Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel Race and Sports Book

Seats: Seating for approximately 150, with booths and tables also available

Screens: 3 big screens and about a dozen additional plasma/LCDscreens that configure to more screens when necessary

The Hard Rock Race and Sports Book contains a typical Cantor Gaming layout with sleek looking furniture and multiple personal viewing stations throughout. The high definition video quality of the large TV screens, as with all Cantor run sports books, is second to none.

Nothing wrong with this spot if you are staying at the boutique-style Hard Rock, however, there are a few drawbacks. No drink tickets or comp refreshments here, however you can visit the adjacent bar which is only a few steps away and cough up 6 bucks (plus tip) for a Corona, which doesn’t cut the mustard in our book. The ticket writers here can be inexperienced, and at times, simply disinterested. Although no one can deny the high hip factor of the Hard Rock, with the music memorabilia and the beautiful people walking around the property, there are better off-strip options than this sports book. If you happen to visit on a Sunday during warm months, the people walking around the casino headed to and from Club Rehab may offer a respite from figuring out what to bet in the third race at Churchill Downs.

As far as food choices go, you’ll have to leave the sports book and venture out into the casino area to address your appetite. Mr. Lucky’s Café is a well known local’s spot that has decent food. The eclectically decorated Pink Taco, which has some cheaply priced happy hour food specials, is also nearby.

Odds and Ends: There is a semi-hidden unisex bathroom facility conveniently located in the sports book just beyond the left side of the betting counter. The motif inside the restroom is dark with mostly steel and black fixtures – seems a bit out of place but an interesting design and set up nonetheless.

3 (out of 5) Stars