Harrahs Gulf Coast
Anecdotally, I’ve heard with “full employment” in the country, lower wage jobs are experiencing high turnover. I can’t say whether or not that is factual, but giving that theory some credence might account for the fact that any number of employees at this hotel are poorly trained and uninformed as to hotel policies….to the point where no matter how specific your questions, you’re bound to end up in front of a “supervisor” who is going to give you nothing but attitude.
Check In
I pre-paid my first night via the hotel’s website (plus the entire stay’s “Resort Fee” – why?), after checking the usual larger travel sites. It was an attractive enough rate, but of course see-sawed over the course of the week, with no rhyme or reason – it sure wasn’t based on any kind of capacity.
I wanted to pay by a different method than the card I reserved with. Nope. No can do. And even if you pay cash or use a different card at check out, your original card’s “hold” will stay on the account for 5-10 business days after you depart.
And that’s where the management attitude comes in. No “I understand,” or “I’m sorry” or “Let me see about that,” instead it’s “you’ll just have to talk to your bank.” No charge for the scowl. (This, of course, is bullshit, the hotel could release the hold instantly if they chose. Not doing it means their forty hotels, thousands of guests cards temporarily inflates their revenue picture).
So I say all this to warn you if you are anticipating using credit or debit lines to get home or travel on, that money might not be available.
There are quite a few people in the “hospitality” industry these days who don’t understand the meaning of that word.
Resort Fees
I don’t think there is anybody in America who isn’t pee-ohed about “Resort fees” which are a B.S. Charge the hotel makes that essentially raises the rate of your room. Here, the charge is $15 per day, which affords you the following: 1) access to the pool 2) access to the workout center 3) in room coffee 4) in room frig 5) free WiFi (tho when you sign on, it requires you to post a payment method 6) free valet parking.
Aren’t all these things standard most places? Sure they are. Hotels need to rethink this strategy.
Pool Area
Outdoor pool. When I’ve been at this hotel in the past, the pool wasn’t even open. This visit it was, and the water was warm enough. Dirty towel bin was full, clean towel shelves were empty, there was no signage or attendant, so people were taking dirty towels, not realizing.
The pool liner has come loose in quite a few places on the bottom, so it’s possible to trip walking across the pool. Advise your children.
Drink prices are outrageous, but that’s to be expected.
Hotel Ambiance
Poolside, lobby, elevators, restaurants, casino, are very loud. “Background” music isn’t, at all, very intrusive. If I was at a gaming table trying to concentrate, I wouldn’t be happy.
Casino
Adequate number of games. Shortage of attendants. Slots have gotten to be really confusing, haven’t they? Select how much you want to wager. How many “lines.” You can think you’re waging a quarter and end up betting five bucks. It’s not very clear. Sure, I know, they want it that way.
You might see a drink server once every couple hours, even tho the room isn’t that big or busy.
Restaurants
Spendy. Could be more. Room service prices are average, but selection is very limited, and upon your first examination of the room, you’ll be hard pressed to find out what’s available from room service. Spoiler: the room service menu and ordering is on the TV. As is an express checkout, which was not working.
Return Visit
While I’ve been here in the past, I don’t think I’ll return. The only reason I’d suggest you go there is for a rate. Some rooms in the city when I was there were $200-$300. I paid $39 plus the resort fee and taxes.
But the annoyance of all the rest of what goes on (or doesn’t) in the hotel makes a bargain rate not much of a bargain.
Just my observations.
Harrahs Gulf Coast Review
Harrahs Gulf Coast Review