Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

If your plan is to rub elbows with celebrities while you’re in Las Vegas, you may be able to do just that. But the next best thing is to check out their concert garb, instruments and gear at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which is considered one of the hottest and hippest resorts in Las Vegas.

Situated on 26 acres off of the Las Vegas Strip, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino frequently hosts concerts by big names in the music industry and keeps the party hopping with a vibrant entertainment, dining and nightclub scene.

A Little History

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was built in 1995 and underwent an expansion in early 2010. It is owned and operated by Morgans Hotel Group Co. and equity partner DLJ Merchant Banking Partners.

Location

Address: 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas

Hotels/Resorts Located Nearby: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is located off of the Strip and away from the major Las Vegas hotels. Alexis Park and Terrible’s are the closest properties to Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Rooms and Suites

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino includes an 11-story Casino Tower with 640 guest rooms, a 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and the all-suite Hard Rock Hotel Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites.

General Prices

Hard Rock Hotel’s recent renovation and expansion has increased the resort’s prices, but it’s off-Strip location makes it a bit cheaper than other locations. The Casino Tower and Paradise Tower offer standard, sophisticated rooms starting at $99.00 per night. The Hard Rock Hotel Tower only offers suites; these have more amenities including exclusive check-in, valet and spa services. These rooms start at $129.00 per night.

Like other Las Vegas hotels, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino frequently runs promotions with less expensive room rates. Always check for special rates before booking.

The Casino

Hard Rock Hotel’s casino is 30,000 square feet—relatively small compared to the gaming space at other Las Vegas casinos. You’ll find standard casino games here, including blackjack, craps, roulette, slots and baccarat. In the Hell’s Belles area of the casino, go-go girls provide eye candy while you gamble. The Poker Lounge has a full bar and lounge and hosts daily tournaments. If you prefer to take your gaming poolside, take advantage of the swim-up blackjack table.

Restaurants

Dining options at Hard Rock Hotel range from quick, on-the-go cafes to fine dining. Restaurants include a classic steakhouse, authentic Italian fare, innovative Japanese cuisine, hip Mexican food and standard American favorites. A coffeehouse / smoothie bar offers a pick-me-up when you need it most.

>>More information about dining at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Nightlife

If you want to party all night, then you’ve come to the right place. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was made for people who like to have a good time once the sun goes down. A number of bars and lounges are open late into the night for mingling and the resort’s 14,000-square-foot nightclub, Vanity, is open until 4:00 a.m. The rock-n-roll club, Wasted Space, is a more intimate venue.

>>More information about nightlife at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Entertainment

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino isn’t home to shows in the way most Las Vegas hotels are. Instead of any permanent performances, this is one place in the city where you can always count on catching big name performers. The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Nine Inch Nails and The Killers have all performed here. Most concerts are held at The Joint, but in the summer, it is possible to catch a concert poolside as well.

>>More information about entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Things to Do

The resort’s pool club, Rehab, has been voted as one of the top pools in the world and is a hit with guests. An on-site health club and spa aid in relaxation. Though people don’t visit Hard Rock Hotel and Casino specifically for the shopping, there are a few shops at the resort as well.

Of course the main feature of Hard Rock Hotel is the extensive collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed throughout the hotel.

>>More information about things to do at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Ideal Visitors

Because of its high energy and hip atmosphere, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is best suited for 20- or 30-somethings in Las Vegas that want to stay up all night. Like Planet Hollywood, it’s a great home base for bachelor or bachelorette parties and students on spring break. If you want to spend a lot of time on the Las Vegas Strip but are staying at Hard Rock Hotel, you will probably want to rent a car.

Travel Tips

If there is a concert going on at Planet Hollywood, make dinner reservations for before or after the concert or dine during the concert to avoid the crowds.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a short walking distance away from the Las Vegas Strip, and the resort offers no shuttle service. If you plan on making frequent trips to the Strip, consider renting a car.
Though many great acts appear poolside at Hard Rock Hotel, the better venue on site is The Joint.

Photo credit: Feature (Javier Volcan), Hotel (mightyb), Margarita (billaday),