Traveler's Casino Report: New Orleans
The Big Easy is a city that everyone should spend some time in. New Orleans offers an amazing experience for anyone looking for great food, music, nightlife, and incredible sights. Whatever you are looking for, you will not be disappointed with your time in New Orleans.
One of the best features of this spectacular division is the location of Harrah's right in Downtown New Orleans. That's right, you will find this great casino on Canal Street which is the primary parade route in the city. You'll also find lots of hotels, dining, and nightlife very close to the casino. The world famous Bourbon Street is just a couple of blocks away, and you'll find yourself at Cafe Du Monde for some beignets within a few minutes walk.
After my visit to New Orleans, I am wondering why every major metropolitan area does not include a casino in the middle of the city. It's got to be a great money maker!
The Casino
Harrah's is a large casino with everything you would look for in a gambling hall. They have all of the games, several restaurants, bars, and a large concert hall that hosts major national touring acts. I really liked the poker room which housed lots of tables, plentiful drinks, and wildly loose action on a wide variety of table limits 24 hours a day. This casino offers the closest thing you will find to Las Vegas outside of Nevada, and for my money, the food and the nightlife in New Orleans is better and cheaper than what you'll find on the strip in Las Vegas.
You will absolutely love the action and the energy in this casino if you are a poker player!
Harrah's New Orleans does offer a hotel, and there are several hotels in the surrounding area.
Getting There
The location right downtown makes it super easy to get to from almost anywhere you'll be staying in the city. The only drawback for me was not having access from the airport via mass transit. I arrived to New Orleans (MSY) airport late at night and I did not see a public bus or train heading downtown.
I was able to grab a ride on a downtown hotel shuttle that makes regular trips into the city and drops you right at your hotel for about $24 + tip one way. That's a few bucks cheaper than an Uber would cost.
Overall Traveler Grade - B+
The only reason this is not an A is there is no quick and cheap option to get to the casino from the airport, and there is only one casino in the area. (that I found) If anyone knows how to get from MSY to Downtown New Orleans on a bus or train with minimal stops please let me know. I always prefer to utilize public transport if it is efficient!
I determine the casino grade by combining a number of factors. Highly graded casinos will be easily accessible for travelers from a major airport, and offer high quality gaming options along with good food, and on site hotel accommodations.