Hard Rock vs Cosmopolitan...

Hello everyone, I am back to Las Vegas Advisor after a few years absence. I was wondering if I could get any guidance on getting established at The Hard Rock and Cosmopolitan. I expect to be staying in both on my next visit, but only one will get strong play. Are either of these hotel/casinos known for being tough or easy for table players (I play baccarat and expect to be gambling a $100 a hand for a few hours (which is a pretty good amount for me).

I am familiar with both hotels, but have not yet stayed in the Cosmopolitan. I have not gambled in either of the two. I recognize that the two places are quite different, but I am a boxing fan and both hold boxing events. As such, I would be looking for value in an offer on a "boxing weekend". Also, for the possibility of even perhaps getting some free tickets on a lower level boxing card.

I appreciate any feedback folks may have on their experiences at either hotel and I wish you all much happiness on your next visit!

We went to the Cosmopolitan for the first time last week. We joined the Identity club, and they matched the status of Chairman at Station Casinos with Cosmo's Platinum (top) level. Harrah's Diamond is matched with Gold.

We played in the casino, quarter video poker, both single line and triple play, for about two hours. Low payouts, pretty bad. Not fun, especially the guy who sat down next to us who seemed to enjoy "High Fiveing" whenever he hit something. Overall a very young, well-dressed, touristy crowd.

Overall we were not impressed with the casino. Cocktail service was spotty and it was hard to find an area with any cocktail server at all. We did not go up to the restaurant floor. Instead, we took the short walk to Bellagio for a lunch buffet courtesy of MyVegas.

When we got home we had an e-mail invitation for 2 free nights. For that little play that we did, we were surprised. While we did not love the place, we might take them up on the room offer.

- bcc

Wow, now that is a quick offer. I wonder if it might have had more to do with your status at Stations Casinos than your actual play? Still, I think that is an indication that they are not tough with offers. I appreciate your thoughts and also sharing your experience with the drink service and overall crowd. Thanks again bcc.

The wife and I just returned and really enjoyed our 2nd stay at the Cosmo. We were there on a 3 night comp + 100 dining & 300 in chips. I am a $25-$100 per hand blackjack player and lost a lot of $$ on my last trip to the Cosmo 2yrs ago and I had been receiving quarterly offers from them ever since, so we decided to stay there again. On our first stay we had a very nice room with an awsome view of the Bellagio fountains and the strip but on our 4 night stay housekeeping only cleaned our room 1 time. We called daily to try to get it done and finally we went to the fron desk and spoke to the Hotel manager and finally our room was cleaned and we were given $250 in comps. So our first stay, from a service perspective was not good at all. Our recent stay was totally the opposite, (front desk, housekeeping, dealers, pit bosses, wait staff) the srevice from every department was some of the best I have ever had in my 20+ years of going to Vegas. I would definitely recommend the Cosmo despit their crappy 6 to 5 blackjack.

That is great information Jeffreyalan. You were playing tables in my betting range and that netted you quarterly offers. The 3 nights, $100 in dining and $300 in chips is a very strong offer for your play level in my opinion I have to admit that I could never handle the 6 to 5 blackjack odds if that were my game of choice, but I figure baccarat odds are almost always 5% commission games so that should not be a factor. Overall your helpful information is extremely encouraging to me. I am also happy to hear you had a great stay on your recent trip!

Another bit of info. When we arrived @ the hotel (11:00 am on a Thurs. morning) the check in line was huge, probably at least a 1 hr wait, so I went into the VIP check- in, with my credit card & drivers liscense in hand along with a $100 bill . I approached the desk person and put the liscense, credit card and 100 on the desk and asked if it would be possible to check in here and she said yes, so I then asked if there was a possibility of a free upgrade to a wrap around terrace suite that overlooked the Strip & Bellagio fountains and sure enough she made it happen and received a $100 tip. The best $100 I have ever spent. The suite would have cost approx. $2500 for the 4 nights we were there, maybe the biggest win of the trip.

Good for you! That is a good score and a value in my eyes. It is amazing what some of the check-in people can do without getting into trouble. I am glad you enjoyed yourself. Like I indicated earlier, I will only be staying one night. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did on your second stay.

How about the Hard Rock? Does anyone have any insight how they treat table players?

I would base your decision on which property you would rather get offers from. Cosmo has better location, rooms, restaruants, and top shelf liquor. I would much rather be comped there than at Hard Rock.

Thank you pjstroh, i agree with you assessment. However, in general, the Hard Rock has more and higher level fights. As I stated, that is one of the main reasons I am looking at the two hotel/casinos. Cosmopolitan certainly seems like a good fit for me though and the offers others are getting is encouraging. Not much feedback about The Hard Rock's offers, which does concern me a bit.