Hotel

This thread is to be used to discuss hotel accommodations at Hard Rock.

A little more than a week ago, I stayed at the Hard Rock with 5 buddies for a Bachelor Party. We are all mid- to late-30's, and I figured I'd use this forum to relay our experience in the Paradise Tower and gaming at the Hard Rock in general.

Gaming:
Background. I'm a black chip KO player, spreading black to yellow, my friends are green/black chippers, so we get everything comped. I/we go to Vegas 3-4 times a year from the East Coast. We usually stay at the Hard Rock once per year. With that said, this may be one of our last trips there (for gambling). The big issue is I like to play the DD games on the floor with my friends when not playing in the Peackock Lounge. Unbeknownst to me, they had changed their DD BJ rules, to NO DAS. Not a big deal, but it cost me $1,000 ($500 split of 8's vs 6 that got a 2,T, and then a 3,T) before I knew the rule had changed. While this is not the end of the world, I like to play on the floor with my friends, but I won't play there anymore, or if I do, it will be small. Seems like a minor issue, but since Morgan's Group took over, there seems to be a proliferation of 6-5, and these types of changes. Changes I did appreciate are that the player can now play two hands mid way through the DD shoe, and they cut out about 1/2 of one deck. However, since there is only one DD in the Peacock and two DD on the floor there is no chance for Wonging.

Craps croupiers were great, and the game is great fun at the Hard Rock. We made a $5us/$1them Fire Bet that we hit (5 points), so I think that is why they might have been so friendly toward our gang. I know, sucker odds, but this was a bachelor party....

To me the Hard Rock still has a great atmosphere. Love the music. Some of the friendliest dealers and waitresses (they are quick) and personnel of any casino. Really good people. Overcomes the drunks and lack of Wonging opportunities, but not the rule changes. Center Bar makes for great little black dress watching.

Also played at the Palms. Good DD rules there, but they cut out about a deck. No dealer choice, they cut where the plastic holder tell them to, so there isn't much of a chance to get the good cards. Their Center Bar is also filled with little black dresses, but it seems to be a layover before heading to the clubs. Very few women at the tables.

Hotel:
Stayed in the Paradise Tower. Beautiful, dark reds and leather. Outrageously comfortable bed and pillows. A little too dark for my old eyes, but really a nice upgrade compared to the old rooms (the last one we stayed in had so many cigarett burns, the carpet was worn, the TV didn't work, etc). I flooded the bathroom, as the shower door didn't shut properly (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). Beautiful view of the strip at night. Really beautiful. Needed a Sequay to get to the room from the casino floor. One of the things the Hard Rock is losing is the sense of intimacy. Restaurants were very good and bad. Rare 120 was GREAT, Pink Taco a really bad Mexican Restaurant (other than the queso dip), and Lucky's was really good, and where we regularly ate. I can review individually if people want details.

Overall, we really enjoy the Hard Rock. With the new tower and the other one opening next year, I fear it will become too big for its own good. I'm sure we'll be back next year, but playing smaller.

Mandalay in February for the Super Bowl......

Thanks for the post, I'll be at the HR in April with 6 buddies, annual vegas trip. I'm a green chip KO player. Spread green to black. I only get out to vegas once a year. Does HR have plenty of non 6-5 BJ? I'm okay with six decks, as I'm usually playing with a full table of friends.

I played last year at the HR and I really enjoyed the casino. You are right, great music, dealers, etc.

How did you score the Paradise rooms? Did you book a casino tower room and ask for an upgrade, or does your play warrant the comp Paradise rooms? We have casino tower rooms booked, would you
recommend we pay the extra $$$ and upgrade to the Paradise rooms?? I have never stayed at the HR, so don't know too much about the rooms.

Bincheros, based on my recollection, the HR has plenty of traditional 6 deck BJ games with 3:2 payouts, S17, No Surrender, DAS games. The Hells Bells pit has some more conservative rules, but the inner circle of tables has plenty of $25 tables that you can exploit with KO.

My party was given the accomodations by our host (Katy K) who always sets us up great. I really thought the Paradise Tower rooms were very nice, just a good 5-10 minute walk to room. The old rooms are so convenient, but not nearly as nice. I wouldn't pay for it however, as we tend not to spend more than a couple hours in the room per day, usually sleeping. If you are spreading green to black as you indicate, you should definitely see what they can do about your room/charges at the end of trip. I hear since the new additions (Paradise Tower and HRH Tower), they are giving better deals.

Enjoy your stay there. I always do. Just wish I was 10 years younger. Have a great time....

Following up on my own post. I was in Vegas last week for the NAB, and went over to the Hard Rock for dinner (Nobu), drinks and some gaming. It had been over a year since my last visit, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that since the new management group took over, blackjack rules have improved. They are back to offering a decent Double Deck game. $25 tables had DAS, H17, no surrender and unlimited splitting of aces. High limit room had same except S17. The re-splitting of aces was a nice addition, especially when keeping side counts. I applaud new management for liberalizing rules that had driven away players. It was fun to go back and still be called by name by waitresses, dealers, etc. I stayed at the Venetian, but will look to stay at the Hard Rock some time this summer.