Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

On any vacation, the place where you stay and play can directly reflect the feel of your entire trip. Nightclubs and spas, decadence and freedom; this is the soul of Las Vegas. Think Sinatra and Bugsy. They were the essence of cool and their legacies have made this hot spot the adult playground that it is today, but even gangsters need a break every now and then. Colorful characters like Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegal and Frank Sinatra always made their own rules, and it’s this unbridled passion for life and indulgence of the spirit that Vegas embodies. The only place on the strip that truly captures this feeling is The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.

Gangster or garbagman, everyone needs to blow off a little steam every now and then. Roughly twice a year, we here at the Chronicle like to take a little trip to Sin City, and I must say this trip has definitely topped the charts as the finest. In the initial stages of planning a trip to Las Vegas, the first question that comes to mind is where to stay. For South Floridians who frequent the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino right here in Hollywood, this should be an easy decision: The Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino! For us at the Chronicle, this was an even simpler choice because the Vegas Hard Rock was nice enough to hook us up with a hot suite in the HRH tower.

HRH Tower Suites, Provocateur

Naturally, we were ecstatic because everyone knows The Hard Rock is the place to be if you want to party in Vegas. The place is loaded with stuff to do and has some especially great bars like the Sky Bar, Center Bar and Luxe Bar. However, my favorite would have to be Wasted Space, hands down. The space is a lavishly decadent rock club that would make even the most hardened rocker feel at home. It has the kind of party ambiance where one might expect Mick Jagger to walk in at any second.

Always a packed house at Wasted Space.

However, if it’s fist pumping you crave, and I know all you South Floridians do, the place to be is Vanity. Vanity is the Hard Rock’s newest nightclub and is run by Nightlife Group. It’s an amazing space with hard pounding beats and lights for days. For South Floridians who are used to going out in Miami, Vanity will make you feel right at home.

Vanity, before the crowds...

Now I know what you’re thinking, you’re saying Kid, we cant spend our whole trip in the club, where can we go to get some sun? Well Rehab of course; it’s the reason everyone comes to Vegas in the first place! Since you’re smart like us and will already be staying at the Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, all you’ll have to do is march your pretty little self, right downstairs to the most famous pool party in the country…just don’t forget your shades, and you’ll be privy to some of the best scenery the desert has to offer. For cooling off on Vegas summer days, nothing beats the Hard Rock Pool.

Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the feel-good capital of the world, but after all that partying, you’re going to want to recover before that long flight back to South Florida, so be like me and save the best stuff for last! A massage at the Hard Rock’s luxurious Reliquary Spa, where services range from massage, body therapy, facials, back treatments, waxing and even airbrush tanning, can really get you ready to head back to the grind. No matter what your aching body requires, a trip to Reliquary Spa will leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. For me it was a must have on my last day before home.

Hard Rock Spa

Reliquary Spa at the Hard Rock Las Vegas

To cap off a wonderful trip and a great time, there’s nothing like a good dinner. For me that always means a great steak. Besides, what better way is there to replace all the nutrients you lost having the time of your life for the past three days? So we booked reservations at the Hard Rock’s signature steakhouse, Rare 120. This restaurant should definitely be a destination of any Vegas traveller. It is contemporary and classy, with great service, and the food is to die for. If I may, let me suggest the New York Strip 16 oz. classic cut, and the Mashed Potato Trio with lobster, truffle, and rosemary-parmesan. Combined with the Mini Iceberg Wedges as a starter, they make a meal fit for a king, or in this case, one lucky writer. As for what to drink, try a martini. Rare 120 features an outstanding martini list that even 007 himself could appreciate. Rare 120 is not just about the food, it’s also about the ambiance; the restaurant is decorated with brushed stainless steel and exotic woods. The tasteful decor only seems to enhance their already delicious food, making Rare 120 my new favorite eatery in Las Vegas.

Rare 120 at the Hard Rock Las Vegas

All in all, I have to say, this year’s trip was the best yet! The Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is Sin City at its finest, just like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is here in South Florida. With everything from rock bars, night clubs, pool parties, spa treatments and great food, you can rest assured there’s something for everyone in your group at the Vegas Hard Rock. So if you’re planning a vacation this year, there really is only one place to do it: The Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Viva Las Vegas!!!

*Special thanks to everyone at The Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Senior Public Relations Manager Jessie Pound for making it all happen. Thank you guys! Our vacation was amazing, see ya soon!