On my most recent vacation to Universal Orlando I had the opportunity to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel on property. I have been wanting to stay at this hotel for years! It has a super cool vibe, killer music playing everywhere, great dining, and it is super close to the parks. Here are five reasons why I loved staying at the Hard Rock and why you should consider it for your next vacation!
- Cool Decor and Theming
If you have ever been to a Hard Rock Cafe then you have some idea of the general theming of the Hard Rock brand. The Hard Rock Hotel takes that theming to a whole other level with a posh, rock star vibe everywhere you go. There is a plethora of rock n’ roll memorabilia everywhere, it is almost like walking through a (super cool) museum. From the artwork to the furniture to the wallpaper, they have really created a posh atmosphere any rock star would feel comfortable in.
- Awesome Amenities
All of the hotels at Universal Orlando have pools and other amenities on property, but Hard Rock’s are arguably the coolest and best. There is a huge pool, that plays music underwater, that has a zero entry and a waterslide. One side of the pool also has a real sand beach area, plus there are two hot tubs and a shallow wading pool for younger kids. There are fun activities at the pool all day long, as well as food and beverage service right to your pool chair.
Aside from the pool they also have live music offerings several times a week and even monthly Velvet Session performances from big name musicians in their uber hip Velvet Bar. There are two sit down restaurants and two casual restaurants to enjoy right at the hotel that all serve fantastic food. The Kitchen even has an Acoustic Brunch Buffet every Sunday morning where you can listen to acoustic performances while sipping a mimosa.
- Unique Rock Star Experiences
The Hard Rock Hotel has some unique experiences that are only available at this hotel and go hand in hand with the rock and roll lifestyle vibe. Rock Om is a complimentary yoga kit to use during your stay. Simply ask at Guest Services for your kit and you will get a yoga mat to use with special yoga videos available on demand on the tv in your room.
Sound of Your Stay offers you celebrity playlists you can download or play in your room, or choose from 20 different Fender guitars you can loan out for use during your stay, and they even have a Crosley turntable you can use with up to 10 different records you choose from their extensive library. And all of this is complimentary during your stay! All you have to do is go to Guest Service and they will get you set up.
- Close Proximity To Parks
Of all the hotels at Universal Orlando, Hard Rock Hotel is THE closest to the theme parks. In addition to having a dedicated water taxi that will take you right to City Walk, there is also a walking path just for Hard Rock Hotel guests that brings you right up to the front gate of the Universal Studios theme park! While I was there I timed it and from walking out the hotel doors to being inside the theme park, including going through security and the ticket gate, was less than 15 minutes.
- Unlimited Express Pass Included
This is probably the #1 reason to choose a Premier Hotel for your Universal Orlando vacation. There are only three Premier Hotels to choose from and Hard Rock is one of them. When you stay at a Premier Hotel at Universal, everyone staying with you gets an Unlimited Express Pass for FREE! That’s right, the Express Pass is included automatically with your hotel stay. This is a HUGE added value as the Unlimited Express Pass can be as much as $150+ per person, per day if you buy it separately.
What is the Unlimited Express Pass you may be asking? It is essentially a “cut to the front of the line” pass for most of the rides at both Universal theme parks! Participating rides (and that really is most of them) have a special Express Lane entrance that is a shorter line than the regular Standby Line. On a busy day this can make a big difference in how many rides you get to go on. For a truly VIP experience at Universal, this is the way to go.
If you are a music lover then a stay at Hard Rock Hotel is a must, but even if you are not a die hard music fan there is a lot here to enjoy for anyone. The amenities, VIP perks, and close proximity to the parks is enough to make this my “go to” hotel at Universal Orlando.
Ready to start planning your next adventure?
A Mystical Dream Travel Advisor can help you begin planning the vacation of your dreams! Click here to start making memories that last a lifetime!
Like this article, be sure to share with your family and friends on social media!
