Look, New Orleans has no shortage of historic hotels with charm and character. But Caesars New Orleans offers something different: the only land‑based casino in the entire state, wrapped inside a freshly renovated, upscale resort that puts you right at the foot of Canal Street. After a $435 million transformation that wrapped up in late 2024, this property has gone from a tired Harrah’s outpost to a sleek, modern destination that actually feels worthy of the Caesars name.
And here’s the thing — it’s not just for gamblers. Whether you’re in town for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or a spontaneous getaway, this hotel works as a home base. It’s close enough to the action to feel connected, but just far enough from Bourbon Street to get some sleep. Plus, there’s a little haunting history lurking beneath the surface, because this is New Orleans after all.
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Quick Facts
The Full Write‑Up: What We’ve Learned, What Stands Out, and What You Need to Know
Full disclosure: I haven’t checked into Caesars New Orleans myself just yet. But you know I’ve done my homework — combing through recent guest reviews, chatting with friends who’ve already booked stays, and keeping a close eye on the buzz surrounding this massive rebrand. So think of this as the inside scoop from someone who’s spent way too many hours researching so you don’t have to.
From Harrah’s to Caesars: A Quick Backstory
Caesars New Orleans first opened its doors as Harrah’s New Orleans Casino on October 30, 1999. It was a big deal at the time — a $1 billion project dreamed up by Hawaiian hotel developer Christopher Hemmeter, billed as “the world’s largest casino”. The original design even mimicked Monte Carlo’s 1861 casino, aiming to evoke the grandeur of the 1885 Cotton Exposition.
The hotel tower didn’t arrive until 2006, and for years the property operated as Harrah’s — the city’s only land‑based casino. Then came the big rebrand. Caesars Entertainment became the parent company, and a massive $325‑435 million renovation transformed the space into Caesars New Orleans, which officially reopened in October 2024. A brand‑new hotel tower went up right above the casino’s porte cochere, adding 340 guestrooms to the existing 450 rooms across two towers. From what we’re hearing, the transformation was worth the wait.
The Rooms: Modern, Airy, and Actually Impressive
I’ll be honest — I never stayed at the old Harrah’s, but I’ve heard plenty of folks say it was fine. Functional, nothing to write home about. The new Caesars rooms, based on every review and photo I’ve combed through, are a completely different story.
The newly built rooms are bright, airy, and sleek, with light woods and neutral tones that deliver a contemporary, upscale aesthetic. Think deep blue rugs and armchairs that really pop, subtle motifs above the bed, marble walk‑in showers, and fashionable lamps. Entry‑level rooms come in at a solid 400 square feet, which is generous for the price point. Get high enough and you’ll score handsome views out over the Mississippi River or a dramatic angle straight up Canal Street — rooms that are going to be clutch come Carnival season.
If you want to splurge, there’s also the Nobu Hotel — a “hotel within a hotel” spanning two floors with 54 rooms and suites designed in soothing neutral tones with subtle Japanese accents. It’s more elevated, more serene, and comes with that extra layer of luxury. Several guests have told me it feels like a completely different property once you step onto those floors.
The Casino: Big, Bright, and Smoke‑Free
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — the casino. It’s the hotel’s biggest and most notable amenity. The gaming floor spans 115,000 square feet with approximately 2,100 slot machines, over 90 table games, and a poker room. It’s one of the largest gaming floors in the United States outside of Nevada.
What stands out from guest feedback? The main gaming areas are smoke‑free, which is a huge plus for anyone who hates coming home smelling like an ashtray. The interior design feels elevated — think great lighting, clean sightlines, and a generally polished vibe. There’s also a new bar called Octavia that shines underneath a huge, gleaming chandelier — a striking fibre optic sculpture that really elevates the space.
Drink service? Reports suggest it’s boozier than expected, with fast service and a great selection of free drinks while you play. Just keep in mind that service can be inconsistent depending on how busy it gets — standard casino stuff, really.
Dining: Celebrity Chefs Everywhere
One of the biggest upgrades is the food scene. Caesars New Orleans now boasts a lineup of celebrity chef‑driven restaurants that would make any foodie happy:
- Nobu — the iconic Japanese‑Peruvian spot, located on the ground floor
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- Ruth’s Chris Steak House — a reliable classic for steak lovers
- Nina’s Creole Cottage by New Orleans’ own Nina ComptonRuth’s Chris Steak House — a reliable classic for steak lovers
- Emeril’s Brasserie — Emeril Lagasse’s French‑Creole spot, serving up classics like French 75 cocktails and Kir Royales
- Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay — because sometimes you just want a great burger
There’s also a general store and coffee shop in the Casino Tower, which saves you from wandering into the Quarter every time you need something. From what I can tell, you could easily spend a whole weekend here without eating at the same place twice.
The Haunting History: Because This Is New Orleans
Now, here’s where things get interesting. New Orleans is widely considered one of the most haunted cities in America, so it should come as no surprise that Caesars New Orleans — formerly Harrah’s — has its own share of ghostly lore.
Reports of paranormal activity at the property go back years. Visitors and staff at Harrah’s have described noticing eerie figures that seemed like ghosts inside the casino. When these encounters happen, lights are said to start twinkling, and some have joked that the money they’re playing with mysteriously disappears. Whether that’s ghosts or just the house edge is up for debate.
The land itself carries weight. The casino was built on the site of the former Rivergate Convention Center, which was demolished in 1995. And the broader area around Canal Street has a deep, complicated history — from the old Girod Street Cemetery (which wasn’t fully relocated before the Superdome was built) to the general sense that New Orleans sits on layers of history, some of it restless.
I’m not saying you’ll definitely see a ghost during your stay. But I am saying that if you’re the type who gets a little thrill from the supernatural, Caesars New Orleans fits right into the city’s spooky vibe. Keep your eyes open — and maybe don’t be too surprised if you hear footsteps when no one’s there.
Tips for Your Stay (From a Researcher Who’s Done the Digging)
Parking: This is where it gets a little tricky. Self‑parking costs around $40 per night, and valet runs about $55 per night. Both have in/out privileges, but it’s pricey. If you’re staying for a few days, factor that into your budget. Some guests have reported confusion about casino comping policies for parking, so ask at the front desk before you commit.
Best Rooms: Corner rooms with ample windows and soaking tubs are a favorite among guests. Higher floors offer better views — river views or Canal Street views are both solid choices. If you want the full luxury experience, book into the Nobu Hotel.
No Pool: One thing this hotel doesn’t have is a swimming pool. If a pool is non‑negotiable for you, this might not be your spot. But for most travelers, the location and amenities more than make up for it.
Safety: You need a room key to access the floors, and the area around the hotel feels safe both day and night. Several female travelers I’ve spoken with said they felt comfortable walking back late from the Quarter.
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Nearby: What to Do Close to Caesars New Orleans
One of the biggest selling points of Caesars New Orleans is its location. You’re within easy walking distance of:
- The French Quarter — about a 10‑minute walk to Bourbon Street
- The Riverwalk — steps away for shopping and river views
- Caesars Superdome — home of the Saints, about a 15‑minute walk
- Canal Street — right outside your door for shopping and streetcars
Final Takeaway: Should You Book It?
Here’s the bottom line. Caesars New Orleans isn’t trying to be a quaint French Quarter boutique hotel. It’s a modern, full‑service casino resort that delivers comfort, convenience, and a touch of glamour — all in a location that can’t be beat.
The rooms are genuinely nice (from everything I’ve seen). The dining options are top‑tier. The casino is massive and polished. And the location puts you right in the middle of everything New Orleans has to offer, without being in the middle of the noise.
Is it perfect? No. Parking is expensive, there’s no pool, and service can be inconsistent depending on when you visit. But if you’re looking for a comfortable, centrally located home base with a little extra excitement built in, Caesars New Orleans is absolutely worth considering.
And if you’re a Caesars Rewards member? Even better. You’ll earn points, get perks, and enjoy the benefits of staying at a AAA Four Diamond Award‑winning property.
So go ahead — book that stay. Walk the French Quarter. Eat at Nobu. Try your luck at the tables. And keep one eye open for any ghostly visitors. After all, this is New Orleans.
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