1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

April 16-29, Hard Rock Hotel.. Them Crooked Vultures

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by tvon, Apr 21, 2010.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Messages:
    1,756
    Location:
    Boston, Ma
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15

    My Trip Report

    I’ll keep this one short and sweet.. But not skimp on details.. pictures too!

    I Spent a long weekend in Vegas with my girlfriend (4/16 – 4/19) flying from Boston and staying at the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino. The point of the trip was to see Them Crooked Vultures perform at the Hard Rock, at the new ‘Joint’. It was also the opening weekend of Rehab at the pool, however we didn’t know this until we got there.

    FLIGHT
    Flight from Boston was terrible, on US Air. Late connection in Philly (plane was delayed and the jetway broke upon our arrival) meant I had to sprint across three terminals (literally.. good thing im a runner) to make my connection. I was drenched in sweat but I made it!

    We got to Vegas late Friday night, off to the RACC to get my rental car. Usually I book with Alamo, but this time did Thrifty. I was disappointed that Thrifty didn’t have the digital check in kiosks like Alamo. I had to wait a fairly long time to get to an agent (yet there was only 2 people in front of me). Lots of legal mumbo jumbo I don’t ever remember having to sign (I’ve rented with thrifty many times before) , I was told I had to produce a gas receipt upon arrival (whaaa?) and I would have a $300 hold on my CC during my trip (again, wtf??!). Got a compact Nissan Versa.. Car was fine the whole trip, no issues.

    Stopped at Von’s to get munchies, bottled water (this saves our lives) booze and other essentials.

    Anyway.. get to the HRH fairly late (almost 1am) and check in. I imagine this weekend at the HR was fully booked as it was the Rehab opening weekend, and a big rock show at the Joint.

    CHECKIN IN
    Did the $20 trick, handed the clerk the sandwich. As I asked for the upgrade he flicked the $20 back, didn’t even say a word about it. I still asked for an upgrade and left that $20 out there in case he changed his mind. I was given a 3rd floor room in the Paradise tower overlooking the pool. I don’t care about the floor, but I was a little bummed we had two queen beds. But the room was VERY nice.. very standard layout and size but very well appointed, flat screen tv, nice wall paper, great shower, very stocked wet and dry bar, and just lots of little touches that made it nice. Even had a Bruce Springsteen plaque in the room.

    The rest of Friday night was spent taking in the HRH. First thing we hit was Mr Lucky’s (coffee shop) and had some pretty decent food, used my Restaurant.com gift certificate. Afterwards we walked around the place, checking out the new gaming areas there, losing some money on some machines and hitting the sack early.


    SATURDAY
    Saturday we woke up early (thanks jet lag) and hit the pool.. This wasn’t rehab but the day before so all the staff was trial running it. We needed a wristband to get in and they searched my bag very thoroughly. Very hard to find anywhere to sit, yet it wasn’t too busy. I’ve never seen so much staff/security at a pool ever (even this one). Every 10 seconds a waitress, poolboy, lifeguard, security, plainclothes security, and LV metro police walked by. They even had 2 security guards wading in the middle of every (empty) pool.. it was ridiculous. I think it was all just im preparation for Sunday’s Rehab party.

    After the pool I drove to In and Out, drove around Vegas a bit running a few errands.. and got ready to see Them Crooked Vultures at the Joint. Show was great.. the new “Joint” is really nice, very large and has great sound.
    After the show the HRH was a zoo so we split over to the Gold Coast, lost money at BJ there.. Came back to the HRH and hit Mr Lucky’s again for some late night grub. Again, hit the tables and actually had a great BJ table, lots of characters and I won money (for the only time) during the trip! Kept watching guys stroll into the womans bathroom (since the table was right next to the bathrooms.. very hilarious). Strolled back to the room as the sun was coming up.


    SUNDAY
    Sunday woke up to very loud music playing around 11am due to Rehab going on. (note, do not have a pool view room on a Saturday night if you plan on sleeping in). The HRH was a zoo as we expected. We could barely get around the hotel and they had camera crews for the Rehab reality show. Hotel guests have to wait in line to get a free wristband, while the general public waits in a separate line to pay ($50 for guys, $20 for girls, $0 for hot girls). The wait for the public was about two hours to get in, while the hotel guest line was probably double that. I get the feeling the HRH doesn’t like the “free” customer as much as the $50 a head one.

    We left there and headed over to Aria to check out City Center for the first time. I was pretty impressed by the whole place.. the casino area was very nice, not too over the top but well decorated. I threw a few bucks in an Elvis slot and after 4 pulls cashed out with $175! My first and only slot win on this trip.

    The mall areas and other parts of city center were pretty dull and drab, had an upscale airport feeling. I can’t imaging these stores staying open.. who can afford this stuff? But overall I liked the property and would like to stay there on a future visit.

    I had some 2 for 1 buffet coupons at the Palms (thanks to the “coupon” trading section of the board) and drove over there for the Buffet. I haven’t been since they upgraded it. Its pretty decent, not the widest selection of food, but what they had was decent. Played a lot of video poker and slots over there, lost a ton but used my 3x points from ACG.. hopefully I’ll get some offers.

    Went back to the HRH, still a lot of drunks around at 6-7pm from Rehab wandering the halls and walking around in skimpy bikinis. Great eye candy.. so much so you kind of get desensitized by it. I played some BJ and lost (again).

    Our last night was spent downtown on Fremont st. We parked at the Las Vegas club which now charges $5 to park, with no validation accepted. I was already pulled in with a car behind me so I had to pay it.. Noted to avoid this lot in the future. I noticed the back room of the LVC which had been empty for years now has a stage and had a live Motown band playing. Lots of people came out for that, the back bar was hopping. Good to see they are doing something with that space!!

    Our stops included the Praza (lost money at BJ there) and saw their ridiculous “fetish” pit. Same with the LVC and Golden Gate. At the GG I broke even at BJ, which for this trip is somewhat amazing. We did some snooping around the Fremont, Golden Nugget and finally made it into the Four Queens. I sat down at a BJ table and started playing. 5 hands into it I noticed the dreaded 6:5 BJ sign at my table.. I quickly cashed out and peaced out. Normally I check for that sort of thing but when I’m downtown I just assumed every place (minus the “fetish pits”) has normal 3:2 BJ. I learned my lesson!


    After that we went back to the HRH, hit the tables again (lost again) and hit the sack late.

    Monday
    Monday we checked out early, had a 1pm flight. Checked out on the TV, Rental Car return was a breeze and so was getting through security.
    Flights home were uneventful and actually on time! I think this was because I flew United home, and not US Air.



    Notes:
    -The Hard Rock is a MESS during Rehab. Great eye candy but I think I’ll only come back any day but Sunday. I’ll watch the TV show on tv if I want to see it.

    -This trip I lost, lost and lost some more. Worst gambling trip I’ve ever had in vegas. Hopefully using my card everywhere I got some offers coming my way.

    -Returning home, I kind of felt rested and normal.. not a mess and hungover. I don’t know why.. Its not like I didn’t drink or anything.. I think I paced it all out.

    -The HRH pool has nearly doubled in size. I never knew that showing up. Theres a beach club, more swim up blackjack and even an outdoor gaming area (with BJ, Craps and Roulette!)

    -US Air is ghetto. Avoid it.

    -Thrifty disappointed me this time. I’m a blue chip member and still had to wait in line. I’m going with Alamo next time, even if it’s a few bucks more.


    PHOTOS
    The Room:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    ROOM VIEW:
    [​IMG]

    POOL:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    CITY CENTER/ARIA
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    lastly, a Video taken of Them Crooked Vultures at the (new) Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino.
    [YOUTUBE]MebP5YV2ZwM[/YOUTUBE]
     
  2. SloppyJoe

    SloppyJoe Tourist

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2007
    Messages:
    58
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    14
    Nice report. I used to love the HRH...not so much anymore. Maybe I am getting too old.
     
  3. BigRoss71

    BigRoss71 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2009
    Messages:
    229
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    3
    Nice report. confirmed what i thought about the HRH. Hope you get some good offers.
     
  4. gotavegasjones

    gotavegasjones VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2004
    Messages:
    3,104
    Location:
    South Texas
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    31
    Thanks for posting. Good TR of a fine weekend in Vegas.

    later, GVJ
     
  5. SoCalDude

    SoCalDude Low-Roller

    Joined:
    May 20, 2009
    Messages:
    379
    Location:
    San Diego
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    21
    Nice. I'm a fan of the Vultures too. Hoping they come to SD soon.
     
  6. Nefarious Villain

    Nefarious Villain Tourist

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2009
    Messages:
    43
    Location:
    St. Petersburg, Florida
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    4
    good report.:thumbsup:
     
  7. Aces&Eights

    Aces&Eights Tourist

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
    Messages:
    40
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    5
    Thanksfor the great report. I also am afraid I am too old for the HRH.
    A&E
     
  8. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Messages:
    1,756
    Location:
    Boston, Ma
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    im' 30 and even I felt kind of old.. and i like to go out, party, etc.. However its not so much age, its more of that "Jersey shore" fraternity brah dude thing going on. Dudes spending more time on their hair then the girls, that sort of thing. I dunno after a few days I felt more at home in the Praza downtown.
     
  9. Jinx

    Jinx VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2007
    Messages:
    1,793
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    great report, have to agree the new Joint is a great place to see a show and staying there makes it a heck of a lot easier too, at least with it busy on Sunday, you have other options on the strip and sounds like that's what you did anyway.
     
  10. technolight

    technolight Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2010
    Messages:
    254
    Location:
    aberdeen scotland
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    4
    Great report , BUT you are never too old for HRH
     
  11. JoeDat

    JoeDat Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    BOSTON, MA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    48
    I went to REHAB on Sunday. I rented a couple of chairs ahead of time so didn't have to wait in line. A host met me in the lobby of the hotel walked me right to the front of the line and brought us to our lounge chairs. Well worth it.
     
  12. tnsteve

    tnsteve Tourist

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2010
    Messages:
    331
    Location:
    Knoxville, TN
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    6
    I really enjoyed all the pictures! Thanks for sharing your trip.
     
  13. zerofan

    zerofan VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2009
    Messages:
    2,241
    Location:
    New York
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    22

    You nailed it tvon!!!!!

    +1 :nworthy:
     
  14. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Messages:
    1,756
    Location:
    Boston, Ma
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    What did you pay? I'd like to do that for a normal pool day. I heard the day beds were going for $1000 and cabanas for $5k!!


    Also, on this trip i forgot to mention that i'd never played with so many unskilled BJ players. At the HRH it was particularly ridiculous. One instance, a player next to me had the option to take even money on his blackjack. I'm not the most experienced BJ player but i know never take even money :nono: . I try to tell this to the guy (as does the dealer) but everyone else at the table is like you're stupid to not take it! Of course the ****** ignores me and loses his money.
    Normally im the one at the table having to ask for advice or given shit for playing a hand the wrong way.. not this time. :Þ
     
  15. JoeDat

    JoeDat Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    BOSTON, MA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    48
    You have to run up a $200 tab per chair or you get charged it anyways. Between food and Booze we actually got up to around $150 each so had our waitress bring over enough PATRON shots to bring us up to $200 each and passed them around to people around us.
    Well worth the money, you get escorted right to the front, no extra cover, roped off area you need a specal braclet to get into, private bathroom, and your own waitress so you don't have to go to the bars.
     
  16. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Messages:
    1,756
    Location:
    Boston, Ma
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    good info.. was that $200 during rehab or the weekend?


    ps, great user pic... go c's!!
     
  17. JoeDat

    JoeDat Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    BOSTON, MA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    48
    $200 for the day at REHAB.

    Thanks, I have Season Tix to the C's. I got to go down on the court for a shoot around after one of the games and had to get a pic on center court.
     
  18. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2004
    Messages:
    1,756
    Location:
    Boston, Ma
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    ditto me, too.. i have a similar picture. didnt' get to do a shoot around this year however, not sure why.

    what section are you in? im 314 row 8
     
  19. JoeDat

    JoeDat Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    BOSTON, MA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    48
    Lodge 5 row 18.
     
  20. Marky147

    Marky147 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2009
    Messages:
    6,056
    Location:
    England
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    14
    Nice report Tvon thanks for posting.

    Some friends of mine are looking at doing Wet Republic or Rehab this summer. It seems to be the general opinion that Rehab is the better of the 2.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.