A show night, hour by hour

The afternoon

The hotel does not publish its check-in time, so the first move is to ask: we would put “arriving around 3 PM, is that possible?” in the notes of the request. If you drive, valet runs 24/7; the price for non-members is $20.00 per car. If you come by train, the hotel shuttle leaves Leitrim Station at half past the hour — but not at 5:30 PM, so aim for the 4:30 run at the latest if you want dinner at five.

5 PM — dinner

Friday is one of the four dinner nights at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, which opens at 5 PM and lists a Pre-Show Prix Fixe among its menus. Booking online is the calm way to do it. The alternatives open at the same hour on a Friday: Brick'd for pizza and pasta, YOUYU for noodles. Hard Rock Cafe is open all day but limits tables to two hours on Fridays and concert nights, and seats only complete parties.

6:30 PM — back upstairs

This is what you are paying for. Drop the coat, change shoes, pick up the ID. Everyone needs government photo ID on this property, and anyone who looks under the legal age may be asked for two pieces.

7 PM — doors

Hard Rock LIVE can seat up to 1,900 people and hold up to 2,200. The listing does not say whether the floor is seated or standing for this show; the ticket page does. The box office is open until 9 PM on show days if you need help with tickets.

Around 9:30 PM — the other stages

On 13 November the Council Oak Lounge lists the Alicia Kayley Band at 9:30 PM and the Hard Rock Cafe stage lists Silver Creek at 6:30 PM, both with free admission. Depending on the length of the main show, the lounge set can be your nightcap.

After 10 PM — late food

Friday is an after-hours night at Hard Rock Cafe, with a late menu from 10 PM to 1 AM. Brick'd stays open until midnight on Fridays and YOUYU until 1 AM. Constant Grind never closes, so a coffee and gelato at 1:30 AM is an option.

The walk back

No car park, no taxi line, no 24-minute drive to Parliament Hill in the dark. That is the whole case for staying on site, and on a November night it is a strong one.

Saturday morning

Hard Rock Cafe serves breakfast from 7 AM. Ask for a late check-out when you request the room; the hotel publishes no standard time. If you are staying for Barenaked Ladies on Saturday 14 November, you only have to move from the bed to the café and back.