Hard Rock Hotel/Casino

[steph]

FYI:

I have just returned from a full week en Femme in Las Vegas where I was in and out of numerous restaurants, hotels, casinos, shows, etc. I even flew back to New York en Femme.

On this trip, and on previous trips that I took to Vegas last year, I have consistantly encountered trouble from the Staff at the Hard Rock. Definitely not T-friendly. So I would suggest that when out in Vegas that you not go anywhere near that place.

[annie]

>I have consistantly encountered trouble from the Staff at the Hard Rock.
>Definitely not T-friendly. So I would suggest that when out in Vegas that
>you not go anywhere near that place.

Care to go into detail as to exactly why you consider them to be TG-unfriendly?

There were some restroom issues reported there in the early 2000s, but since then all Hard Rock properties in Las Vegas have been consistently regarded as being TG-friendly.

[steph]

Absolutely restroom issues.

Last year I was in the ladies restroom with two drag performers with whom I was drinking at the bar. When I exited the restroom (I came out first) I was greeted, literally, by a SWAT team. There were at least 6 of them, in uniform, with firearms and a dog. No kidding. They yelled at me, but I blew right past them and went back to the bar, and they did not pursue me. But that's not very friendly treatment I don't think.

Last week I was again at the Hard Rock. This time I was maybe one of 5 patrons in the place (at 4am) drinking at the bar with some guys. To my knowledge there were no Genetic female patrons at that time. I went to the ladies restroom and did not pass or see anybody on my way thru the deserted casino. Upon exiting the restroom (which was empty) there was a single security gentleman waiting patiently for my exit, who proceeded to scream at me. They must have seen me on the security cameras. In this instance I feel that they again went clearly out of the way to harass me as there certainly was no actual patrons who were put-off by my presence, in this case, at 4am in a deserted casino. They could have let it go.

So this sequence of events, on two instances a year apart, with different Casino employees, clearly demonstrates that what we have here is corporate policy, versus a single overzealous security agent.

By way of background on myself, I am almost full-time en-femme in my life and am completely en-femme when in Vegas. I always dress appropriately for my surroundings, and strive to NOT stick out. I always exercise extreme caution when using restrooms, finding some out-of-the way restroom and sneak in and out as expediciously as possible. The list of establishments that I have visited in Vegas is huge, so I won't list them, but the Hard Rock is the only one at which I have had a problem.

[annie]

>When I exited the restroom (I came out first) I was greeted, literally, by a
>SWAT team. ...

>Upon exiting the restroom (which was empty) there was a single
>security gentleman waiting patiently for my exit, who proceeded to scream
>at me.

Okay, ummmmm, that's what I asked for but that's not what I wanted to hear! Thanks for the details.

If anyone can show cause why the Hard Rock Casino should not be downgraded to Yellow Light on our Big List, please speak now. (And please, no "I've been there and didn't have a problem" and such.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Dana Stevens
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Hi all,

I am new to the DLV event as last year was the first year I attended! I
had a great time, thank you organizers.

Concerning the issues Steph had and the possible downgrading of the Hard
Rock establishment, obviously this needs to addressed, but is it the
right thing to do to simply talk with the management and find out if it
is a corporate policy being enforced on selected occasions or a training
issue for a few of the employees that respond so negatively?

Seems this and their response would or should be a factor in revising
their status! Obviously, Anne with her experience knows the correct
process and best way to handle this so I am asking as a coordinator of
local events and seek information on how to best handle these kinds of
issues.

Thank you for your help!

Dana

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(This posting was entered by Dana Stevens, an external user of MyDLV.)

[annie]

>but is it the right thing to do to simply talk with the management and
>find out if it is a corporate policy being enforced on selected occasions
>or a training issue for a few of the employees that respond so negatively?

Would you (Dana or anyone) care to take on this project?

If you do, please be very cautious!

[External Poster]

This posting is from: LeAnna
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I have made it a point to contact who ever since I used to do that
in my business.

Jamie and I are NOT going to DLV this year but I will help in any way I
can

I do know after doing tours in Las Vegas for years that the hard rock is
not a problem. If you have a problem just get the manager and they will
straighten it out

Rest room are common since so use good judgement and there should not be
a problem.

LeAnna

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(This posting was entered by LeAnna, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Dana Stevens
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Well it would take time and energy, also proximity to go and
talk with them! Since I live in Colorado, just stopping by is
a bit of a problem for me.

I am guessing that a letter to them I am sure would simply be
a very PC type of response. At this point in time they do have
the law on their side as far as using the bathroom of the gender
marker on your license. So they could simply say they are following
the letter of the law. So maybe pursuing the idea really is not
practical at this time. Simply voting with our business may be the
best way to handle it!

Dana

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(This posting was entered by Dana Stevens, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Rosada Delano
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Did the two drag performers come out and get yelled at also? Were the SWAT
team waiting for them also? Just curios. It sounds as if they only selected
you to rag on.

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(This posting was entered by Rosada Delano, an external user of MyDLV.)

[Maryanne M 0501]

I have been to The Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip several times with other girls and never had a problem. The staff there has been more then welcome to us...my good friend Suzane Olivia has scheduled Diva events and we have always been very welcome. If the problems noted are at the main hotel, try the cafe on the strip.