Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opens in South Lake Tahoe

It was a huge project, remodeling an aging hotel and casino that hadn't seen glory days in decades. Many thought seven months wasn't going to be enough time to turn the old Horizon casino into a fresh and new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. All doubts were tossed aside Wednesday night as the epic rock and roll branded property opened up to large crowds, full bars and packed table games.

David and Jon Park, owners of the property, teamed with Warner Hospitality to create South Shore's newest casino and hotel. They have invested $60 million and what was unveiled during the grand opening is showing that it was money well spent.

Over 700 construction workers have been working full steam in getting the building ready for the Hard Rock brand. There will eventually be 539 hotel rooms, but only 140 were ready for opening night.

"We took all of the hotel room walls out, it wasn't just new paint and carpets," said Don Marrandino, the senior vice president of operations for Warner Hospitality.

"This is a boost to the economy of Northern Nevada," according to Marrandino. "The Hard Rock will help draw more people to Lake Tahoe."

The Hard Rock is employing more than 500 people. "It takes special person to work at the Hard Rock," Marrandino said. "I have never seen employees react as they did," he said when describing the pre-opening rally the staff had. "They were jumping up and down!"

Since rock and roll is the Hard Rock theme, one would expect the decor to be just that, and the casino does not disappoint. Leading to where the movie theater once was is a wall of autographed guitars There is a crystal podium showcasing Michael Jackson's famous glove. Other collectibles on display include a dress from Madonna, drums, concert posters and more.

Warwick Stone is the memorabilia curator for Hard Rock. He has spent hours searching for items to display at the hotel and throughout the casino, things that the visitors from the bay area would appreciate as would Elvis and all rock and roll fans. Stone located an original concert poster from one of Elvis's 106 Sahara Tahoe performances (Sahara was the original casino in the space that Hard Rock now occupies). That poster is on the wall in the hotel front lobby as is Michael Jackson's glove and several guitars and wall art.

The casino is full of action as well, with a sportsbook, two craps tables, 13 blackjack games and 500 slot machines.

"We want to provide the best experience, the best service," said David Park. It looks like they're on their way.