Harrah's/Horseshoe Council Bluffs- anyone been?

Got an airfare offer with free play to Harrah's Council Bluffs. Never been and booked it for the end of May. Any one on this forum go there and any info would be helfpul. Thanks in advance.

We are 7 star/diamond members and would like info on the diamond lounges and GM Lounge at Horseshoe. Do they comp drinks while playing? Is there a self-serve kiosk for sodas/juices etc. - Any other info please!

I've stayed at Harrah's several times. It's an above average casino hotel. Not fancy, but very clean, slightly bigger than usual room, and very quiet. Historically, Harrah's and Ameristar in Council Bluff were both test casinos for new table games and side-bets. If that's of interest to you, you might be able to find a new/different game or two to try out.

I'm not a big drinker, but I don't think Iowa is a state that allows complimentary alcohol. And, while I can think of exactly where the self-serve soda dispensers are in other casinos in IA, I can't picture them at Harrah's or Horseshoe. It seems likely that they're there, but I can't confirm that.

Harrah's is a boat. It's a decently well done property, but it's still limited by the size/shape of the barge. Horseshoe is on land, which allows it to have a better arranged and laid-out floorplan. I think most people would say that the Horseshoe is a nicer/fancier property. To me, something about that property feels colder and less personal.

The diamond clubs are...there. Pretty sure I've only been to the one at Harrah's. Was the appetizers version of the fare, instead of the light meal that some of them feature. I've eaten at the 360 Steakhouse at Harrah's a few times. That's a good meal. It's Omaha, so there are other better steakhouses in town. But, it's Omaha, so 360 is a better than casino-average steakhouse.

Quote: rdw4potus

I'm not a big drinker, but I don't think Iowa is a state that allows complimentary alcohol. And, while I can think of exactly where the self-serve soda dispensers are in other casinos in IA, I can't picture them at Harrah's or Horseshoe. It seems likely that they're there, but I can't confirm that.

I think Iowa and Detroit are the only Midwest areas that do comp drinks. But in Iowa, you're supposedly limited to one alcoholic drink per 20 minutes.

Thank you both for your input. I do like those self serve soda kiosks. We are staying at Harrah's and will take the shuttle over to Horseshoe.

Hope the weather will be good then. Should be!

My wife is a Seven Star & I am a Diamond player with Ceasars. The Horseshoe in Council Bluffs is one of favorite properties. It has an excellent poker room, a wide variety of table games, and plenty of slots. Seven Stars & Diamonds alike are provided with free alcoholic beverages at both the Horseshoe as well as Harrah's. Both casinos have self-serve soda and coffee areas. The GM Club at the Horseshoe will feed you a full meal that includes salads, a pasta or potato, and a protein, as well as a variety of deserts, for both lunch and dinner. Binion's Steakhouse at the Horseshoe has excellent steaks as well a variety of quality seafood and other meat entrees.

Harrah's has not been on a boat for over a year. They converted the old convention center into a land-based casino that offers table games and slots (no poker room). The hotel could use some some modernization but we enjoy the comfort offered in the suites/ Rooms are offered for both smokers and non-smokers. There is a Hilton Garden Inn attached to the Horseshoe where all rooms are non-smoking.

You should make contact with the VIP Host staff prior to going. They go out of their way to make your visit enjoyable and will cater to your almost every need.

Thank you so much Marty. Appreciate the great info. I did email a host and he replied promptly. I am also 7 star and DH a diamond so we will enjoy the GM club too. Staying at Harrah's- what type of room is the best? Do they have suites?

The Harrah's tower has several suites to include some that handicap accessible if you need one. They also provide free shuttle service to & from the Horseshoe.

Stayed at Harrah's a few years ago during a trip to the College World Series. Omaha is right across the river, so a perfect location if you're a college baseball fan.

Only real complaint is that the casino is somewhat small, and they didn't open the craps pit until 10 a.m. as I recall. First casino I've been to that doesn't have craps available 24/7.