Visitreno

[alison]

So i was playing around on the Harrah's site and i can get 2 free nights in a Premium Room at Harveys. Decided to take advantage of it. We will be in Tahoe Aug 5-7th. Then back to the Peppermill until Sat Or Sun. Just depends when we want to leave.

Do any of the casino's in Tahoe have good new sign up offers for players cards? I plan on hitting up a couple new places this time. I have only been to Harrah's and Harveys. Don't really care for Harveys Casino.

Also, where are some good spots to get some scenic pictures?

[Mammothgambler]

Hey Alison,

Well unfortunately most of the players clubs in Tahoe are just so-so, in comparison to Reno anyhow.

I'd definitely try the Horizon if you haven't already. Not sure what they are doing for new players but they're at least good for a free room with just a little play. It seems like once you're in the system they're always good for a free room midweek and always $20 free slot play which is automatically loaded on your card, no coupon to redeem, kind of like it is at the Atlantis. They slacked a bit with the comps when they were remodeling but for the most part it's still a cool place. The remodeled rooms are really nice.

As I've said before, I'd definitely avoid Mont-poo (Montbleu). You won't win a red cent, will probably walk out pissed off, but hey, the air freshener they pump into the casino will really keep you moving!

The Lakeside is nice and although it's the local place they have done away with most of the traditional reel machines. It seems like all the video slots in there are huge megabucks-type progressives so I haven't really had an y luck there.

Ditto for Bill's, although it looks really good in there now, they remodeled slightly and this is also the new home of the Subway that stays open until 5 am on weekends : ) Never seen anyone win in there.

And then, there's Harrahs and Harveys. I guess you can win or lose anywhere but I too haven't had much luck there (my Feb. trip and that progressive win on the Blazing 7's being the only exception!)

Maybe just get a card to everywhere you don't already have one and see how it goes.

Now regarding scenic spots, there are a few I know of. Go down a couple of miles down South Lake Tahoe Blvd. (CA side) past the marina and there is a public beach/park on the right hand side, across from Inn at the Lake. There are also several vantage points where you can pull off the road if you drive a little ways up Kingsbury Grade (Lakeside Inn's at the base of it). Going about halfway down Ski Run Blvd, one of the places you can get into Heavenly, will give you a good 360 panoramic view of the mountains. If you're looking for something to do, check out the Gondola and the new cable jump at Heavenly! The cable jump is actually over one of the intermediate slopes. They strap you in and you ride on a cable all the way to the bottom. I think it's about $25 a person but I cant wait to try it out.

Mammothgambler

[BC Dave]

Of course, you can even take in spectacular Lake Tahoe from your chair in Harrah's top floor, Forest buffet. Just get a window table, a big plate of food, grab your camera and your ready. Wow! Look at those snow capped mountians! Click! Click! Mmmmmm pork chops. Look at those lovely stern wheeler cruise boats. Click! Click! Click! Wooooooooo, pizza!! The forest so green, the sky so blue, the lake so serene, the black forest cake with ice cream, chocolate sauce and sprinkles!! OH BABY!!!

And the drive up the east (Nevada) side of the lake has lots of pull-outs to stop at and take in some truly wonderful scenery.

Have fun Alison. Don't let the machines spank you. That's John's job!

[CaSwede]

I have cards for all the Lake Tahoe casinos, so I don't pay much attention to the sign up bonus deals. Horizon and MontBleu are owned by the same company, but do have a separate slot club system. I know MontBleu has a $40 sign up deal. I am not sure of the details, but I am staying there next weekend, so I will check it out if no one else comes forward with the details. Horizon was doing a $10 in free play, some match play coupons and some other discount coupons. Bill's (owned by Harrah's) does not have any slot club system. "We don't need no stinkin slot club". I do not know of a sign up bonus for Lakeside, but they have some great perks for members. They have a big birthday month package, free meals etc. In fact they have some great breakfast specials and a prime rib dinner deal too if you make it down there.

Tahoe Biltmore, Crystal Bay Club and the Hyatt all give some free play for a new card sign up, but they are on the North Shore.

Good places to take pictures? The whole area is so scenic I don't think it is possible to not take outstanding pictures.

[remano]

CaSwede is right that there is great scenery wherever you go. I prefer the West side. Once you get through South Lake it is less populated and the road is higher above the lake so you get a broader panorama. It also gets you to Emerald Bay which is probably the most photographed area of the lake.

The East side does have more pullouts and is closer to the beaches, not to mention offering an opportunity to visit the north lake casinos. You can also take a short detour up the Mount Rose highway at Incline Village for some high altitude views of the entire area. On the East side you will pass an area where dozens of cars are parked, yet the beach seems a mile or two away. "What's going on?" you may wonder. "Clothing optional beach" a voice will answer.

If you want to spend the money, the gondola at Heavenly runs during the summer and offers some wonderful scenic opportunities on the way up or down, and at the midway observation platform.

[alison]

Thanks everyone for the input! Appreciate it as always.

[RenoLady]

Zephr Cove is pretty cool.

It's a few miles down the road on 50 HWY, headed toward Reno. The beaches are nice, there's actually cocktail service on them, with rock music blaring. Used to be $5 bucks to park. Usually there's some volley ball games going, fun to watch.

[Mammothgambler]

Yeah Alison I was also going to suggest, if you have the time, take a drive to some of the other areas of Tahoe. We rolled through the North Shore on our trip in Feb (first time actually going through there). It's a totally different vibe! Didn't hit any of the casinos but went to see some friends, you'll notice a totally different feel vs. the South Shore. There seemed to be a few vantage points and places to stop off and take pics in that area as well.

Mammothgambler

[CaSwede]

OK here is the new card sign up at MontBleu. It looks like you have to play $30 through and then they will give you $20 in free play. Not a bad sign up deal. It looks like they upped the offer. It had been $30 play through and they would give you $15 in free play. They have a huge sign behind the hotel check in area that says $30 + $20 = $50. Those guys know their math.

[alison]

Caswede,
Thanks for letting me know! Appreciate it!


Alison

[john]

I like the Montbleu's math. At the Peppermill the math is $30 + $20 = $0

[stoneman]

John I think you should "Mathball" your calculating skills.

I hope your old long-time cronies on this board, like Stanley, don't accuse me of oxymoronizing that sentence.

John, your avatar is good too. What supports that bird?

[stoneman]

Why in the world would anyone waste their No NV gambling time with a trip to Tahoe?
No offense, but I detest that place. I have yet to hear any positive gambling news from that place.

The town too sucks around there.
Reno has much more to offer. I find No Lk Tahoe, CA to be a very depressing place. Even on a sunny day, it feels gloomy.

I'll grant you that the lake is beautiful though not as lovely as Crater Lake in Oregon.