Las Vegas: Hard Rock, for rock ‘n’ roll fans

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Address: 4455 Paradise Road, Phone: 702-693-5000, Web site: www.hardrockhotel.com

Quick facts

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was built in 1995, but there’s truly no sign that the property recently celebrated its 16th anniversary in Las Vegas. Thanks to an enormous overhaul and expansion — priced at $750 million — the Hard Rock feels young and trendy. It’s the place to be for people looking for a break from the hectic Las Vegas Strip. If you’re a fan of rock ‘n roll, there’s probably no better place to be.

Entertainment & Nightlife

The Hard Rock appropriately features some of the best rock concerts and comedy acts in town at its venue, The Joint. A preview of some events: Cedric the Entertainer, Social Distortion, Motley Crue, 311 and Romeo Santos. The resort is also one of the best venues to catch a boxing match.

Dining

There are quite a few options for hungry eaters at the Hard Rock. 35 Steaks + Martinis recently opened. The classy new restaurant joins more casual offerings like LTO Pizza & More, Pink Taco and Johnny Smalls.

Location

You will either love the location or hate it. Our preference is to stay on the Las Vegas Strip because of the ease of traveling to other casinos. That said, the Hard Rock is a short taxi ride away and offers expert amenities in a classy setting. We’d take this property over many of the lower-rung Strip resorts any day of the week.

Be mindful: The Hard Rock may look close enough to walk to from the Strip, but it’s too far. It’s actually closer to the University of Nevada’s campus, so utilize taxis or public transportation.

Gambling Options

The casino features 72,000 square feet of gaming action (on the small side), but all the favorites are there.

Room & Pool Options

Thanks to its recent expansion, the Hard Rock has plenty of rooming options. The Paradise Tower, which climbs to 17 stories, has 490 rooms and suites. The HRH Tower features more than 350 suites, plus some villas and penthouse offerings.

The Beach Club at the Hard Rock is world-renowned and deserves to be experienced. To call it a pool would be wrong. It features tropical-looking water and sandy beaches, according to resort information.

Shopping, Spas & Salons

Check out the spa, salon and fitness center, all seemingly top of the line.  The Reliquary Spa even features an old-style bathhouse, and a host of body therapies and facial treatments.

There are a few shopping options, including the Hard Rock Store, but it’s probably best to stick to the malls on the Strip. This property is not known for its designer stores.

Attractions

Unfortunately, not much.

Overall Rating: (7.5)

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Please note: All of this information is subject to change. This is Las Vegas, after all. Restaurants, lounges, attractions and shows open and close almost every single day. Be sure to check official Web sites and call the resort for details.