The Grand Transformation of Caesars Hotel and Casino: A $435 Million Renovation
After four years of construction delays, the much-anticipated renovation of the Caesars Hotel and Casino in New Orleans has finally reached its completion. With a staggering cost of $435 million, this massive overhaul has given a new lease of life to the formerly known Harrah’s Casino just in time for the influx of visitors expected for the 2025 Super Bowl.
A Journey of Renovation
The extensive renovations kicked off with a cheeky construction fence that proclaimed, "Rome wasn’t built in a day." This phrase now resonates with the project team, as they navigated the challenges posed by rising costs and unavoidable delays caused by post-pandemic inflation. Despite these hurdles, Samir Mowad, the general manager of Caesars, confidently declared that the renovation is finally ready for public unveiling.
"It’s like changing the tires on a moving bus," Mowad remarked, encapsulating the difficulties faced throughout this prolonged endeavor. The project saw budget increases of over $100 million, yet it promised to breathe new life into the nearly 25-year-old establishment.
Elevating the Hospitality District
The renovations are not just a transformation of the hotel itself; they are part of a broader revitalization effort in New Orleans’ hospitality district. “Just think about how this little corner of New Orleans has now been transformed over the last five, six years,” Mowad reflected, highlighting the positive impact of the upgrades on the area’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.
Revamped Gaming Experience
One of the most significant changes is the complete overhaul of the 115,000-square-foot gaming area. The newly designed gaming floor boasts:
- A brand-new World Series of Poker Room.
- A revamped Caesars Sportsbook area featuring a massive 147-foot wall of TV screens, perfect for sports enthusiasts.
- An exclusive High Limit gaming section for high rollers, with minimum bets starting at $100.
For the most affluent guests, private Salon rooms offer an elevated experience with personalized table games and the opportunity to mingle with sports and entertainment celebrities. "At the point you’re in the Salon, everyone is a celebrity,” noted Stacey Dorsey, the director of security and facilities.
A Luxurious Hotel Annex
In addition to the gaming improvements, Caesars has introduced a striking 15-story, 340-room hotel annex along Convention Center Boulevard. This annex features a grand "valet porte cochère," providing a touch of luxury right from the entrance. Notably, the lower two floors have been crafted into a "hotel within a hotel," branded under the prestigious Nobu label, catering to the casino’s elite clientele with 54 luxury rooms, including 12 suites.
Culinary Delights Await
The renovation extends beyond gaming and accommodations; it also introduces a host of dining options that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of every visitor. The celebrated Nobu chain, co-founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and restaurateur Meir Teper, has unveiled a new restaurant on the casino level. This venue offers a delightful menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and a range of signature hot and cold dishes.
Further amplifying the culinary landscape is Emeril’s Brasserie, a new venture by acclaimed chef Emeril Lagasse, located on the Canal Street side of the casino. Mowad expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration: “Emeril is not cookie-cutter, and he wanted to open his first brasserie here.”
Additionally, a 12,000-square-foot food court featuring fast-casual options from renowned chefs like Nina Compton, Bobby Flay, and Buddy Valastro adds an exciting array of international and local flavors.
The Stunning Octavia Lounge
Replacing the former Masquerade dance club, the new lounge Octavia promises to be a highlight of the property with its jaw-dropping $750,000 chandelier and a dramatic design aimed at captivating visitors. Mowad shared, "The volume of the space of Octavia is jaw-dropping."
A Premier Destination
Caesars New Orleans is now primed to serve as a premier destination for both gaming enthusiasts and culinary aficionados. “We’ve literally touched every square inch of the preexisting property. We made a joke to ‘Caesarize it,’” Mowad stated, emphasizing their commitment to providing a high-end experience across all aspects of the property.
Part of a Larger Vision
This extensive transformation is not an isolated project but part of a larger wave of development in downtown New Orleans. Surrounding projects include the $530 million Four Seasons Hotel and Condominiums, the $570 million upgrade of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and the $41 million renovations of the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium. Altogether, these investments are reshaping the city’s hospitality sector as it gears up for the 2025 Super Bowl.
The completion of Caesars Hotel and Casino’s renovations marks a pivotal moment for New Orleans, reaffirming its status as a vibrant hub for tourism, gaming, and culinary excellence. With its lavish upgrades, Caesars is set to welcome guests eager to experience the magic of New Orleans in an elevated and truly luxurious setting.
