Summer Camp Fridays

Review

The Hard Rock Hotel's Paradise Beach is home to quite a few pool parties, including the infamous Rehab Sundays, the subject of a reality TV show for three seasons. For the 2012 season, they introduced a new concept: Summer Camp Fridays, an "adventure-filled diversion from everyday responsibilities."

Residents SKAM Artists and other DJs fill this party with beats as you dance the day away in the main pool area. Another large pool provides more of a beach area with lounge chairs and a more relaxed ambiance, and a connected "river" style pool runs from there to a cabana area near the main pool.

There's a second level overlooking the pool area, and also a water slide that splashes down into the beach pool.

This tropical center bar, Palapa Bar & Grill, is carved out of the Paradise Beach scenery and resembles a hidden jungle temple. You can enjoy some delicious cocktails, frozen drinks or even play some swim-up blackjack.

Surrounding much of the complex are the cabanas, located near the edges of the main pool and "river," as well as on the second level. Lounge chairs are available as well, but they do sometimes charge for them based on demand. If you want to spice things up a bit, you can also access the other HRH pool areas with your pass.

-- Review by Jorge Labrador