It was also a frequent source of controversy and legal problems. The Hard Rock was featured in various media, including television shows and music videos. A new 11-story hotel tower was added in 1999, as part of a $100 million renovation. Following disagreements, Morton bought out Harveys' share of the resort in 1997. The Hard Rock Hotel began as a joint venture between Hard Rock Cafe founder Peter Morton and Harveys. Plans for a Hard Rock hotel were announced in 1991, and the resort opened on March 10, 1995, as the world's first rock and roll-themed hotel. It had also hosted a weekly pool party event known as Rehab. At the time of its closure, the Hard Rock included 1,506 rooms across several hotel towers, a 61,704-square-foot (5,732.5 m 2) casino, and a music venue known as The Joint. The resort is located on 16.7 acres (6.8 ha) on the corner of Harmon Avenue and Paradise Road, about a mile east of the Las Vegas Strip. It now operates as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was a resort located near the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States.
