Harveys Casino South Lake Tahoe Nevada
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Harvey's Casino Lake Tahoe History
Harveys Hotel and Casino Review South Lake Tahoe, Nevada
When you’re headin’ out to the beautiful hills of South Lake Tahoe, Harveys stands tall next to the lake in all of its glory. This Caesars property has a classic look and feel, with bright neon lights and glitzy decor. This place reminds me a lot of the Godfather when they move out to Nevada. The casino floor looks a little worn but it still has its charm. The rooms have been remodeled to keep up with the times and offer modern amenities. Let’s dive into this beautiful lakeside casino!
Harveys is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe’s south shore. The position in one of the city’s liveliest areas means that restaurants, music venues and nightlife within walking distance are in plentiful supply. Also within a 10-minute walk of the hotel are a stunning lakefront golf course. Harveys also offers one of the very few poker rooms in South Lake Tahoe. With different limits and games going, you’ll find the action you’re looking for here. They have all of your favorite table games (blackjack, 3 card, 4 card, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Pai-Gow) at fairly low table limits. If so, South Lake Tahoe is the place for you. California and Nevada share this town, and on the eastern side of the border, hitting up Lake Tahoe casinos is a popular and thrilling activity. South Lake Tahoe casinos range from dedicated casinos and game rooms where the game tables and screens are the featured attraction to large-scale operations part of resorts with no shortage. Harveys Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall was the first casino built at South Shore and was named for its owner, Nevada gaming pioneer Harvey Gross. Today we know Harveys as the hotel casino on the lake side of the casino corridor, right on the state line. With the acquisition of Harveys Lake Tahoe Resort Casino in July 2001, the combined casino hotel operation is now the biggest and one of the most popular casino-resort at Lake Tahoe. Located right across the highway and connected to Harrah’s by an easy-access tunnel, Harveys Lake Tahoe is the oldest ongoing casino operation at Lake Tahoe.
The Room – 8/10
I didn’t know what to expect when I was heading to the room. The hallways were a little dated and the elevator could have used an upgrade but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the red and black color scheme. Everything was clean and sleek. I could tell they were going for a simple look but it works for the decor. They didn’t have any garbage that charges to your room. There was a little TV on a cheap looking dresser. The chairs and table were a little old but you could still enjoy a meal there. The bathroom had everything you’d need and looked pretty nice. It wasn’t crazy big or anything but there was enough room to get ready and put your things down. The track lighting and slanted ceiling was pretty cool too. The bed was big and comfortable with plenty of support. I know it looks a little sterile but it was cozy once you got under the covers. The room was clean, comfortable, and had everything you’d need. A comfortable place to lay your head at Harveys.
The Restaurants – 6/10
Harveys offers a few dining options but they are definitely limited. I was surprised that they didn’t have a buffet as most casinos offer a smorgasbord to please even the pickiest of eaters. There is no 24-hour place to grab a bite which is definitely a negative for a casino. I love my late night inebriated feasts. There are a few options for each price range though. The Sage Room and 19 Kitchen are your upscale higher price range options. Hard Rock, Cabo Wabo (located in the underground tunnel), and Straw Hat are your more casual dining options. These place are a little more affordable and offer a more group friendly vibe. Hard Rock did offer some delicious bites with a great musical atmosphere. I had their Local Legendary Burger which was made from crayfish and shrimp. I thought it would be weird but it was actually quite delicious. Also, Straw Hat knows how to hook up a tasty pizza. Straw Hat also has a lot of televisions with plenty of sports action all around you. You’ll find a place to eat at Harveys but don’t expect a lot of options or cheap bites.
The Casino – 9/10
Harveys has what you want in a casino! They have a great selection of slots, video keno, and video poker machines. Although the payouts in keno are a little skimpy (335 for a 6-7), they still offer all of your favorite keno games. The video poker payouts are still pretty good (9-6). They have a few of the themed slot machines sprinkled throughout the casino floor. I personally love playing the Mad Men and Lord of the Rings machines. The sportsbook looks great and is separated from a lot of the noise and bustle of the rest of the casino. Harveys also offers one of the very few poker rooms in South Lake Tahoe. With different limits and games going, you’ll find the action you’re looking for here. They have all of your favorite table games (blackjack, 3 card, 4 card, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Pai-Gow) at fairly low table limits. When it gets a little busier or late into the night you’ll usually see the limits creep up a little. Definitely hit the casino floor and place a wager or two!
The Amenities – 6/10
When you’re not hitting the casino, check out some of the amenities Harveys has to offer. The arcade on the bottom floor is definitely the spot for the young ones. They have a great variety of games and your typical carnival style games for tickets. If you want to spend $80 trying to get enough tickets to win a stuffed animal you can do that here. Sometimes I love to play some Deadstorm Pirates after a long night of drinking. The pool was not impressive. A tiny hole on the roof with a small hot tub. It wasn’t too deep and it didn’t look like many other people were enjoying it either. There are some great views up there but it is definitely seasonal in Tahoe. There was a pretty nice workout room connected to the pool in case you need to work it out on vacation. Harveys and their sister property share a great summer concert series with some amazing bands coming through. They also have an indoor video golf course simulator. I didn’t get a chance to try it out but it seems like a pretty good idea where golf is seasonal up in the mountains. There are also nightly Improv at Harveys. It’ll cost you a little but it’s definitely something to do when you’ve blown your bankroll on the casino floor. Harveys has a few other things to do besides hitting the casino but your options are limited. Plan to try a few of these things on your next trip out there.
The Ambience – 6/10
Harveys has a classic, glitzy, casino feel to it. Lots of neon and blinking lights with gold colored trim. The colored lighting contrasts well with the trim making the inside of the casino look like perpetual sunset. The purple and gold also gives off a sense of opulence or royalty which makes sense in a casino. The room had a nice coordinated color scheme. There is no real theme but overall the place doesn’t look too shabby. I think they could definitely do some renovations and maybe change those dingy old carpets. Time for an update Harveys.
The Value – 5/10
Harveys doesn’t do too great in terms of value. They are a little stingy with the free rooms and their comp system isn’t very generous. You definitely have to play quite a bit to start getting the really good offers and free rooms. It is nice that they let you combine comps with someone else, so if you and your significant other want to combine them to get a free room, you can. But it won’t be really free with a $22.60 resort fee. That’s a pretty hefty fee for the few amenities they do offer. You can keep throwing money at them in hopes of getting offers but don’t get your hopes up.
The Family-Friendliness – 5/10
You can bring the whole crew to Harveys but it might cost you a little. Harveys does allow pets only in their “PetStay” rooms that tend to run for a little more money. It seems that these rooms are in high demand so it is good to try to book these in advance if you plan on bringing your furry friends. They also have a nice fenced off area to handle their business. For the little ones, the pool and the arcade are going to be their refuge. Sending them to the arcade will cost you a little bit but there are also plenty of things to look at in town and maybe a couple of the shows but that’s about it. There’s always the lake in the summertime too. There aren’t too many options for the kids inside the casino. You can bring everyone, but it’ll cost you.
The Service – 10/10
The service at Harveys is fantastic. Everyone was friendly and helpful. If there was anything their staff could do to make me feel welcome, they were on it. The dealers are very friendly and personable. Everyone I encountered was helpful and pleasant. They know how to keep a conversation without pushing the boundaries. Getting a late check-out was as easy as making a phone call. Great job and thank you Harveys!
Harveys – 68.8% (55/80)
That is Harveys in a nutshell. I hope this review helps you with your accommodation selection the next time you make your way out to South Lake Tahoe. Pull up a chair, there’s a seat open at my table.
-The Wolf
Contact Information for Harveys:
Harveys Lake Tahoe
Highway 50 at Stateline Avenue
Lake Tahoe, NV 89449
Phone: 775-588-6611
Website: caesars.com/harveys-tahoe
- Share
Harveys Hotel and Casino Review South Lake Tahoe, Nevada
When you’re headin’ out to the beautiful hills of South Lake Tahoe, Harveys stands tall next to the lake in all of its glory. This Caesars property has a classic look and feel, with bright neon lights and glitzy decor. This place reminds me a lot of the Godfather when they move out to Nevada. The casino floor looks a little worn but it still has its charm. The rooms have been remodeled to keep up with the times and offer modern amenities. Let’s dive into this beautiful lakeside casino!
The Room – 8/10
I didn’t know what to expect when I was heading to the room. The hallways were a little dated and the elevator could have used an upgrade but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the red and black color scheme. Everything was clean and sleek. I could tell they were going for a simple look but it works for the decor. They didn’t have any garbage that charges to your room. There was a little TV on a cheap looking dresser. The chairs and table were a little old but you could still enjoy a meal there. The bathroom had everything you’d need and looked pretty nice. It wasn’t crazy big or anything but there was enough room to get ready and put your things down. The track lighting and slanted ceiling was pretty cool too. The bed was big and comfortable with plenty of support. I know it looks a little sterile but it was cozy once you got under the covers. The room was clean, comfortable, and had everything you’d need. A comfortable place to lay your head at Harveys.
The Restaurants – 6/10
Harveys offers a few dining options but they are definitely limited. I was surprised that they didn’t have a buffet as most casinos offer a smorgasbord to please even the pickiest of eaters. There is no 24-hour place to grab a bite which is definitely a negative for a casino. I love my late night inebriated feasts. There are a few options for each price range though. The Sage Room and 19 Kitchen are your upscale higher price range options. Hard Rock, Cabo Wabo (located in the underground tunnel), and Straw Hat are your more casual dining options. These place are a little more affordable and offer a more group friendly vibe. Hard Rock did offer some delicious bites with a great musical atmosphere. I had their Local Legendary Burger which was made from crayfish and shrimp. I thought it would be weird but it was actually quite delicious. Also, Straw Hat knows how to hook up a tasty pizza. Straw Hat also has a lot of televisions with plenty of sports action all around you. You’ll find a place to eat at Harveys but don’t expect a lot of options or cheap bites.
The Casino – 9/10
Harveys has what you want in a casino! They have a great selection of slots, video keno, and video poker machines. Although the payouts in keno are a little skimpy (335 for a 6-7), they still offer all of your favorite keno games. The video poker payouts are still pretty good (9-6). They have a few of the themed slot machines sprinkled throughout the casino floor. I personally love playing the Mad Men and Lord of the Rings machines. The sportsbook looks great and is separated from a lot of the noise and bustle of the rest of the casino. Harveys also offers one of the very few poker rooms in South Lake Tahoe. With different limits and games going, you’ll find the action you’re looking for here. They have all of your favorite table games (blackjack, 3 card, 4 card, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Pai-Gow) at fairly low table limits. When it gets a little busier or late into the night you’ll usually see the limits creep up a little. Definitely hit the casino floor and place a wager or two!
The Amenities – 6/10
When you’re not hitting the casino, check out some of the amenities Harveys has to offer. The arcade on the bottom floor is definitely the spot for the young ones. They have a great variety of games and your typical carnival style games for tickets. If you want to spend $80 trying to get enough tickets to win a stuffed animal you can do that here. Sometimes I love to play some Deadstorm Pirates after a long night of drinking. The pool was not impressive. A tiny hole on the roof with a small hot tub. It wasn’t too deep and it didn’t look like many other people were enjoying it either. There are some great views up there but it is definitely seasonal in Tahoe. There was a pretty nice workout room connected to the pool in case you need to work it out on vacation. Harveys and their sister property share a great summer concert series with some amazing bands coming through. They also have an indoor video golf course simulator. I didn’t get a chance to try it out but it seems like a pretty good idea where golf is seasonal up in the mountains. There are also nightly Improv at Harveys. It’ll cost you a little but it’s definitely something to do when you’ve blown your bankroll on the casino floor. Harveys has a few other things to do besides hitting the casino but your options are limited. Plan to try a few of these things on your next trip out there.
The Ambience – 6/10
Harveys has a classic, glitzy, casino feel to it. Lots of neon and blinking lights with gold colored trim. The colored lighting contrasts well with the trim making the inside of the casino look like perpetual sunset. The purple and gold also gives off a sense of opulence or royalty which makes sense in a casino. The room had a nice coordinated color scheme. There is no real theme but overall the place doesn’t look too shabby. I think they could definitely do some renovations and maybe change those dingy old carpets. Time for an update Harveys.
The Value – 5/10
Harveys doesn’t do too great in terms of value. They are a little stingy with the free rooms and their comp system isn’t very generous. You definitely have to play quite a bit to start getting the really good offers and free rooms. It is nice that they let you combine comps with someone else, so if you and your significant other want to combine them to get a free room, you can. But it won’t be really free with a $22.60 resort fee. That’s a pretty hefty fee for the few amenities they do offer. You can keep throwing money at them in hopes of getting offers but don’t get your hopes up.
The Family-Friendliness – 5/10
You can bring the whole crew to Harveys but it might cost you a little. Harveys does allow pets only in their “PetStay” rooms that tend to run for a little more money. It seems that these rooms are in high demand so it is good to try to book these in advance if you plan on bringing your furry friends. They also have a nice fenced off area to handle their business. For the little ones, the pool and the arcade are going to be their refuge. Sending them to the arcade will cost you a little bit but there are also plenty of things to look at in town and maybe a couple of the shows but that’s about it. There’s always the lake in the summertime too. There aren’t too many options for the kids inside the casino. You can bring everyone, but it’ll cost you.
The Service – 10/10
The service at Harveys is fantastic. Everyone was friendly and helpful. If there was anything their staff could do to make me feel welcome, they were on it. The dealers are very friendly and personable. Everyone I encountered was helpful and pleasant. They know how to keep a conversation without pushing the boundaries. Getting a late check-out was as easy as making a phone call. Great job and thank you Harveys!
Harveys – 68.8% (55/80)
That is Harveys in a nutshell. I hope this review helps you with your accommodation selection the next time you make your way out to South Lake Tahoe. Pull up a chair, there’s a seat open at my table.
-The Wolf
Contact Information for Harveys:
Harveys Lake Tahoe
Highway 50 at Stateline Avenue
Lake Tahoe, NV 89449
Phone: 775-588-6611
Restaurants In Harveys Lake Tahoe
Website: caesars.com/harveys-tahoe