Harrah’s renovating, expanding two properties

Monday, Dec. 2, 2002 | 11:01 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel in Iowa is planning $8.4 million in renovations at its hotel, including a new marble entryway and new decor in the lobby.

Guest rooms will get new furniture, fixtures and 32-inch TVs.

"We plan to upgrade all aspects of the hotel's public areas, guest rooms and suites," said Peter Weien, senior vice president and general manager.

The upgrades further Harrah's premier room concept.

"We will continue to improve our world-class service and provide the best hotel product in the Council Bluffs-Omaha market," said Robert Brigham, director of hotel operations for Harrah's.

The renovations are scheduled to begin during the first quarter of next year.

Separately, Harrah's in October announced plans for a $75 million expansion in Maryland Heights, Mo., in the St. Louis market.

Vern Jennings, the general manager of Harrah's, told the Maryland Heights City Council last month that Harrah's hopes to build a 16- story tower next to its current hotel and casino.

Harrah's plan calls for a 309-room hotel tower, including two 1,300- square-foot super suites, complete with 12-foot ceilings, a Jacuzzi and other amenities; plus 19 other suites that would be 900 square feet and 288 standard rooms that would be 40 percent larger than rooms in the current Harrah's hotel in Maryland Heights.

Jennings said that Harrah's also hoped to build a 2,500-square- foot exercise center and redesign the hotel lobby's entrance, featuring 20-foot high ceilings, a granite floor and chandelier.

"We want this to look just like some of the finest hotels that you see in Las Vegas," Jennings said, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

To accommodate large weekend crowds, Harrah's plans to add an additional 85 seats to the steakhouse at the casino complex and double eating capacity at Club Aromas, a popular coffeehouse, the newspaper reported.

Jennings said that Harrah's already had invested $350 million in the Maryland Heights complex.

"I'm excited about this," Mayor Mike Mueller said, the Post-Dispatch reported. "Harrah's has been a good business partner for the city."