Harrah’s Resort SoCal set out to expand a successful hotel-and-casino through a $150M program aimed at lengthening guest stays and increasing per-guest spend. Market signals supported adding rooms and upping the non-gaming amenity mix, especially outdoor leisure. The site’s hot climate demanded abundant shade and a resort-forward feel that could complement existing family pools while giving adult guests a compelling reason to stay on property longer.

* Current Storylander Rob Moffat completed this project prior to joining the Storyland Studios team.

Working hand-in-hand with the architect, civil engineer, water engineer, and ownership, Rob Moffat and his team helped plan and shape a new adult-oriented lazy river and an expanded pool deck. The river’s layout was optimized for flow speed within tight site limits, while generous seating capacity supported increased room counts and revenue goals. A dense canopy of palms creates a cooling green ceiling which scale down adjacent buildings and turn the deck into a true oasis. Arrival begins with a descent into the valley, where guests eventually find themselves among rockwork and waterfalls that cue the start of their experience. Thoughtful hardscape updates stitch the new and existing pool areas into one coherent resort environment.

The reprogrammed deck clarified the distinction between areas for families and those for adults. The renovated area also achieved an increase in dwell time and broadened market reach through offerings such as day-use passes for locals. The lush canopy and layered water experiences deliver year-round appeal—hot tubs for winter warming and river floats to drive summer fun—it all positions Harrah’s Resort SoCal as a destination, not just a day-trip casino. The transformative project earned media recognition, being named a “10 Best Resort Pools in America” by USA Today and a “Best Casino Pool” by San Diego Magazine. The refreshed outdoor amenities strengthened the brand and helped establish Harrah’s Resort SoCal as a signature destination.

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