Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

The focus is squarely on fun at this large and hip hotel that caters to a younger crowd. The rock theme starts outside with a huge guitar sculpture and continues throughout the property with a dizzying assortment of memorabilia, photos, and music-inspired art. True to the festive theme, the lobby is decorated in bold colors of royal purple set off by red and orange. The casino and the various bars and restaurants are also bright and energetic. With 539 rooms as well as late-night gaming, music, and dancing, the action here can last into the wee hours. On the downside, it can get a bit noisy, and when it’s sold out, waits at the front desk, elevators, and restaurants can be frustrating at times. 

The Hard Rock sits just across the Nevada state line surrounded by a cluster of other large casino hotels. It’s a convenient location for general tourists and skiers alike, with the Heavenly Ski Resort’s gondola and Heavenly Village just a 10-minute walk or two-minute drive away. The Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s is about five minutes away on foot, and walking to the shores of the majestic lake takes about 10 minutes. Driving to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes approximately 70 minutes. 

Rooms are divided into two high-rise wings -- the Heavenly and Sunset towers -- but both share the same bold decor. Orange accent walls and bolster pillows are paired with large padded headboards with attractive results. Wood furniture in a dark finish adds a bit of polish as well. The property's rock theme is present in the artwork of guitar and turntable prints or glossy photos of rockstars like Alice Cooper. Apart from decor, rooms have ample space and plenty of light thanks to large windows. Some feature balconies, too, offering great views of Lake Tahoe. A few rooms, like the Standard Double Queen we saw, have oversized armchairs with vivid orange piping. Work desks with office chairs are also a feature in some -- but not all -- rooms. Suites have separate living rooms with sofas, and a few Suites have wet bars and whirlpool tubs in their bedrooms as well. Amenities vary according to room category:  Safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi are standard in all rooms, but only higher-category rooms have Keurig coffeemakers and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are smallish, but feature nice quartz vanities and average acrylic shower/tub inserts. 

Reviews of housekeeping are mixed, with many past guests reporting their rooms needed a more thorough cleaning. Water stains on the bathroom ceiling were apparent in one room we inspected, and the shower grout needed a better scrubbing in another. Another frequent complaint is the lack of individual controls for heat and air-conditioning -- sometimes resulting in hot and stuffy rooms. 

The Hard Rock brand is known for it's feel-good, fun-around-the-clock vibe, and the features here reflect that. For many, the highlight is the 25,000-square-foot casino with table games and more than 500 slot machines. The William Hill Sports Bar accepts wagers on sporting events, too. Other high-energy hubs include the hotel's multiple nightclubs, including Vinyl that hosts live concerts and comedians, and Center Bar, which has a DJ and dance floor. Another headlining feature is the heated oval pool, with ample space for swimmers. Private cabanas, bar service, and a summer food menu are all part of the scene. Dining options are equally flamboyant, with the top-notch steakhouse Park Prime and the seafood-centric Oyster Bar. Other dining options on site are more casual, including some offering grab-and-go menus, room service is also on hand. Meetings are big business here, with event space for up to 700 people. On the flip side, the fitness center is rather small for a hotel of this size, with only two treadmills, two stationary bicycles, elliptical, and free weights. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and guest laundry facilities are on site. There's also a shop on the premises selling Hard Rock’s popular memorabilia as well as sundries. Free parking is available in the hotel’s covered garage, and valet parking is also available. Wi-Fi and daily newspapers are free, too. Be aware that the hotel charges a daily resort fee.