are dated. Toiletries are provided.

There are a few dining options available at the property.  The most popular is Harrah’s Lake Tahoe’s buffet restaurant, Forest Buffet, which occupies the 18^th floor and is open for brunch and dinner, serving buffet-style fare. It hosts themed nights during the week, such as Italian, Tex-Mex, and seafood nights, as well as Champagne brunch on the weekends.

For an upscale option, Friday’s Station specializes in steak and seafood. It’s situated on the hotel’s top floor and has a 1000-bottle display wine cellar.

For casual fare, American River Café serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads, burgers, etc. and is open daily. There’s also a Starbucks that’s open 24/7 and a food court that’s home to Fatburger, Thai Asian, and an Italian stand serving pizza and calzones.

The Highlander Bar is situated in Forest Buffet and features a daily happy hour special. It’s also open for breakfast daily. Cliché Lounge offers wine, spirits, and cigars.

Open 24 hours, the Harrah's Lake Tahoe casino features over 1,300 slot and video poker machines, as well as table games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette.

PEEK is the hotel’s nightclub for drinks and music. There’s also a performance venue, South Shore Room, that hosts live concerts and entertainment shows.

The hotel has a nice indoor pool in a space illuminated by a large domed skylight and walls of windows. There are a hot tub and loungers lining the pool deck, plus more outside on a grassy lawn.

The spa offers a good selection of treatments like facials, massages, and other body treatments, plus it has a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool tub. The gym could use a revamp with its carpeted floors, but it offers a decent variety of equipment.

Other amenities include meeting and event space, and five shops on-site selling souvenirs, sundries, clothing, and ski/snowboard rentals. Wi-Fi is covered by the mandatory daily resort fee. Parking is available for a fee.