By Alexis Russell

08/26/2008

In Las Vegas they know a thing or two about throwing shin digs, catering to guests, good nightclubs  and entertaining in general.  Oh, and they also know a little something about poker.  It’s only natural that someone would find a way to further marry the two, preferably in a little white chapel with Elvis presiding. 

                The new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Poker Lounge was designed with the male poker aficionado in mind to say the least.  Every aspect of its 7,000 square feet is devoted to fulfilling the every need a guy might have while playing poker and even some I’m sure they’ve never thought of.  But to be fair they are going for high end clientele which has high expectations.

                Hard Rock Las Vegas has recently undergone $800 million in additions and renovations, the Poker Lounge being a big chunk of that at $30 million.   The Poker Lounge is a hybrid between a poker room and an almost personalized nightclub making it a unique type of establishment.  Hard rock is touting it the first Poker Lounge in Las Vegas even, which is just begging for competition.

                So, what can you expect $30 million to offer?  Plenty.  Hard Rock’s Poker Lounge has really raised to bar in service by giving guests a custom night life experience.  It begins before you even get through the door their cutting edge Genesis Reservation System, used solely by Hard Rock in Sin City.  With Genesis hosts will be able to text you from anywhere on the property to let you know your table is ready.

                Speaking of tables the Poker Lounge has 18 of them, 5 reserved for private games, of which Hard Rock says they will offer any game, at any stakes, at any time of the day.  How’s that for selection?  The high rollers, pros and celebrities are already being distracted by the high stake games that can get in on which suits Hard Rock just fine since that was the point.

        Players can also expect to find a full menu 24 hours a day, masseuses, bottle service, video poker machines, sports betting, an all female poker educated VIP service host staff, safety deposit boxes, comps to shows at Hard Rock’s music venue The Joint.  They also have private rooms with big screen T.V.s and IPOD docks for your own music selection and they also offer team poker which can be hard to find in other locales.

                But don’t fret if you don’t have a fat stack to play with.  The Poker Lounge didn’t forget about the common man, who frankly makes up the bulk of poker.  They have  limit hold'em with stakes that start at $2/$4 and no limit at stakes that at $1/$2.  One feature of the Poker Lounge which is sure to gain popularity quick will be their 3 daily $100 buy-in tournaments. 

                So, if you’re planning a trip to Vegas then add the Poker Lounge to your list of things to see that you’ve never seen before.  To see a picture of Hard Rock’s latest addition check out the link below.

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080826/AQTU056