Let me first say that I absolutely love living in San Diego. But after a few too many weeks of keeping it local, I adore nothing more than escaping to a new zip code.
You see, following a busy month of hard-working and party-hopping across the Gaslamp, bumping into familiar faces at those certain clubs where everyone knows your name – or, at least some semi-slurred variation, I begin to crave busting out of the scene. My twenty-something brain is trained to turn to Vegas for help, but work schedules and those invasive priorities have made me fearful of trip commitment, last minute plane flights can be unreasonably pricy, and we all know there’s nothing worse than the drive home from Vegas…
Annoyed even by the term “staycation” and a former non-believer in its impact, most weekends I would just continue my dance – I want to get away, but I can’t justify a big trip, and I don’t know where to go – before inevitably heading back to Hard Rock. A few weeks ago, however, I learned to say no to my local routine and instead turned the wheel (way) north east to Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort.
Surprisingly enough, my getaway began not at Harrah’s but during the drive. Unlike the steaming hot mission to Vegas, the drive to Harrah’s is under an hour (from downtown San Diego), and very easy. With music up and shades on, I was able to leave all stress behind and cruise into a completely unknown territory.
Harrah’s Rincon Recommendations
First Stop: The Spa at Harrah’s
Do like me … upon arrival, walk immediately from the valet station to the Spa at Harrah’s (rule 1: check-in comes second to the spa). In through the lobby and spa boutique area to the lockers and lounge in back, I was shocked at the amount of space dedicated to relaxation at Harrah’s.
This full-service luxury spa offers body treatments with add-on body appetizers, just for men services, massage, facials, waxing and nail care. After you choose your treatment, or line-up, make sure you tour the entire facility so you don’t forget to stop into the sauna and steam room when you’re done.
My spa pick: Zen Trilogy Body Wrap
This ridiculously indulgent 80-minute treatment begins with a Papaya Pineapple Scrub to make your skin smooth and more receptive, followed by a Green Tea Body Wrap to balance the body’s yin and yang. Then, Ginger Root invigorates the mind and a Seaweed Algae known as nature’s most complete source of nutrition, stimulates your metabolism. A full-body massage with scented lotion finishes off the treatment.
More spa picks: Rainforest Reflections Body Wrap, Spice Trader Mud Mask, Microderm Body Scrub, Couples Massage
Second Stop: Fiore Restaurant
Similar to what you’d expect walking into a resort hotel in Las Vegas, our very own Harrah’s offers eight restaurants to choose from. I recommend a long, carefree dinner at Fiore, the fine dining steaks and seafood restaurant within Harrah’s.
Do like me … take your sweet time recovering from the spa session, and head down to Fiore around 8pm for a late dinner. On Fridays and Saturdays Fiore is open until 11pm, accommodating all lagging travelers seeking fine dining. The vast menu features appetizers, salads, soups, steaks and seafood, as well as a chef selection that is always changing to offer the freshest flavors of the season.
Taste a few menu highlights…
Heart of Baby Iceberg Lettuce Salad with crisp iceberg served “wedge” style, sliced seasonal tomato, olive, pancetta bacon, creamy Maytag bleu cheese dressing; Twin Aussies with two broiled Australian lobster tails and drawn butter; Swordfish Steak with grilled Swordfish steak, arugula, giant white beans, roasted tomatoes, saffron aioli, pancetta bacon; Petite Filet Mignon with braised Kobe beef.
More dining options: Club Cappuccino, Corner Grill, Fortunes, International Buffet, Oyster Bar, San Luis Rey Café
Third Stop: Open Sky Theater
When it comes to Vegas-style entertainment, Harrah’s is as close as it gets in San Diego. The Open Sky Theater features world-famous acts at the revamped and stunning outdoor poolside venue. Grab a drink and head outside where a stage is set-up directly by the tropical pool, underneath the crystal clear sky. Some huge names have performed at Harrah’s, including DJ Paul Oakenfold, Blue Man Group and Cheech and Chong, with Stone Temple Pilots, Tom Jones and Larry the Cable Guy on the way.
My show pick: Straight from Fiore we hit Open Sky Theater for the Paul Oakenfold show in late April ’09. Watching the high-energy DJ performance in the pool oasis setting surrounded by still night sky was unlike anything I’ve experienced in San Diego. Separated from sounds of the city, the show took center stage.
More Harrah’s venues: The Pavilion, Oasis Lounge. View the Harrah’s entertainment calendar.
Fourth Stop: Harrah’s Suite Hospitality
OK, I admit it, I was expecting old-school resort appearance with outdated décor and appliances in-need of a modern makeover. Harrah’s proved me wrong with the newly remodeled suites that look straight out of a boutique hotel in downtown San Diego. Harrah’s features 662 rooms in the 21-story hotel tower, including 101 ultra-luxury suites. Each room is equipped with a 32-inch television and a large luxury bath with separate tub and glass-enclosed shower, and high-speed internet access.
My suite pick: Two Bay Suite in Garden Tower
The newly-renovated Two Bay Suites are known for distinctive, inviting décor complete with all the amenities you require to make your stay unforgettable. Located on the first floor of the Garden Tower, highlights include pool views, plasma TVs, an outdoor patio, wet bar, oversize showers, a private Jacuzzi and more.
Fifth and Final Stop: Eclipse Pool Parties
Whether you’re attending an official Eclipse pool party, or creating your own fun, the pool at Harrah’s is the perfect way to end your escape. With clear skies and radiating heat, claim a few chaise lounge chairs and soak in the rays, or hijack some toys and float around the huge pool that weaves throughout the patio amidst rocks, fountains, and palm tree infused foliage. Grab some bar bites off the patio grill and make sure to stay hydrated with signature cocktails. Imagine the Las Vegas pool experience without the crowds, constant battle for chairs, and outrageous bathroom lines.
Oh ya, gaming…
If you can’t already tell, I prefer the spa to the casino. But, Harrah’s of course offers a huge gaming area with all your favorites, including 1,600 hot slots, and more than 60 exciting table games. You’ll also discover a Poker Room and unique games like Rincon Craps and Volcanic Roulette Bingo, Fortune PaiGow Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat and Three Card Poker.
If you’re like me – in desperate need of a change in scene-ery – make your way north east and discover Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort. For reservations visit harrahsrincon.com.
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