Visiting Las Vegas next April. Whats the Hard Rock Hotel like? How far away from the strip are you? Can get a rate of $69/night.

Very new, modern look. Upscale. Terribly younger crowd. Loud music everywhere, a "happening" feel to the place, nice pool area in warm weather, very nice rooms, about a mile from the strip.

Paul,

Everything Jill said is right on the money--especially the "terribly younger crowd" part. The Hard Rock should probably be called "The Hard Body' because their pool area is where "bodies" go to be seen.

Don't get me wrong, the pool area is wonderful and there are truly sights to behold, but many people in their 40s (or even 30s) may feel out of place in this "scene." If only I were 20 years younger...

By the way, you can actually gamble from the pool. Cool, huh?

DJ

The Travel channel had the 10 best spots to sun n fun, and this place made it in the top 10. A very younger crowd, a nice pool area.

If you're in your early 30's, you'll feel like a senior citizen. Great hotel, but it caters to a very young hip crowd. Good coffee shop.

I take issue with the 'upscale' and 'very nice rooms' comments.
Hard Rock is not a luxury hotel by any stretch, in this town of over the top luxury hotels.
It's a decent place, but rooms are no better than a typical Marriott.

HR would never spend the money to make the rooms luxurious because the people who stay there really wouldn't care, and they'd get trashed too quickly.

Paul

Try Aladdin. They have $59.00 specials. Plus there are center of the strip. Newer hotel. Rooms are outstanding!!

I stayed there for 5 days on business in August. It's about 1/2 mile off of strip. For business, it is in a very convenient location since it is easy to get in and out with no traffic. If it's your first time to LV, you may want to stay on the strip though.

$69 is probably a stretch. My average nightly rate was $150 (ranged from $89 to $210 per). It's very difficult to get reservations on the weekends.

Rooms were nice. Nice contemporary feel. Very large tubs, nice water pressure. The pool area is great but loaded with silicone. Small casino.

I stayed there for 5 days on business in August. It's about 1/2 mile off of strip. For business, it is in a very convenient location since it is easy to get in and out with no traffic. If it's your first time to LV, you may want to stay on the strip though.

$69 is probably a stretch. My average nightly rate was $150 (ranged from $89 to $210 per). It's very difficult (and expensive) to get reservations on the weekends. Weekly rates can be around $80 I think... depends on if there is a show that week.

Rooms were nice... nothing great. Nice contemporary feel. Very large tubs, nice water pressure. The pool area is great but loaded with silicone. Small casino.

Depends on what you are looking for... if you are young, like constant music, and want to spend time at the pool (not sure if it is open in April anyway), this would be a great choice. If you want the typical LV experience, I would say stick to the strip. Hope this helps.

The HRH is not only half a mile from the strip, it's at least one mile. There is a shuttle operated by the hotel, but it's a pain to be that far away.

If you are going for the "scene" and want to hang with the under 30 L.A. crowd, then the HRH is the spot. The Palms has also become popular with the same crowd. If atmosphere, and not a strip location are paramount, then it'll suit your need.

BTW, the Aladdin is nothing special which is probably why they have struggled financially since day 1. For similar money, the Monte Carlo is much nicer and has $49 midweek rooms in December.

Thanks for all your advice. I'm 28 and hope not to be too old for the HRH scene! Don't mind being off the strip a little, rather relax around the pool or bar! Would only go to the strip at night when I would get a taxi anyway.

By all means go now Paul before you turn 30. The pool area is so nice and beyond hip and you will enjoy it. Several decent restaurants there as well. Taking a cab to the strip is not a big deal as there are plenty. That Rain in the Desert bar/dance club at the Palms is another happening place. You will be with all the beautiful people. So much energy there.