Chicago: Turning 40 on June 14? Get a free night at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

Here’s an offer that might take the sting out of turning 40. If you were born on June 14, 1971, you can score a free night at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Why? It’s all part of the special offers in honor of the date this signature hotel, casino and restaurant chain opened its first cafe in London.

The deal: This offer is good for a free night only at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago -- and if, and only if, your birthday falls on June 14, 1971. You have to show a valid ID when you make a reservation and upon check-in to get the freebie.

Clearly, the birthday offer won’t work for everyone but maybe it’s time to Facebook your friends, see who qualifies and bunk in with them. For the rest of us, other Hard Rock hotels have special offers; check out the list at individual hotel websites and Forty Days That Rock. With one VIP package, you can party like a rock star with 20 friends for a cool $40,000.

When: The offer is good until the end of the year (based on availability) but you have to make a reservation before June 14.

Tested: To get this deal, call the reservation line at the hotel and ask for the June 14 birthday special for the date you want to stay. Depending on availability, you will get a deluxe king or double queen room. Then you have to fax [(312) 334-6505] a copy of your driver’s license or birth certificate to the hotel -- and show ID when you check in too.

As a test, I called and found availability for a free night on July 9. Except my birthday doesn’t qualify for the freebie.

Contact: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, (866) 966-5166