Hotel Review

Originally built to resemble a riverboat -- minus the river! -- Harrah's Las Vegas is anchored in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

This lively resort opened as the Holiday Inn Casino in 1973. Having nurtured that fun-lovin' spirit over the years, Harrah's boasts a rambunctious, reckless energy that is sure to win over the young and young-at-heart.

The resort is known as the home of Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill. Named for one of the country superstar's hit singles, this place is full of rollicking good times with lots to drink, live music, dancing and big portions of home-style food – like the fried bologna sandwich.

Speaking of food, you'll find fresh seafood at the Oyster Bar at Harrah's. It specializes in a variety of appetizers, oysters, fish tacos and grilled lobster tail. And KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers features the culinary genius of Kerry Simon in a funky atmosphere suggestive of Russia. Plus, a Ruth's Chris Steak House is scheduled to open on Feb. 1, 2013.

Want a quick bite? Harrah's Café is a casual spot that's open round-the-clock. It also offers "Italian nights" each evening from 4-10 p.m., when red-and-white-checkered tablecloths and bottles of vino are laid out. Flavors, The Buffet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner via a scrumptious array of cooking stations -- and it has a never-ending supply of crab legs!

Entertainment is always on the menu at Harrah's as well. Since 2000, magician Mac King has been mystifying and cracking up audiences of all ages in the afternoons. If you'd prefer to be keeled over in laughter in the evenings, get tickets to the Improv Comedy Club or "Defending the Caveman," a hilarious one-man play that originated on Broadway. And "Million Dollar Quartet," the hit Broadway musical that tells about how four rock 'n' roll pioneers (Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley) came together one magical night," is scheduled to open on Feb. 4, 2013.

In addition, music and drinks can be found at several of the resort's bars. Creative cocktails are poured by the world's top flair bartenders at the outdoor Carnaval Court. Indoors you'll discover the Piano Bar, which showcases TJ's Karaoke Party and the Twins Dueling Pianos.

Gaming seems to stretch into every nook and cranny of the property. As part of its nearly 87,000-square-foot casino, you'll come across such spots as the "Poker Place," where every type of video poker machine imaginable is housed, and Toby Keith's I Love This Party Pit, which brings the whiskey-themed debauchery of his bar and grill downstairs.

Harrah's has a lovely Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool, replete with cabanas and comfortable lounge chairs. Other amenities include a fitness center, The Spa at Harrah's (known for its aromatherapy treatments and Swedish massages), a beauty salon and plenty of shopping -- ranging from logo merchandise to jewelry, purses and leisure apparel. Plus, the resort is home to a Las Vegas Monorail station and provides free shuttles to the Rio.

Harrah's 2,526 rooms and suites are located in two adjacent 22- and 35-story towers. They feature views of the Strip, mountains, pool or city. Rooms include blackout drapes, pay-per-view movies, an iron and ironing board, a minibar and a hair dryer. There are special floors for non-smoking guests.

Offering exciting gaming, exceptional dining, and a party-like atmosphere -- as well as easy access to the action-packed Strip -- Harrah's is the perfect place to get away from everyday life.