Harrah’s Resort Southern California
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ultimate Casino Guide takes a spin at the region’s 10 properties.
A sure bet for: The party crowd that loves non-stop action, artisan cocktails and a decadent Dive pool adventure, all in a swanky setting in which to enjoy what Harrah’s calls “The 1st Brand of Fun.”
A lot closer than the Vegas strip, the resort’s many amenities draw players and non-players alike.
Harrah’s Resort Southern California“Guests are looking for an experience that allows them to stay with you a little bit longer,” said Janet Beronio, Harrah’s regional president and general manager.
“For us here in our location in Southern California, it’s a really, really nice getaway from the city and just coming out and feeling like you’re out of town a little bit.”
Gaming: As part of the legendary Caesars Entertainment brand, players can earn Total Rewards points at any of the 72,000-square-foot casino’s 1,750 slots and 65 table games. They can be redeemed for perks at any one of Caesars’ 40 or so properties in the U.S. and around the world, including Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Dining: One of the only San Diego properties to feature national names — like Pink’s Hot Dogs, Starbucks and the Earl of Sandwich — Harrah’s offers nine dining options. The full 452-seat buffet brims with 264 different items and specializes in hand-tossed, stone oven-fired calzones and pizzas, with a crust that undergoes a 12-hour fermentation process. At the signature Fiore Steak + Seafood restaurant, don’t miss the velvety lobster bisque or the juicy porcini truffle-crusted bone-in rib-eye steaks. Mexican fare is served up at ’Ritas Cantina, which also sports one of the more unique eating venues in town: an actual food truck that was cut in half and built into a kitchen. Even the horn works.
Hotel: Harrah’s Vegas-sized hotel has 1,065 rooms, making it California’s largest casino hotel and the biggest hotel property outside of downtown San Diego. Sleek and contemporary décor can found throughout the tower accommodations, the 141 suites (some over 1,300 square feet), and the ultra-luxe presidential suite. This 2,398-square-foot sanctuary has two bedrooms, three and a half baths, an ample seating area with a fireplace, a 52-inch TV, wet bar, dining room and two large balconies where you can take in the view from the 21st floor. In a modern hospitality touch, Harrah’s has 22 wellness rooms, outfitted with workout and yoga equipment, a Vitamin C-infused shower, robe and slippers, relaxation lighting and healthy food and drink options.
Amenity spotlight: Harrah’s hosts top-name entertainment acts and its full-service spa in undergoing a major provide guests with an elevated, calming retreat, complete with salon, barbershop and new treatments, such as salt baths. But the resort’s fabled pool complex Dive is the star attraction. In 2014, USA Today ranked Dive one of the top 10 resort pools in the U.S. Here’s why: three pools (two are 21 and over only), Southern California’s only swim-up bar, a 400-foot, all-ages lazy river, 21 cabanas, eight hot tubs, fire pits, day beds, lounges and shady palapas. Let’s just say when the temperature rises, Dive gets hot.
Final spin: Harrah’s craft beer, wine and spirits program also helps fuel the fun. At the clubby bar Spiked, handcrafted cocktails, barrel-aged concoctions and house-made infusions like bacon-fat bourbon and raspberry moonshine, are pouring, along with flights of tequila, vodka and whiskey. Ask to have yours served in the super-intimate VIP room, off the bar.
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center. (760) 751-3100; harrahssocal.com
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