Forget the long lines and mobs of crazed fans, the all-suite HRH Tower at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is your backstage pass to the glam rock star lifestyle that absolutely is all it’s cracked up to be. Located just a few blocks east of the Las Vegas Strip along Harmon Avenue, the elite tower – added to the south end of the rock ‘n’ roll-themed property in 2009 – offers guests a truly regal hotel experience. Immediately upon arrival, guests of the HRH tower will begin their exclusive VIP treatment as they enter the tower’s private porte-cochere and self-parking garage that will then usher them to the exclusive lobby with a hotel registration and check-in. Characterized with bold décor of rich gold and black tones, your walk down the opulent HRH Tower hallway that leads you past the bell desk, concierge desk and sundry shop, is just a prelude of what’s to come when you enter your reserved living quarters. Boasting 374 rooms — 359 standard suites, eight spa villas (these open directly to the pool) and seven penthouses on the 16th floor, the lavish accommodations in each room will make you feel like a rock star in one way or another. What’s that you say? You’re not sure how to feel like a rock star? We suggest you immediately direct your attention to the wall-mounted, 12-inch, touch panel jukebox system with surround sound that is installed in every room, scroll through the hundreds of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll songs and crank up the one that makes you pull out that air guitar and shred like there’s no tomorrow. Yeah… you know that sounds fun. And once you’ve finally let your hair down and have succumbed to the fact that you’re awesome, take a moment to take in the accommodations that are there for your comfort during your stay. Each of the suites feature a separate living and sleeping areas in addition to large-window views that are available of the iconic Strip or the city and surrounding mountains. And among the amenities are two 40-inch Sony Bravia LCD TVs (obviously because more is better when you’re a VIP), ultra luxurious bedding, a desk, a fully stocked minibar and an iPod docking station. The oversized bathrooms have separate showers and cast iron “Tea for Two” tubs. Is Nickleback’s “Rockstar” playing in your head yet? The HRH Tower also houses more than 40,000 square feet of gaming space, the Luxe Bar, private pampering at the Reliquary Spa & Salon, in addition to the Fú and Juice Bar restaurants. Guests of the HRH Tower can also take advantage of all the entertainment, gaming, nightlife and dining opportunities that abound on the original casino floor and room towers of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Of course, live music reigns supreme throughout the property, and The Joint – the hotel’s 4,500-seat concert venue – has an incomparable reputation. Not many other stages have been graced by the likes of KISS, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Linkin Park and The Killers, among many others. Following the redesign, this state-of-the-art facility boasts pristine sound, projection and lighting systems that are so advanced they defy easy description. Simply put, there’s no better place in town to see and hear your favorite performers…. unless you get privately serenaded…. And if you do, we want to talk to you. In addition to The Joint, the resort is also home to the smaller and more intimate entertainment venue, Vinyl, which features a variety of entertainment genres including local bands, comedy acts and late-night burlesque. The main nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Body English. Decorated with lush leather furnishings and giant chandeliers this sensual nightclub is much more than a place for simply dancing – it’s a place for dancing, drinking, dancing, and perhaps drinking some more all while you enjoy a brilliant showcase of indie, electronic, rock and pop music. Those who want to forego the nightclub scene will still be successful in finding that party vibe considering that the entire property is designed with a rockin’ time in mind. And if your good time is the same as our good time, which typically includes some cold beverages (or hot, if that’s what you’re into) then you will probably find yourself among the hotel’s two circular bars — Center Bar in the original Casino Tower and the Luxe Bar in the HRH Tower. And for the sports fanatics out there, you’re in luck because those of the rock ‘n’ roll variety also love a good ball game. If this is you, you can enjoy watching the day’s action on countless big-screen TVs spread throughout The Ainsworth — an elegant nightlife-oriented venue from New York City that serves stellar cocktails and a small menu of upscale American bar foods. During the summer months, you can bring the party outside and soak up the sun and dance without your pants… in your swimsuit obviously… at Rehab, the home of the original Las Vegas pool party. Rehab’s weekly Saturday and Sunday events have become legendary. Imagine a throng of bodies in the skimpiest of swimwear sunbathing, drinking and dancing to music spun by popular DJs in a stunning complex that consists of expansive freeform pools, a waterfall, sandy beach areas and kitted-out cabanas. Blackjack and other games are available at swim-up tables and the bartenders are some of the best on The Strip. But if you just want to relax, a more low-key experience in an equally lush landscape can be found at the Nirvana Pool, the Breathe Pool or the pool sanctuary at the Reliquary Spa, which also features a menu of decadent spa treatments from around the world. The dining is as self-indulgent as all other aspects of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Nobu is home to modern Japanese cuisine, while 35 Steaks + Martini combines a classic steakhouse ambiance with sumptuous signature cocktails. For casual eats, there’s the ever-popular Pink Taco and everyone’s favorite — locals and visitors alike — Mr. Lucky’s Café, which is famous for its not-so-secret $7.77 special, a six-ounce steak, three shrimp and mashed potatoes, that is not listed on the menu but is common knowledge at this laid-back 24-hour coffee shop. Culinary Dropout, which was opened by Restaurateur Sam Fox, is a swanky drinking and pub grub-style dining spot, conveniently adjacent to the pool where you can indulge in everything from fried chicken and biscuits to the signature After School Special cocktail here. If there was ever a perfect concert set list… we think this is the eatery equivalent. In addition, the retail therapy at the resort is distinctive. The shopping at The Hard Rock provides just the right amount of that rock star flash. Visit Love Jones for lingerie and Rocks The Jeweler for some urban bling as well as John Varvatos for men’s wear and the Hard Rock Store for logo gear. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more permanent, The Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. opened up shop at The Hard Rock for those with tatting tendencies. And now, our favorite part of the entire hotel is well… the entire hotel! Decorated with their extraordinary collection of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia in frames and shadowboxes that line the walls and hallways throughout the premises, rock ‘n’ roll is nothing short of revived around every corner of The Hard Rock. It’s like going to the coolest music museum in the world and not having to pay a dime for the views. With guitars from icons such as Johnny Cash and Coldplay members (among many others), a drum kit used by Aerosmith and the clothes worn by Fergie, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in their music videos, you will truly feel the rockin’ energy within the property. Basically, if you’re into being awesome and living like a rock star (sans the groupies and paparazzi of course), then look no further than the HRH Towers at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino…but just remember: when you return to work on Monday, your boss will most likely not embrace rocking out on top of your desk in leather pants and platform boots quite the way we do.
