For a friend's birthday we recently decided to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  It definitely offers an experience different from other casinos in town.

Location
Sure, it's off the strip.  But worth getting to.  Take a cab - it doesn't cost that much from anywhere on the strip.

Crowd
This is the place to see and be seen - that is, if you are a girl.  Guys are a plenty at this place, ranging from all ages.  You'll have your pick of the litter.  The crowd tends to be in the 20s and 30s.  That being said, if you actually want to sleep in this hotel and not listen to your noisy male neighbors down the hallway...good luck.  Think about what it's like sleeping in a frat house (I've never done it before but this is what I imagine it would be like) - loud, noisy, and thin walls.  On the other hand, if you don't want to see a family or hang out with a family, head here.

Rooms
The hotel has standard rooms and suites.  Most suites run in the four digit range over the weekends.  As for the standard rooms, those with a view of the pool are more expensive than those with a view of the mountains.  The rooms have a bare minimum feel to them and are designed tailored for guys.  As we were a whole bunch of girls in a standard room facing the pool, we felt really out of place.  The bathrooms came with only one sink (for four girls getting ready for a night on the town in Vegas - seriously?), and not a separate room for the toilet.  Also, there was only 1 full length mirror.  Again, totally tailored for guys.  As for the amentities, there was only shampoo, conditioner, regular bar soap, and Axe deodorant.  No shower gel, nothing else.  We had to load up with supplies at the downstairs sundry shop. 

The sheets were pretty rough compared to those offered at the Venetian and Wynn.  Oh yes, and contrary to the current trend, iPod docking stations are only available for suites (are you serious?!  This is the Hard Rock - it's supposed to be built on music!).

If you want the same price for more luxury, head to the Venetian.  Or even the MGM.

But - where else in Vegas can you have room service deliver you a whip or handcuffs?!?!  Hard Rock!

Shops
Hard Rock has a unique blend of shops with surprisingly affordable gear.  Their clothing shop has their own line of clothing and accessories, but also offers trendy clothing for those who want to blend in with the crowd.  The lingerie store, called Love Jones, features what else, lingerie, with candles, whips, handcuffs, lotions, jewelry (not R rated), ranging from decent priced to way-too-much-to-pay-for-underwear.  Their sundry shop is awesome - prices are a little bit expensive here - but they feature a good choice of organic and natural items one would typically find at upscale boutiques or Whole Foods.  Great selection of beverages.   

Food
Hard Rock's 24 hour cafe is gross.  I have eaten there at 4 in the morning as well as during normal hours.  I ate there a few years ago, and just recently.  There is no changing how awful the food is here.  Ago is a decent Italian restaurant, although not memorable, and they have all those waiters standing there for I don't know what.  I haven't tried any of the other places (Nobu, Pick Taco), so I can't say if they are good or not.   

Casino
Compared to the other casinos, this casino is quite small, and they just opened up their poker room fall of 2008.  The minimums are decent - around what MGM and the Venetian offer.  $10 to $15 minimums, and up.

Service
Let me just say I consider it a good day when I get good service at the Hard Rock.  I've been to the bar in the middle of the casino more than once.  Always bad service, even if you tip super good.  Always a wait to get a drink.  The service at Hard Rock has always been overall snooty.  Once in a while, you'll get a nice person.  Like I said, once in a while.

Club
What can I say?  Hard Rock always has one of the best clubs in Vegas.  Good music, good mix of rock n roll and hip hop, pop.  However, be prepared to get pushed and shoved and manhandled on the busy dance floor.

Recommended: Yes