I was there with a group of about 400 for a writer's event, for 4 days. The prices were reasonable, considering, and the convention space was nicely set up (they even put the event logo on the floor in the hallway, which was neat) There were a few bad experiances with the resturant(can't remember which one) but the hotel staff made it right. Overall, I'd visit again.

This hotel is very nice - the staff is great and it everything that you would expect from a Hard Rock Hotel.. My stay was great I really enjoyed everything. The only one comment that I would make is that the lighting was dark in the hotel room, I am sure this is because they are trying to save on engery. I personally like a bright room.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is soon to be rebranded as the Isleta Pueblo Hotel & Casino, because apparently the relationship between the two entities is ending. My wife and I stayed there a few days ago (late November, 2012) for one night, and the signs of rebranding had started (things missing from walls of the room, a restaurant sealed off for renovation). This is probably neither here nor there in terms of an overall review...but if you're really drawn to the Hard Rock brand, you'd better get there soon!

We were there to attend a concert, have dinner and spend a night, rather than take a cab back home or need to designate one of us as a designate driver. The hotel lobby is very nice, with attractive water features. Checkin was okay...no big smiles from the desk, but we got through it. Next, we went to our room to drop off luggage and it was a very big room. I had booked a King room with a balcony. The room was large. The bed and pillows were VERY comfortable for us. (My wife slept through the night!) However, much of the furniture was beat up and the laminated wood tops and edges were delaminating left & right. It looked worn. I assume the rooms are soon to be refurbished after Hard Rock "leaves"...but right at this moment in time, they looked beat up. The restroom, though, was quite nice, with a deep tub and a separate water closet.

The room, when booked on line, was to come with a Bosque view. (Those are the irrigation waterways.) And it did. The balcony looked towards the distant Bosque and golf course...but it also overlooked mostly roofs and parking lot. It was not very attractive, and I would not recommend for the future, unless you really need to spend time on the balcony.

We then went to the show, which ran smoothly and was just fine. The concert hall is on the other side of the hotel, so we had to wind through the Casino. Although I enjoy gambling a little, we had no time for it so I have no comment. It seemed to be a typical Indian gaming establishment. Following the concert, we headed to a late dinner at Embers Steakhouse. You actually take an elevator up to this attractive venue...it "feels" fancy. Again, the service was just okay. The food was quite nice...not knock-you-over good...but nice. The atmosphere was pleasant...subdued and classy but not stuffy. The prices were modest, about $19 for a steak with two sides. Their beer selection was surprisingly modest.

So overall we had a very nice time. But if you're looking to stay in Albuquerque for a super nice resort / indian gaming / casino / spa / hotel kind of thing...go to Sandia Casino. It's top-notch. It's also more expensive by a long shot. On the other hand, if you're just wanting a place to flop your head after a night of gambling, clubbing & drinking (or any combination), I'd suggest the Rt. 66 Casino as a less expensive, but frankly, equally enjoyable alternative. The hotel lobby isn't as fancy and the rooms aren't as big. Nor is there a spa or golf course. But it's inexpensive. So decide what you're really interested in and plan accordingly.

(We also enjoyed a nice, Denny's-esque breakfast at the Tiwa Restaurant the next morning. The service was very good, the prices decent and the food was of the comfort-food variety. Yum!)

I'm just an ol' Texas boy, so I'll break it down like this, ...the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The Good:
Nice rooms, comfortable beds, nice furnishings, good rates, Embers steakhouse, Tiwa breakfast (waiter was great!, try the steak and eggs), memorabilia, loud music, fun slot machines, nice gift shops, and a Starbucks! ....supercool!

The Bad:
Felt like hotel was 10 miles out of town, slow check in, customer service? ...non existent! Thanksgiving weekend and only limited table games open, couldn't get seat at BJ table, casino deli over crammed, had a run in with drunken idiot who was headed to nightclub, no security to be found!

The Ugly:
Not a smile anywhere! Front desk, cleaning, security, drink lady's, dealers, cashiers, .....nobody! Except for a waiter, and check out girl at gift shop, everyone looked upset and frustrated! I know the entire world is overworked and underpaid, but seriously, these guys looked pissed! I was intimidated to ask for anything!

Sorry Hard Rock! ....no mas!