Editor's Note: UrComped user DKim sent us his trip report from hist Seven Stars Trip to Harrah's Lake Tahoe. We really enjoyed it so we're reposting it to the blog! Scroll down to see some of his amazing jackpot photos.
Seven Star Retreat to Harrah's Lake Tahoe
As a Seven Star Player, you receive an annual “Seven Star Retreat” to the Caesars/Harrah’s property of your choice, so it was decided that my wife and I would go the Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and do some snow skiing at Heavenly Mountain, practically adjacent to Harrah’s and the sister property, Harvey’s, across the street.
As part of a Seven Star Retreat, you receive $1200 airfare, which can be booked through UrComped, and a $500 folio credit to charge meals and more to your room account. There are certain spaces that are not Caesars/Harrah’s owned, and are therefore exempt, Starbucks being an example.
Living on the east coast, we departed early morning, connected in Phoenix and arriving in Reno about 1:00pm. When landing in Reno, we were greeted by a friendly driver, and a lovely limo with a cute roaring digital fire place and completely stocked with not only juices and beverages, but also small complimentary bottles of various common alcohol mixers like Skyy Vodka, Jack Daniels and Bacardi Rum, and some small bottles of wine, I mention this because if you have ever received limo service in Las Vegas and elsewhere, let’s say, it doesn't include any of that, just typically water. I’m sure if you asked your host in advance, they’d accommodate you, but in this instance, it was just standard. It was the same on return.
Diamond and Seven Star at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe have a separate and private room to check in, which was fast, friendly and simple. We confirmed our $500 room folio credit, were supplied a list of participating restaurants and stores and the keys to our room. We received a recently remodeled Premium Spa Suite, about mid-way up the 18 floor tower, at the end of a long corridor, offering us a beautiful view of both Heavenly Mountain and South Lake Tahoe. Our room was spacious, especially in the living room area, while the bedroom itself was on the smaller side, and the master bath, while it does have a spa and separate shower, felt a bit on the tight side. But again, the view from the windows were outstanding, darn shame the master bath didn’t have one for while soaking in the jetted spa tub, nor a TV. One more thing, which is common with all of Harrah’s rooms, they’re 1.5 half bath.
For the really high rollers, of which I am not, they have the “Summit Suites” on the upper floors with a private elevator, butler service and more. According to my host, to qualify you will need at least a $150,000 line of credit (LOC) and if you have a strong ADT, during an off week, a $50K LOC may get you in one.
What’s interesting is Harrah’s is built exactly on the state line with California, so as you walk out the southern door towards Heavenly, you are standing on the state line between Nevada and California, there is a Pony Express marker and a state line sign right on the corner.
The Harrah’s Casino and property is built in an “L” pattern, with, let’s say, the valet entrance, check-in, Starbucks, gift shop and small stores at the top of the “L” and then past that the hotel tower elevators and then casino, which rounds the corner and goes all the way to the state line, where at that far end is a food court, a small local band stage and a nightclub.
All of the usual table games were present, and during the week, a $5 craps or $5 blackjack table could be easily found. On the weekend and some evenings, the minimums would go to $10. I did find strange that some BJ tables were 6/5 and others were 3/2 on a BJ, but at the same minimum, so look closely at the felt before sitting down. Craps was also 3x/4x/5x odds at all times.
As for the slots, and bearing in mind my level of play, the High Limit room was plentiful with machines, one of the larger HL slot rooms I’ve seen and there is a separate HL table game room next to it. Whether in the HL slot room or on the regular floor, the machines were quite generous, and I am not sure if this was due to an extremely lucky week or due to the fact that not too many play at max bet, so they were set for a more generous payout at the higher wagers. Over a five day period, I received seven hand pays. None were of huge amounts, but enough to keep me playing on the casino’s money the entire time. At the end of our five days, my total loss, was a couple hundred dollars, while our suite, food, airfare and more were complimentary, and so no one thinks my minimal loss was due to low-play, my lowest day I earned over 1,500 Tier Credits (at $5 per, that’s a coin in of more than $7,500 to a high over over 3,500 Tier Credits ($17,500 coin in), so I put in a great deal of time and play, at max bet, but it paid off and my losses were minimal.
At the rear of the HL slot room is the Diamond/Seven Star Lounge. There is no attendant, you use your Diamond or Seven Star card to gain entry, but you will need to have that feature “turned on” at the check in, HL cashier or players club. The lounge is also “L” shaped, and comfortable with two flat panel TV’s, rich leather chairs, fire places and dark woods. There are also smaller and a more private restrooms as compared to the public ones in the casino. During the day, the lounge has little to offer other than some quiet, some privacy for phone calls or watching a little TV and a DIY coffee maker. At dinner time, they offer simple foods, for example one evening I saw a caesars salad, fruit salad, chips, pretzels and two soups, on this day it was clam chowder and KC Steak Soup. I didn’t try them, so I cannot attest to their quality, but I am sure it was same as from buffet.
Harvey’s is located across the street and easily accessible via an underground tunnel. Harvey’s has the feel of a more locals casinos, and was not as bright and shiny as Harrah’s and generally felt more “worn”.
Overall, the entire Lake Tahoe area is beautiful and one of those “must see in your life” locations and one of the most beautiful spots on earth. The Harrah’s Hotel and Casino is a nice facility, complete with spa, plentiful gaming, a covered and heated pool, several restaurants, buffet and even a good sushi place. I would highly recommend a visit to the area and the staff of UrComped can quickly and conveniently set you up with a fine room and amenities.
About the author: DKim is a successful businessman in the automotive and motorcycle racing industry, who travels much of the world attending events, shows and racing events. Along the way, he enjoys “collecting” casinos by way of visitation. DKim has visited casinos across the USA, from South Florida to California, and around the world from Moscow, Russia, to Amsterdam, Geneva and across Europe. DKim is primarily a high limit slot player, and the occasional craps play, and maintains elite accounts at several casinos, gaming chains and is a Caesars Seven Star player.