Harrah's Lake Tahoe in August

I'm booking a five night stay at Harrah's Lake Tahoe for the beginning of August.
I am a craps player and I'd appreciate any experience or recommendations from members who have stayed or played there.
How is the casino? How are the craps crews? Favorite restaurants? Non-gambling entertainment in the Summer?
Thanks,
SteveAC01

 

I go up there all the time since I only live about an hour and a half away. I normally stay at Harrah's, but sometimes stay at Harvey's. I prefer the gym/spa area at Harvey's. Some of the rooms at Harrah's have just been updated. All the rooms at Harrah's have two bathrooms. The regular rooms at Harvey's just have one.

I've never really had a bad experience at either casino. Harrah's is overall nicer than Harvey's in my opinion. Can't comment too much on craps as I think I've only played dice once or twice up there. Minimums anywhere from $5-$25 (usually $5 and $10 tables) depending on time of day and day of the week. Limits are usually a bit lower at Harvey's.

The one nice thing about both properties is that you can get free drinks at any bar just by showing your diamond card. I've eaten at Friday's Station (Harrah's) a number of times and have never had a bad meal (usually get the filet and prawns). I've also been to 19 Kitchen and Bar at Harvey's once. Food was good, but I like Friday's Station better. The buffet at Harrah's is decent, but definitely not a Vegas buffet by any means. Check out the Stateline Brewery about a block west of Harrah's. Good food and drinks there. The Lucky Beaver (go out of Harrahs and make a right, pretty much next door) has good burgers. Montbleu Casino has a mexican restaurant with .99 tacos and margaritas. There's also the Lakeside Casino that has a cheap lobster dinner deal. Haven't tried so can't comment there.

Lots of things to do outdoors in Tahoe. Bill Harrah's yacht is located in Tahoe and Harrah's takes guests out on it. I've never done it but supposedly diamond/7 stars get free tickets. You can rent boats/kayaks etc near by. Hiking is abundant. Edgewood golf course is right near the casinos and located right on the lake. There is an outdoor arena at Harvey's with lots of good entertainment in the summer. The Hard Rock is supposed to be doing something similar.

Highly recommend a trip to Genoa, NV and a visit to the Genoa Bar. The oldest bar in NV.

 

August should be nice...wife and I will be there for the 4th...
Craps on the weekend will almost always be $10+ (maybe in the morning, you'll find $5 at Harvey's and a $5 Crapless table at Harrahs)
The crews are OK...I haven't played TOO much craps there, because it's usually $10...
The Sage Room is our favorite dinner spot at Harvey's, with the buffet at Harrah's for breakfast (overlooking the lake!)

 

Not much to add on what IPK and Tim said.

I prefer the craps table at Harveys. Not sure why, I guess I have better memories playing there. Also, the summer months are the time for Harveys Summer concert series. So watch out for larger crowds around the shows. The Hard Rock Cafe in Harveys is pretty good food wise. The Nachos are huge.

You may want to try Mont Bleu while there. It's next door to Harrahs. Small casino, but craps is $5 all the time I believe.
Also, A Hard Rock Casino just opened a month or so ago next to Harveys. It use to be the Horizon. It wasn't opened last time I was up there in February, but should be by now.

 

Steve, we go to Tahoe most every year. We don't gamble much if at all, so can't help there. But if you play golf, Edgewood Tahoe is eye candy. Or hook up with one of the outfitters and kayak the lake. Good mountain bike park at Northstar and they do free clinics for noobs -- I know that for a fact from a few years back; still have the bumps and bruises I think. There's a good brew pub in the village. Take the gondola at Heavenly for the view. Good luck and have fun.

 

Thanks to all.
Great information.

 

Steve - what are the dates of your August trip?

FYI - the three steakhouses are all equally nice. I know some say sage is the best, but it's the only one of the three that doesn't have a view. It's in a room right next to Harvey's casino, which isn't a good thing.

 

August 2 to August 7.