harrahs hotel in las vegas where you can enjoy dining outdoors - by Kiki

Harrahs Hotel in Las Vegas

Harrah's Hotel in Las Vegas is part of an empire of Harrah's casinos across the world. But you won't feel that when you walk into the Mardi Gras themed casino with its close quarters and intense action. This is not a resort hotel like the Bellagio. But it's definitely the place to come for a first visit to Vegas, as the value is good and the location can't be beat.

Bring your walking shoes because in this location you'll want to explore the nearby hotels. Ask for a room with a view of the Strip. The other rooms too often have just a view of the other tower or air-conditioners. The overall quality of the rooms is good, similar to Holiday Inn and better than Circus Circus. Beds are comfortable and housekeeping comes by daily to change sheets and towels. Realize that Vegas is often sold out especially if conventions or special events are in town. Book your room right now from this page.

While Harrah's Hotel in Las Vegas is conveniently located in the middle of the Strip, we arrive by driving our car in from the back on the street called Koval Lane. There you will have a choice of turning into Harrah's or into the Venetian parking garage. The monorail has a stop in the back of Harrah's. It will take you up to the Sahara or down to the MGM Grand. You can also take a free shuttle every 20 minutes to Harrah's other properties, including Bally's, Caesar's Palace, and the Rio.

With afternoon shows, outdoor bands, dueling pianos, headliner comedians, a musical show and a cowboy bar there's no need to leave Harrah's. Our favorite is that queen of one-liners, with her impeccable timing, the long-running, funny-as-heck New Yorker Rita Rudner. She obviously writes her own material as it's taken from her own life. Rita has you at the first line.

Until Harrah's Hotel in Las Vegas does more renovations on the casino the gaming area is cramped and noisy. Lots of blackjack tables and low buy-ins here. Strong drinks and loose slots mingle with the noise and the smoke to make the excitement that both creates Vegas and makes it what it is.

Flavors Buffet is popular. But be prepared to wait as long as an hour. If the weather is good try the outdoor Carnaval Court Grill with its authentic, literally on-the-strip experience like Trader Vic's in "Planet Hollywood," formerly the Aladdin and Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris. You'll be entertained with people-watching and the free live bands at Carnaval Court. It's a wild scene at Harrah's Hotel in Las Vegas.