FWIW, I just returned from my first trip to Lake Tahoe. It
was a short 2 day Charter using Southwest Airlines. I thought that
I had booked Harvey's, but the plane tickets and room reservation
said Harrah's. We had no problem with this, but was surprised at
the change. There were 8 in the group from Phoenix, but some were
staying at Harrah's in Reno which was an option for this charter.
Harrah's provided a bus from the airport. I could not help but
think how inefficient this was. We had a full size "Amador" bus
with 4 couples on board. Amador is a contracted company, but it
sure did not seem efficient. I a would think that bus gets about
5 miles to a gallon of fuel.
When we checked in we were given a room on the 15th floor.
I think that might be the highest main hotel floor since there
are related casino facilities in 16th-18th floor. The Summit
Gourmet Restaurant is on the 16th floor. The Forrest Buffet and
Stations Steak & Seafood is on the 18th floor. The buffet was as
expected, except being crowded and with many children in attendance.
There are many children in Tahoe during July and August so I guess
this can also be expected. Harvey's buffet is closed and under a
remodel. This must have added to the crowd. We were placed on the
north side and had a view of the Edgewater golf course and some of
the lake. However, it was a smoking room and this was definitely
their mistake. My wife could not take the smell and we returned to
the VIP reservation desk. At this time they said we have
an "Executive" room (top tier) and all that was available with two
beds was a "Luxury" room (third or lowest tier). They did say
there was a "Premier" room with one king bed and was similar, but
a little smaller than the "Executive" room. He also said it did
not come with a coffee maker, but one could be added. We do not
drink coffee and accepted the "Premier" room. We really did not
see much of a difference, except it was only on the 11th floor and
face south, towards California. It also had a nice view of the
lake. Both rooms are very nice and have two complete bathrooms
right next to each other and through the same entrance.
The data base video poker information seems current. I played
2,000 base points and both Harrah's and Harvey's on the same
arrival day. Both plays were on $5 9/6 JoB. It is interesting that
I earned a few more bonus points at Harrah's than at Harvey's
playing the same $5 9/6 Job game. The total points earned were
6,049 bonus on 4,002 base points. Playing both casinos on the same
day seemed to mattered with my averages. With 4,002 base points my
averages fell a little: The 6 trip from 987.33 to 973.83, the 12
month from 874.63 to 586.93 and the 18 month from 587.44 to 586.93.
Everyone's situation is different, but I am positive all would have
gone up a little if all 4,002 points were earned at the same casino.
I really do not care since we get more offers than we ever need.
I only swiped my card a wither casino on one day (the day I played).
All other swipes were on my wife's card whose daily averages are
not a concern to us. I did put 1,061 base points on her card on
one of the 2 days.
At Harrah's the Diamond Lounge is on the first floor behind
the High Limit area. They will program your reward card for
entrance to the Diamond Lounge. The same programming worked for
all 3 days At Harvey's the Diamond Lounge is on the top floor. You
must place a phone call from the first level for someone to bring
the elevator down to pick you up and take you to the top floor.
Both lounges were very similar in their food offerings. Obviously
you have a great view at Harvey's and no windows to the outside at
Harrah's.
These are just a few observations on my first trip the Lake
Tahoe. It is a beautiful area and I know that I will return. It is
interesting that, as mentioned, Bill's Casino has no slot card and
is totally non smoking. My wife played a little $.10 9/6 Job. A
waitress came around with a tray of pizza snacks for the customers!
The Horizon Casino and the Monbleau Casinos and also very close.
They are both owned by Columbia Sussex which also owns the
Tropicana Casino and the Westin Las Vegas Casuarina Casino in Las
Vegas. They also own the River Palms and the Tropicana Express in
Laughlin plus an additional ten other casinos around the country.
However, the "boothling" at the Montbleau said there was no
connection with the slot cards from one casino to the next. I did
not take out a card nor play any at the Horizon. I did put through
about $5,000 at Montbleau and earned some cash and $15 in food
comps plus an umbrella for earning at least 2,000 points on the
first visit. I also received $15 in free play for taking out a
card. I earned just over 2,500 points and took out my $12 cash
before leaving. I do not know when I will use my $15 in food!
In summary, Lake Tahoe is beautiful and we will be back. I
have a couple of 5 night offers. I hope to receive similar offers
next summer. It is probably too late this year as the room offers
expire August 31st. Maybe I will go in the winter if I receive an
offer for that part of the year. Harrah's is next door to the
Heavenly Ski Resort. Are comped rooms more scarce in the winter?
Thanks,
Bob