Keeping things cool at Hard Rock Hotel’s pools
By Kiko Miyasato
Courtney Tulp
Courtney Tulp got the opportunity that most college graduates pray for upon receiving a degree: a job offer. In 2008, graduating with a degree in hospitality management from the University of Central Florida, she set her sights on Vegas and was offered the position of operations manager at a Vegas hot spot. “I literally got my degree and the next day I moved out to Vegas,” Tulp said. After a couple of years, Tulp decided it was time for more of a challenge. Now in her second season at Hard Rock Hotel, the Chicago native serves as the general manager of the Hard Rock pools.
Her daily operations include watching over the three pools—Paradise, Nirvana and Breathe—each with their own vibe and a capacity of up to 7,400, with a staff of 170 people. “You need a lot of patience. … But honestly, sometimes it doesn’t really feel like a job. Yes, there’s craziness going on and you’re checking on the cabanas and making sure everyone is taken care of, but where else can you work while watching the Snoop Dogg concert, or stand onstage while Ne-Yo’s performing or Pitbull’s performing?” she said. Tulp is referring to Paradise pool’s summertime concerts; it’s also the pool where the famous Rehab party takes place on Sundays. “I think having three completely separate entities in one pool (complex) and in one location is pretty cool.”
“You let your freak flag fly (at the Hard Rock pools) … These people are having the time of their lives out here,” she said.
Twisted Lemonade
Cheers to summertime and Hard Rock Hotel’s seasonal specialty cocktail menu, which consists of more than 20 frozen and on-the-rocks concoctions. The Twisted Lemonade—available in 12- and 30-ounce cups—is made with Ketel One Citroen, limoncello, fresh-squeezed lemonade and club soda. “It’s a spin on your normal lemonade. … The limoncello gives that little kick to it (rather) than just having a regular vodka with lemonade,” Tulp said.
