Hard Rock for Sale?

In surprising news: a short press release went out saying that The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino may be considering and exploring proposals to buy the property. No, other information was given beyond noting that nothing is definite.

The Hard Rock is in the midst of a major expansion and so the timing of this seems very odd. Maybe the expansion ran into more costs than The Hard Rock had anticipated or, more likely, someone made an offer (say, Jann Wenner, who already checked out the hotel across the street for a possible Rolling Stone casino) large enough to make Hard Rock owner Peter Morton take some notice. There is also the distant possibility that the Hard Rock management is sick of constantly tangling with gaming regulators who have gone at them of late for suggestive ads and, most recently, it is said, are looking into stories about underage celebrities and wild times at Body English (The Hard Rock's nightclub).  It is clear to all that The Hard Rock will not be given the benefit of the doubt if there is another "incident." By the way, I honestly think the Hard Rock has a right to feel a bit persecuted by gaming authorities, because The Palms is every bit as racy yet never seems to get told it crossed any lines while the Hard Rock lives under a microscope.

Back to the possible sale: I've put out some e-mails and calls and will let you know if I learn anything.