NoNonsense N

Review of Trump Casino and Hotel

They say first impressions are everything- and tha...

They say first impressions are everything- and that is not a good thing for the new Hard Rock Casino and Hotel. I was a two decade long visitor when it was the 'Taj' so I'm well aware of the aspects of the property . Strike 1- I booked an Ocean View room over the phone almost a month in advance, this was confirmed no less than 4 times. I arrived to a view of downtown AC with no view what so ever of any water. There was no real apology, this is the 'Classic King' that you were 'charged' for... emphasis on the later part of the statement- we aren't saying that you booked this room- but we didn't over charge you so don't complain about it... I suspect my room was downgraded to charge more to someone who wasn't using a discount. Strike 2- Check in took almost two hours. How with a top line concert scheduled, and an air show bringing in hundreds of thousands of people (whole families with many more impatient kids), with people paying much higher rooms rates do you have just 4 people working at prime 'check in' time? There were 14 stations, but only 4 being used. There was lots of complaints filed- they again took the attitude of 'what are you going to do.. leave? you will wait while we are understaffed'. I self parked and had to drag my bags down two sets of escalators- no elevators down to check in as they ditched the old 2nd floor check in for the South Tower that used to be available. Still did better than valet parking which took an additional 30-45 minutes according to the couple next to me in line. The bell boys were also really far behind so we decided not to give up ours bags despite the hassle of the escalators. Strike 3- the LOUD music throughout. Ok I know what you are thinking... it's the Hard Rock! how can music be an issue. The music itself isn't the problem and I love rock... but decibels that gave me a migraine and created chest pains in some in our party, it is too much in areas that you can't alter or escape... like a check in line from HELL. The live bands should never be so close and so loud in such areas packed with people who can't actually leave or move away when it is too loud. The check in employee couldn't even hear me speak- just gesture to my ID, credit card, and then the signature pad. We might as well have been using sign language- I doubt he had much by way of ear drums left working where he was.
So what did they do well? The rooms are as quiet as they can be. You can't blame the venue for people yelling in the hallways at 3AM or screaming drunken idiots throwing curses towards a few kids because they were 'in the way' to the elevator... that's just people, but security really tried to make things better and be more of a presence when needed to deter such things. The concert we attended was worked like a well oiled machine (which makes check in all the more insulting since they clearly know how to do it right). The security, ticket check, the concessions, seating, cleaning, and overall management was what I'd expect from the label 'Hard Rock'. The memorabilia is also fantastic. The gambling areas were well covered with employees that knew what they were doing. Food is overly expressive but didn't feel like a rip off with the quality and taste. Nice for a splurge meal or two but couldn't afford it for long stays. Still the boardwalk offers plenty of options with a little walking. So visiting the Hard Rock- I give the stars and it was worth it to gamble or see a show. 'Staying' at the Hard Rock- I think I'll be looking elsewhere as I don't know if a second chance was earned during this stay.