In a massive renovation and expansion project, Harrahâs Las Vegas has repositioned itself as a resort worthy of its Strip address

 Rather, like a giant chrysalis, the transformation took place behind the shelter of temporary, moving construction boxes, while life in the casino carried on around it. This month, $240 million later, the boxes have come down, and a striking new Harrahâs has emerged.

As the largest renovation and expansion project of its kind, the changes are all-encompassingfrom the exterior facade to the addition of a new tower. The result is more of everything: more shopping, more dining, more casino, more amenities. The renovation has elevated Harrahâs Las Vegasat lastto a new level, adroitly positioning the property to better compete with its Strip neighbors, and bringing it in line with Harrahâs national brand strategy.

From the outside, in

The removal of the riverboat facade, which had been part of the Strip skyline since 1973, was no small feat. The theme of the new Harrahâs was designed to center around the world-wide celebration of Carnaval, which meant that the giant smokestacks and paddlewheel had to come down.

In their place rose panels of dark glass and a dramatic, colorful facade. The focal point is a free-form, 30â X 90â illuminated mural. It is the largest such mural ever produced.

Created by California artist Les Seymor, the mural is a tribute to Las Vegas entertainment. Live models, costumed as musicians, singers and showgirls, actually posed for the artist, who then incorporated images of musical instruments, Carnaval jesters and festive balloons into the scene.

Continuing with the new theme, pedestrians on the Strip can now enter Harrahâs by way of Carnaval Court, an outdoor entertainment/retail plaza. Shopping includes Jackpot, Harrahâs new logo store, and the unique Carnaval Corner.

Featuring a variety of custom culinary delights, Carnaval Corner is 2,200 square feet of Epicurean ecstasy. In addition to specialty ingredients, recipes and appliances, the store offers fine wines, microbrews and cigars. Live demonstrations, including cooking and cigar rolling, are regularly given, along with wonderful samples of the creations. There are even individual displays that highlight recipes from each of Harrahâs new restaurants. If you like what you see, thereâs a telephone right there for making dining reservations. Additionally, the shop contains an espresso bar, fresh flowers and custom gift basket design. And you donât have to worry about lugging your goodies onto the plane; Carnaval Corner will ship items anywhere in the U.S.

San Franciscoâs Ghiradelli Chocolate Company has made its Nevada debut in Carnaval Court, giving the local Ethel Mâs a run for its money. Founded in 1852, Ghiradelli is Americaâs oldest chocolate company, and its Carnaval Court location marks only the fourth in the nation. In addition to a sinful selection of chocolate morsels, the shop features an old fashioned soda fountain, coffees and gift items.

At press time, not all of the retail and amenities slated for Carnaval Court had opened. Still to come is On Stage, which promises an interactive music and video selection, and a dramatic fountain for ambiance. There is talk of strolling entertainers in the plaza, though exactly what that will include remains a mystery.

Music is already present courtesy of the musicians performing in La Playa, Las Vegasâ first indoor/outdoor bar. This is sure to become a Vegas hotspot, with seating available both inside and out in the Carnaval Court. Already, people crowd to hear the bands play in the tropical-themed setting, often spilling into the casino pit and Carnaval Court entrance. The bar is open 24 hours a day, which makes it perfect on balmy summer and autumn nights in the desert. Entertainment starts at 2:00 p.m. and continues until 4:00 a.m.

Places to play

While the main casino opens onto Carnaval Court, a second, separate entrance from the plaza leads directly into the casinoâs new Race and Sports Book. Fourteen televisions provide viewing of games and races to the 6,000 sq. ft. room.

The area is split into two sections: the Race Book and the Sports Book. Unlike most sports books, Harrahâs has a distinct ãsports barä feel to it, with seating available either at tables or booths. The pub atmosphere is punctuated by the Winning Streaks Stadium Cafe, which offers bettors full tableside service. The menu features traditional sports bar food and, of course, plenty of beverages.

In addition to the Race and Sports Book, the casino itself was expanded 30,000 square feet, allowing for the addition of five hundred new slots and ten table games. Unfortunately, the ãParty Pit,ä once located at the Strip entrance directly across from The Mirage, has been removeda choice this gambler canât help but feel was a mistake. According to Harrahâs officials, the Party Pit, though gone in reality, is still present in spirit. The loose, festive feel and lower limits, signatures of the Party Pit, have simply shifted to the Carnaval Court entrance, minus the boom box, ribbons and barker-style dealers. Well·yes, La Playa does provide the music, but without the ribbons and barkers, itâs just a crowded extension of the rest of the pit, and a poor substitute for what was one of the most innovative ideas in gaming.

But one manâs loss is another manâs gain, and such is definitely the case with Harrahâs casino expansion. While the low limit players lost the Party Pit, high rollers have gained a new high limit area and lounge, a first for Harrahâs Las Vegas. The elegant area consists of four blackjack tables, one pai gow poker table, one baccarat table and a mini-baccarat tablebaccarat is yet another new addition to the property. Around the corner from the high-limit tables are the high-limit slots, ranging from $5 to $100 per pull. Both slot and table players in this area may take advantage of the high limit lounge, which features freshly-stocked snacks, a wet bar and private restrooms.

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