Caesars New Orleans delivers a major luxury gaming and hospitality experience right at the foot of Canal Street. Following a massive multi-million dollar transformation from its former identity as Harrah's, the property stands as the premier land-based gaming destination in downtown New Orleans. Spanning 115,000 square feet of gaming action alongside a brand-new hotel tower and celebrity-led dining options, it merges classic southern charm with modern corporate luxury.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, looking to maximize your Caesars Rewards tier credits, or figuring out where to park, navigating this massive complex requires a bit of local insight. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about staying, playing, and dining on-site.
Understanding the Property Layout
The resort operates as a triple-brand luxury destination, meaning your accommodation choices dictate your physical tower and overall room aesthetic. The layout is split into three distinct stay experiences:
- Caesars Tower: The newly constructed tower featuring contemporary upscale styling, sleek marble bathrooms, and panoramic views of the Mississippi River or the city skyline.
- Nobu Hotel: A luxury "hotel within a hotel" concept occupying dedicated floors, offering signature minimalist Japanese aesthetics, private check-in, and exclusive room service menus.
- Harrah's Tower: The traditional hotel tower, providing reliable, comfortable rooms with classic styling and convenient elevator access straight down to the action.
Navigating from your room to the casino floor is straightforward, though weekend foot traffic near the main lobby elevators can get heavy. If you're arriving via rideshare or taxi, the designated drop-off points on South Peters Street or Canal Street keep you close to the main entrances.
The Gaming Floor and Casino Experience
The sprawling, single-level casino floor packs intense energy 24 hours a day. It features over 1,300 slots, electronic table games, and an extensive pit of live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat.
For poker players, the dedicated World Series of Poker (WSOP) poker room provides regular cash games and tournament action in a smoke-free environment. High-stakes players will find a private high-limit gaming area with personalized cocktail service and elevated table limits.
If you prefer gaming outdoors, the property features specialized climate-controlled outdoor gaming patios. These open-air spaces allow smoking while you play a curated selection of popular slot machines, making them a major draw for smokers who want to avoid stepping entirely outside the building.
Dining and Culinary Highlights
Gone are the days when casino food meant generic buffets. The transformation brought a heavy-hitting lineup of celebrity chefs and local culinary icons to the property.
- Nobu: Offers world-renowned Japanese-peruvian fusion dishes like black cod with miso and yellowtail jalapeno, paired with an upscale lounge atmosphere.
- Emeril's Brasserie: Crafted by iconic local chef Emeril Lagasse, this spot blends classic French brasserie execution with distinct New Orleans ingredients.
- Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay: A casual counter-service stop featuring gourmet burgers, milkshakes, and crispy fries.
- The Steakhouse: A traditional luxury steakhouse experience featuring dry-aged cuts, seafood towers, and an extensive wine list.
For quick bites between gaming sessions, the food hall includes options like PizzaCake by Buddy Valastro and local noodle bars, ensuring you can grab a fast meal without missing a hand.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Maximizing your time at Caesars New Orleans runs smoother when you keep a few operational details in mind:
- Sign up for Caesars Rewards: Swipe your card at kiosks or sign up online before you play. Points accumulate quickly across slots and tables, translating into free parking, meal comps, and discounted room rates.
- Valet vs. Self-Parking: The parking garages can fill up fast during major festival weekends or Saints home games. Valet parking is available at the main hotel entrance, but self-parking offers easier in-and-out access if you plan on driving around the city.
- Explore Beyond the Casino: Because the property sits at the edge of the Warehouse District and just steps from the French Quarter, you aren't trapped on-property. Use your trip to explore nearby music clubs on Magazine Street or walk along the Mississippi River trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone access all hotel towers?
No. Access to the exclusive Nobu Hotel floors is restricted to registered Nobu guests or those with specific VIP access credentials. Keys for the Caesars Tower and Harrah's Tower will only operate elevators for their respective residential floors.
Is smoking allowed inside the casino?
The main casino floor features designated non-smoking zones, but smoking is permitted in specific areas and on the climate-controlled outdoor gaming patios. The hotel rooms are strictly non-smoking.
What is the minimum age to gamble and check in?
You must be at least 21 years old to enter the casino floor, place sports wagers, or check into the hotel rooms. Valid government-issued photo identification is checked rigorously at all entrances.
How close is the casino to the French Quarter?
The property is located at 8 Canal Street, placing you right at the boundary of the French Quarter and the Arts/Warehouse District. You can walk to Jackson Square or Bourbon Street in about 15 minutes.
