Caesars Laurel Diamond Lounge Reviews, Las Vegas (6-Part Series)

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Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind those Laurel (Diamond) Lounge doors and how you can get exclusive access as a Caesars Rewards member, then read on.

Is the hype and effort worth it to become a Caesars Diamond Plus member and get access to the 5 exclusive Laurel (Diamond) Lounges in Las Vegas? What’s the food like? What’s the service like? How can you get access to these Lounges? And can you and a guest actually drink unlimited alcohol at some of the nicest hotels on the Strip for free?

The following will answer all your questions in this 6-post mini series review, but first, a message regarding COVID-19:

A Message Regarding COVID-19

In late January. 2020 I had the pleasure of visiting the Caesars Rewards Las Vegas Laurel Lounges. Vegas was how I always remembered it.

Crowded. Busy. Bustling. Street performers looking to lure you in for a picture or a quick magic show, lots of laughing, booze, food, lights, gambling, glitz, glamour and endless entertainment on the streets and in the venues.

My annual visit and 7th total was yet another memorable, and unique one.

Never, did I ever think that just weeks later, Vegas would be a ghost town.

With threats of COVID-19 looming, Vegas, along with the rest of the world was forced to shut down indefinitely last month.

We’re over a month into cancelled events, grim news updates, and self isolation, which has unfortunately now become routine.

Travel is a gift to experience new cultures, ways of life, cuisine, people and surroundings, but there is so much we are blessed with at home, and in our own backyard.

I am fortunate enough to live in the Fraser Valley of Beautiful British Columbia where there are countless lakes, rivers and mountains just a short walk or drive away. I often visit these places without seeing a sole, even on the busiest vacation days of the year.

But those hidden gems take time and effort to get right. Just like baking bread, or growing a garden, which you may have had the time to try recently.

I hope you take this downtime away from travelling and everyday life to take time to connect with yourself and plan your next dream trip. Although it’s something to look forward to, I bet you’ll find a lot of those things you crave right there in front of you, right now, and learn to appreciate them even more.

But most importantly, I hope you and your family are safe at home, and staying healthy.

And now, onto the Lounge reviews…

The Quest for Caesars Diamond Status

In 2019, I was able to status match my American Express Platinum Card to Caesars Diamond status which gave me a number of high roller Vegas perks.

I have been to Vegas seven times now. I’ve paid out of pocket, I’ve stayed on points, and most recently, I did it the high roller way – with free hotel stays, free food, and free booze. That’s as close as it gets to an all-inclusive resort Vegas vacation at one of the most famous hotels on the Strip – Caesars Palace. That is the only way to do Vegas. And there’s no going back.

You too can learn how to status match your American Express Platinum Travel Rewards Card to achieve Caesars Rewards Diamond status. 

But before we dive into the reviews, lets cover the basics.

Caesars Laurel (Diamond) Lounge Las Vegas Locations

Finding all the Laurel Lounges can be a bit of a treasure hunt. They are not widely accessible to just any gambler or passerby, so signage is limited to the proximity in which they’re in.

If you haven’t seen Vegas before, or just want to go for a leisurely stroll, this can be a fun opportunity to turn it into a game of “find the Laurel Lounge”.

For those who aren’t into treasure hunts, here are their locations:

• Caesars Palace Lounge: In the Augustus Tower which also includes the Seven Stars valet, Diamond/Seven Stars hotel registration and Starbucks.
• Harrah’s Lounge: Up the escalators across from Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar.
• Paris Lounge: On a main walking path across from Le Central Bar.
• Planet Hollywood Lounge: Up the escalators to the right, past Chris Angel’s MindFreak and the convention area.
• Rio Lounge: Inside the high limits slot area – take the elevator upstairs.

Laurel Lounge Hours and Hot Food Times

The Vegas Laurel Lounges are open from 4 pm to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 12 pm to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.

On Fridays and Saturdays when the Lounges open at 12 pm, there are lunch appetizers put out in addition to dinner, which I look forward to checking out on my next trip.

Snacks, desserts, coffee, and tea are available throughout opening hours, with hot food being served from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available throughout opening hours and brought to you by your server.

What’s The Food Actually Like at Caesars Laurel (Diamond) Lounges?

If you’re looking for all you can eat prawns, sashimi, lox salmon, like you might find at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Gold Floor, Laurel Lounges are not that.

I found the food to be quantity over quality. It was very good, it will fill you up, and the menu changes nightly, by lounge – however it is by no means gourmet.

Keep in mind that once you’ve qualified for status, you’ll have unlimited access throughout the year for you and a guest, even if you’re not staying at that hotel. That’s a pretty remarkable perk, so it would be unrealistic to expect an over the top culinary experience night in and night out.

It’s a self-serve buffet. The food is intended to tide you over until you get out on the casino floor and actually spend some money at one of the many restaurants.

How to Access Caesars Laurel (Diamond) Lounges

You can gain access to Caesars Laurel Lounges with Diamond Elite status (25,000+ tier credits). You’ll have unlimited Lounge access for you and a guest for the year you’ve qualified for status, which resets annually on January 31.

There are different levels of Diamond:

• Gold: 0+ tier credits.
• Platinum: 5,000+ tier credits.
• Diamond: 15,000+ tier credits. Learn how to status match to here. Note: status matching will give you a number of high level perks, however it will not give you tier credits, you’ll still need to earn those separately through gambling or spending at Caesars properties or through their online shopping portal.
• Diamond Plus: 25,000+ tier credits. Gets you lounge access.
• Diamond Elite: 75,000+ tier credits.
• Seven Stars: 150,000+ tier credits.

See the detailed chart of Caesars Rewards tier benefits.

If you don’t have enough tier credits, you can purchase lounge access for 1,000 reward credits per visit, per person. Reward credits can be earned through gambling, and spending at Caesars properties. One reward credit is equal to one cent, so essentially a lounge visit without tier status will cost you $10.

You must have the necessary tier or reward credits to gain entry, as cash or other traditional payment methods are not accepted.

Tier credits determine your status (Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Diamond Plus, Diamond Elite, Seven Stars), whereas reward credits can be used towards room comps, food and entertainment at Caesars properties.

Upon entry, a host will swipe your Caesars Rewards Card and you’ll be asked to provide ID to verify your identity.

How to Get Room Comps with Caesars Rewards

Along with gaining complimentary lounge access thanks to my Caesars Rewards Diamond Plus status, I also earned 5 comped nights at Caesars Palace.

You too can get a comped room at Caesars properties for every 5,000 tier credits you earn.

Our comped room was even nicer than I could have expected, complete with a jacuzzi soaker tub, and a perfect view overlooking the Bellagio Fountains and the heart of the Las Vegas strip. It was located in the Augustus Tower, just a quick elevator ride away from the Caesars Laurel Lounge, and the dedicated hotel registration desk for Diamond and Seven Stars members.

Can You Bring a Guest to Caesars Laurel (Diamond) Lounges?

If you’re a Diamond Plus or higher member, you can bring a guest with you for free to enjoy together! They’ll enjoy the same perks as you, including complimentary food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages.

If you’re using reward credits, you’ll have to purchase an additional lounge pass for your guest, valued at 1,000 reward credits. The credits will be deducted from your Caesars Rewards account immediately, and are only good for a one-time visit.

Should You Tip at Caesars Laurel (Diamond) Lounges?

Tipping at Laurel (Diamond) Lounges is not mandatory, however, it is appreciated. If you’ve had a few rounds and enjoyed the food  and the hospitality of your server, then yes, feel free to leave them a tip for what you think is fair. There are no debit/credit card machines in the Lounges, so bring cash with you.

Las Vegas Laurel Lounge Rankings

The lounges are fun. Some are more upscale, some laid back, but the service is excellent across the board. They are the place to be to have a drink before seeing a show, a business meeting, birthday party, or watch the big game.

Interestingly, none of the Lounges have slot machines which almost seems like a missed opportunity.

The commonalities across all lounges are:

1. The food changes every night
2. You’ll get unlimited food and drinks for the year you qualify for Diamond Plus, Diamond Elite, or Seven Stars status)
3. You’ll receive friendly and consistent service

I hope you enjoy reading this mini-series as much as I enjoyed experiencing the lounges and putting these reviews together.

Without further ado, here are the Las Vegas Laurel Lounge Rankings with links to their individual reviews:

#1 Caesars Palace Diamond Laurel Lounge

#2 Planet Hollywood Diamond Laurel Lounge

#3 Paris Hollywood Diamond Laurel Lounge

#4 Harrah’s Diamond Laurel Lounge

#5 Rio Diamond Laurel Lounge

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