Depending on which property you go to the $500 trip food credit may go into your total comp credit with any unused potions remaining, or may only be available for the trip. At Biloxi and Hammond it was added to our comp credits. At Biloxi we could use part for spa or food or anything. At Hammond we were able to divide part as a credit at the hotel we were in (since Hammond Ind doesn't have it's own hotel), the rest given to us as a Total Rewards card we could use anywhere if any was left.
In Atlantic City the trip credit was only good for food, no spa, and therefore was not put into our comp account, and I'm assuming this remains true now (went last year). Don't know about Tahoe, but I'm guessing maybe it just goes into your comp account.
The best bet is to call and speak to a host there, and find out for sure. Tahoe has several good hosts including Jeff Bryan.
A host can also tell u about the Tahoe Star boat cruise. I'm guessing again, but I think it may be too late in the year for it, it runs in the summer.
The Limo from Reno takes about 1 1/2 hours and they do stock it with some booze, soft drinks, and a few snacks like potato chips. We normally tip $20, but If you feel like tipping less (or more) you certainly can.
Hosts are very good in Tahoe, and if you go on a non-7 star trip, they may reimburse some or all your airfare without taking RCs if your play is high. Presumably they might be able to reimburse spa or food if you run out of comps and have good play.
One nice thing about Tahoe is the view of the Lake. I recommend asking for a Lakeview suite at Harvey's, which are terrific, rather than the 7 star suites at Harrahs with butler but lesser views.
The American River cafe is very good for breakfast and lunch. Harrahs buffet food too, but sometimes not open for breakfast. Best steakhouse meal is Harrahs on top floor. Sage Room in Harvey's also good, but no view (though they do have table side making of some salads, deserts, steak diane). Third best is the one on top of Harvey's. Chinese restaurant in Harrahs was bad to mediocre and they do not know how to cook Peking duck, shrimp with lobster sauce, or wonton soup....so don't bother.
Best thing is if you play well you'll get good offers for the next time, including coupon books with free play, extra "reel rewards" coupons (but they are low in value), and sometimes very good offers for free play/chips, playup offers, jewelry shopping, etx, in addition to things like tournaments and concerts.
Snow is possible any time of year, even July, so you might get some in Oct. we've arrived in March to clear warm weather, only to have clouds and snow blow in the next night, and blow away the next, so Oct. could be like that. Mountain sports like skiing often are available nearby. If you don't ski u can ride the Heavenly lift (walking distance) to have a great view of lake.
Hotel is next to several other casinos in walking distance and one has a movie theater. In room movies and Internet are free for 7 star members.
