Hard Rock Hotel

Arguably one of the hippest, most rollicking joints in town, the Hard Rock Hotel houses Vegas' hottest concert venue and pool complex along with some chic nightspots, restaurants and retail outlets.

It's all about the music here. From guitar-shaped door handles to a saxophone chandelier, every element of the resort worships at the altar of rock. The coolest collection of music memorabilia is enshrined on its walls and along its hallways. Check out jackets from Aerosmith, the Ramones and U2. There are also motorcycles, drum kits, countless autographed guitars and outrageous costumes worn by Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, Joan Jett and Billy Idol.

All of this memorabilia just scratches the surface of the Hard Rock Hotel's devotion to the spirit of rock 'n' roll. The entire resort -- from the original structure built in 1995 to the all-suite HRH Tower added on in 2010 -- has a hedonistic atmosphere reminiscent of a backstage bacchanal. At night, the casino's Center Bar and Luxe Bar serve as ground zero for the parade of beautiful people. In addition, Vanity nightclub, which sports decadent décor elements including hand-cut crystals, rubbed brass and black chrome, caters to your every whim. 

The resort's crowning achievement, however, is The Joint. Steely Dan, the Ramones, Sting, Green Day, Ringo Starr, Duran Duran, Ozzy Osbourne, the Rolling Stones and many more smoked the original venue. A larger, state-of-the-art concert facility by the same name has since opened to carry the torch. It seats 4,000 people and offers a sound, lighting and video system that puts all others to shame.

Outside, the pool area, dubbed "Beachlife" and consisting of three separate pools (Nirvana Pool, Breathe Pool and Paradise Beach ) is lush beyond belief with sandy beaches, tropical palms, private cabanas and swim-up blackjack, all accommodating the bronzed bodies who have made it the place to see and be seen. During the summer, the best revelry in the city takes place at Rehab. The Hard Rock Hotel originated this ultimate daytime pool party, where guests enjoy something akin to spring break debauchery. 

Dining runs the gamut at the resort -- from cosmopolitan to classic yet cutting edge. For instance, Nobu serves up modern Japanese cuisine, while 35 Steaks + Martinis offers a cutting-edge take on traditional steakhouse cuisine. Culinary Dropout, a trendy gastropub by Sam Fox, is opening this summer as the resort's newest venture. There are plenty of casual dining options as well. Johnny Smalls boasts a creative tapas menu with beloved childhood favorites such as grilled PB&J, corn dogs and mac & cheese sliders. Pink Taco cooks up Mexican favorites with a California flair. Plus, Mr. Lucky's 24/7 is the ultimate 24-hour coffee shop. You never know who will walk in after a concert, and the specials (like the $7.77 plate of steak and shrimp) are sure to satisfy any meat-lover's appetite. 

Body-conscious guests will be pleased to discover a fully equipped fitness center, one that is much larger than you'd usually find at a hotel gym. Relaxation is also on the menu at the Reliquary Spa. With treatments like a Russian deep tissue massage, an Asian healing massage, a Turkish ritual and a Fijian body scrub, you'll feel as if you've traveled all around the world.

Truly a Vegas original, the Hard Rock Hotel must be seen -- and heard -- to be believed. For the young, hip and trendy, this is the only place to stay.