Tell me about the Hard Rock LV

[Bishop22]

Heading to Vegas mid-October for a week, I think we are pretty set on staying at the Hard Rock, primarily for easy access to Body English, Rehab and the pool area in general. We'll also probably hit up Nobu. Are their any drawbacks to staying at the HR? I am primarily concerned about cab lines on the weekends, are they manageable?

We are there primarily for booze, food and maybe a show, probably Love. I could use a couple recommendations for food besides Nobu. Not really interested in the mundane stuff (e.g. Italian, Steak) looking more for foreign, fusion, seafood type stuff, price isn't a concern.

Also we'll be green chipping, craps primarily. Is that high enough to possibly get a room for a future visit or would it be better to play at a Harrah's property where it is likely to get a comped room?

I think we have the party scene down pretty well but I'll certainly take any advice in that area as well..anyone know if Rehab will still be going in October?

[Bishop22]

Well if no one is familiar with the HR, maybe just a few restaurant recommendations in the high-end exotic area..thanks.

[cc4sc]

If you're a young dude and want to party, the Hard Rock is still a viable option. However, it's not like the way it used to be. The Palms has become the #1 spot for partiers. Rehab should still be going on in October and that is still an epic event. But Body English is now taking a backseat to Moon, Playboy Club, Ghost Bar and Rain at the Palms, not to mention Pure (Cesars Palace) Tao (Venetian) or Trist (Wynn).

I still like the vibe of the Hard Rock (young crowd and music), but if you're staying for a week, you might be better served to stay on the Strip IMO. I go to Vegas 6-8 times a year, but only stay 2-3 days at a time. If I had a week, I would book at 2-3 different places to take in all they have to offer. I would personally do something like the Palms for a few days and then a combination of either Mandaylay Bay, Cesars Palace, Venetian, Wynn or Hard Rock (if you do HR, make sure you stay for Sunday to get into Rehab)....

Cab lines on weekends could be long, much longer if a sellout gig is happening at the Joint. But this could be the case for any hotel on a busy weekend. If the lines are long, the trick is to walk across the street to another property and catch a taxi there. There is a strip joint and the Rainbow Bar & Grill right across, so that could be your backup plan.

In terms of recommending restaurants, it would be wise not to b/c as soon as something is mentioned, someone else will come in and criticize and would recommend something else. Plus it all depends on style, personal taste, budget and value. Just know that any major 4 star hotel will have excellent food on the Strip (yes, [censored] happens occasionally, but for the most part, you can't go wrong).

[Bishop22]

Thanks a lot for the reply and welcome to 2p2. I went ahead and booked the Palms Tues thru Friday in case I decide to go with your plan. My original plan was to stay at two hotels but I didn't know if I'd feel like moving. I've stayed on the strip several times, now I am starting to think that I'll miss it if we stay at the HR or Palms. Thinking about a complete redo and staying mid-strip as usual and commuting to the HR and Palms but then definitely won't be able to get into Rehab..decisions, decisions..at least your suggestions Palms>HR and Strip>off have me headed in the right direction..thanks again.

[cc4sc]

The Palms on Fridays have what they call "Ditch Fridays". I don't know much about it, but it's similar to Rehab on Sundays. Knowing that it's the Palms, I'm sure it's worth a visit. A similar thing is happening at Venetian called Club Tao. Essentially, the hotels are bringing the "night" clubs into the daytime and out to the pools.

Also, if you do stay at the Palms and are sick of taking taxis, you can walk to the Rio (about a 7 minute walk) and take their free shuttles to their Strip properties (Cesars, Harrah's, Flamingo Hilton etc.). Since you're there mid-week, taxis and traffic won't be too bad; neither would getting into the clubs. Here's what I would recommend from a club/party standpoint:

Pure: Hottest Club in Vegas right now.
Tao: A very close 2nd to Pure.
Palms: You pay 1 cover and get into the Playboy Club and Moon...they also give you a free pass to Ghostbar and Rain good for after a certain time.
Trist: I like it, but it's sort of a classier club if you're into that sort of thing.
Hard Rock: off the strip, but easy to get to by taxi. Body English is still cool, but do try to find a way into Rehab.

[chillywater8]

I stayed at the Hard Rock LV once for a few days, bad experience. It is the one Hotel in LV I would not recommend. The room was simular to a Hotel 8 or such and the management, staff and security were awful. The price was also relatively high. The casino is tiny and the restaraunts are nothing impressive. It's not on the strip or near anything much. Stay away and go to one of the much nicer Hotels in town. FWIW the Hard Rock here in Hollywood Florida is very nice establishment.