I WENT BACK to Harrah’s Valley River in Murphy, NC in June and had a GREAT TIME!!
THE FIRST THING I found out was that there is no COVID checkpoint driving up to the hotel parking area. This was an expected change, since the last time I was there was back in October 2020. Once in the parking area, I found that they had opened the gravel lot that had been blocked off before. If you have ever stayed at the hotel, you know that(without the gravel lot being open) it can be hard to find a spot and many people had to go with valet parking. I’m very happy that they made this change. 🙂
AT THE CHECK-IN, I was met with a smiling hotel representative asking to assist me. Check-in is always fast and easy. Then came the best surprise I could have imagined, they upgraded my room to A PREMIUM ROOM! I didn’t even have to ask. These rooms are always more spacious than the regular rooms. They have a larger bathroom, a lounge chair and a convertible couch that sleeps two. Some also include double the window views as well as a table and chairs.
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS about the rooms? THE COFFEEMAKERS ARE BACK!!! They had been removed due to the pandemic and it was pretty rough on me, but I made it through, lol.
ANOTHER BIG IMPROVEMENT!!!!!! WiFi IS NOW FREE IN ALL THE ROOMS!
Here are a few more pics of the Premium room and the views!
AS YOU CAN SEE, all rooms also include a big screen LED HDTV, under the counter refrigerator, telephone, hair dryer, clock radio with alarm, electronic safes, as well as beautiful mountain views and artwork.
MY FIRST TRIP OUT OF THE ROOM is usually down to the Landing Cafe for one of these pepperoni pizzas. Whoever makes them really knows what they’re doing!! YUM!
THE MASK REQUIREMENTS are finally gone. You will hear an announcement that they encourage you to wear one if you aren’t vaccinated, but there is absolutely no requirement. They still clean and disinfect often and you can tell they care about your safety.
THE LAUREL LOUNGE is pretty much the same as last year(post-pandemic), you still get discounted drinks with your Diamond or Seven Stars card, but still no sign of the buffet and no guarantee from the bartender that it will ever come back. The old entrance door is completely gone(just a wall now), so you enter from the high-limit gaming area. There is no card check to get in, but you need it for the discounted drinks. It’s much easier now to pop in for a drink and pop out, but I will miss the food because it was sooo good! You still have seats at the bar, but the dining room tables have been replaced by high-limit slots.
THE BOOK is the sports betting area and this is the first time I’ve been here since it opened. I didn’t make any bets because the Braves weren’t playing that night, but I plan to try it soon. Interesting fact: the two Harrah’s locations in Cherokee, NC and Murphy, NC are the only legal betting sites in the entire state of North Carolina, so I expect it to get pretty busy on big sports days.
I HAD A GREAT TIME, as I said before. I didn’t lose a dime! I played mostly video poker and had a few nice wins that allowed me to play with house money until late into the night. When I got to the end of the house money, it was past my bedtime anyway. It was a great time and all the people are helpful and nice. I can’t wait to go back and I’m actually heading back this week! 🙂 I’m due for a BIG JACKPOT, so check back next week to see if it happens. I’ll certainly be posting pics if it does! 🙂 I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
