The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was much like every other hotel & casino in Vegas--huge, sprawling, smoky, and perfectly workable as a hotel. I was less thrilled by the black bathrooms that made it hard to see, or the constant rock music playing in the lobby. At the end of the day, though, it was a place to sleep. The bed was comfy, the staff was accommodating when I called late at night asking for non-down pillows, and the wifi in the rooms and conference center worked well once I figured out how to use it.
Still, I don't think I'd recommend the Hard Rock just because of its off-the-strip location. If you're headed off the strip, though, and the Hard Rock has competitive pricing, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. I just can't imagine having a reason to stay here.
Wish their Paradise Tower pool didn't seem to be perma-closed.
A little weirded out that my wake-up calls came in +/- 5 minutes of my requested time.