Hard Rock Hotel Universal Orlando, Orlando, Florida
The hotel is located on-site at Universal Orlando where Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk are all outside your door and it is close to great shopping arcades and restaurants. Hotel is now a NON SMOKING property, there are some exterior areas on which smoking is allowed. Areas allowed to smoke are: Balcony of Velvet Lounge, Entrance by Guitar Fountain and Ground floor by Woodstock Lawn. Hotel is now part of SAVE THE PLANET campaign. Amenities abound at this exciting hotel, with over $1 million worth of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia throughout the hotel, a 12, 000-square-foot pool with a sand beach, underwater stereo, interactive fountains, a 260-foot pool slide and the popular Beach Club pool bar, private pool side cabanas, Camp Lil’ RockSM supervised children’s activity center, fitness center and game room. On-site guests enjoy complimentary transportation to nearby SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove Orlando and the spectacular Wet ‘n Wild –Orlando water park. The hotel was named to Conde Nast’s Gold List “World’s Best Places To Stay” 2005. The hotel is a mid-rise, modern, white painted building with California mission-style facade, looking over the beautiful pool area. Lobby is large sized and modern in style. The hotel has five restaurants and lounges, including the famed Palm Restaurant; the hotel’s full-service restaurant takes on the appearance of the spacious kitchen in a rock megastar mansion. The rooms are medium in size and modern, casual, laid back yet unquestionably stylish. All guest rooms are designed with a whimsical flair and they feature a dynamic CD sound system. 19 kms to city centre, 32 kms to the nearest airport (orlando).
Jackie Diprimo (verified owner) –
We Rocked the Hard Rock!
Hard Rock was excellent for my teenage son. The beach-pool and hot tubs he thoroughly enjoyed and he liked all of the music displays at the hotel. Loved the food at The Kitchen and seeing the characters there. Liked the easy walk to the parks.
Tips for Families
On your way to the elevator from your room, stand in the circle that adjoins all of the hallways and sing a tune. It is built to give off perfect sound to your ears.
Donna McKeon (verified owner) –
Awesome!
This resort hotel was great because we didn’t have to rent a car. We were picked up at the airport in Florida and we were in walking distance to the gate of Universal. Negative comment includes price of food at the hotel. Too expensive to eat in the snack/ deli store everyday. The price of juice and muffins was way overpriced. Restaurants weren’t priced family friendly either as was the outdoor bar.
Tips for Families
Bring lots of snacks and go off site to buy muffins and juice to keep in the hotel room.
Andrea Foley Veneziano (verified owner) –
Great hotel with excellent proximity to Universal
We chose the Hard Rock Hotel because of its proximity to Universal. Of the three onsite hotels, HRH is the closest. We found that it had great customer service (blow up guitars for kids upon check-in!), fabulous pool and waterslide. Rooms are a decent size, and beds are comfy. I think the rooms are likely due for some refurbishing of soft goods soon. This a very large property, so keep that i n mind if anyone has mobility issues. The scene around the pool is very fun and party like, while still being appropriate for small kids. They supply lifejackets for nonswimmers to use the water slide.
Tips for Families
Staying onsite gives you Express Pass at Universal. Try the ice cream at Emack and Bolio’s , on the ground floor of the hotel, near where you exit the hotel to get the water taxi.