Harrah's Gulf Coast Hotel and Casino

The hidden charges left me feeling cheated. I thought I had a dog-friendly stay for $134, dropped my keys at the desk at checkout, and went on my way. The next day, another $166 had been charged. I called to ask about it and they walked me through fine print I hadn't known about, so read it carefully. I did get my gambling fix and enjoyed the pool, and I had a great time otherwise. But those charges really sting.

We went to the front desk afterward, where staff confirmed day passes were allowed, showed us the posted policy, and agreed the kids hadn't caused any trouble. The whole episode came from staff and security not communicating, and our family was embarrassed and made to leave despite trying to follow the rules. This shouldn't happen when people are doing their best to comply with the posted policy. We arrived hoping to buy day passes for the pool and tried to pay before going in. A staff member at the counter by the pool doors told us payment wasn't needed and welcomed us in. Soon after, security singled out only our group and told our children, ages 16-21, to get out of the hot tub, just feet from the adults. They confirmed the kids weren't being disruptive, as I knew from sitting nearby, and said they were being removed only because they weren't hotel guests. I explained we'd already tried to pay and offered again, but was told they “do not allow people to pay,” directly contradicting what we'd just been told. No one asked me, my sister, her husband, or his mother whether we were hotel guests, and nobody else at the pool was questioned. Only our children were approached and made to leave.

The room was clean and comfortable, and the service started off well with Jaydan at check-in. He was patient, polite, professional, and courteous, and made me feel welcome. Larry the bellman carried on that same great service.

The room and arrival were such a mess that we left after two nights of a three-day booking. The carpet was stained and curled up enough to be a trip hazard. Dust had clearly built up, there was a French fry under the “dresser” even though we hadn't eaten in the room, and the Gulf view was obscured by a dirty window. The black-looking stuff around the tub looked like black mold, though I couldn't say for sure. The outlets looked like they hadn't been wiped down in ages. I didn't feel comfortable staying, especially worrying people could get sick if that was mold. A no-tell motel would have been better. This was our first visit to this location and our last. We had meant to go to Danville but changed plans at the last minute for Biloxi, which was a big mistake. Our confirmation listed a check-in ETA of 12:59, but the front desk woman was rude and said nothing was ready and early check-in would cost $25. We killed time, then tried again at 3 and were told the fee was $15. After driving 14 hours, all we wanted was a shower, food, and rest. We got our luggage from the garage, where only one elevator worked, and found the room in that condition. There were three charges on my card. I understand one was a hold, but it went through; the other two are pending. The “casino” was a joke, with fewer slots than gaming rooms I've seen, so we went casino hopping. I'm a platinum member on a blue-collar budget and have spent plenty at various Harrahs locations. I wouldn't recommend this one.