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Hard Rock

Hard Rock Hotel

Last updated: December 19, 2024

Overview

Not only the hippest place to lay your head, Hard Rock Hotel is also the closest resort to Universal's theme parks. The exterior has a California Mission theme, and the lobby's walls are decorated with concert posters and musical instruments.

Cost Range

$399-$704

Lodging Area

Universal Orlando Area

Category

Deluxe

Transportation

Boat, Bus, Walk

Guest Overall Rating

Based on 113 surveys. (See our Ratings and Research page for details)

Our Overall Rating

Room: A

Pool: B-

Room Quality
Check-in Efficiency
Quietness of Room
Park Transportation
Hotel Pool
Staff
Food Court

Room Tour of Universal Orlando's Hard Rock Hotel

Tour of Universal Orlando's Hard Rock Hotel

Resort Strengths

Closest resort to the theme parks

Extensive collection of music memorabilia in lobby

Pool has a 250-foot waterslide and underwater sound system

On-site dining

Includes Universal Express Unlimited

Resort Weaknesses

Some rooms feel dated; housekeeping can be hit-or-miss

Overnight parking fee

What Readers Are Saying About Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel location really can't be beat but the room itself was kind of blah.

G

Gretchen F

January 6, 2021

Love the Hard Rock Hotel, its location and Express Pass. On-site food wasn't great though.

D

Dave N

November 16, 2019

I'd stay at the Hard Rock Hotel because it has the same key amenities of the other hotels, with less distance to walk to the parks.

K

Kathleen K

June 29, 2019

Staying at the Hard Rock to get the Express Pass was definitely worth it, especially if you are visiting the parks for more than one day.

T

Tim S

May 18, 2019

Hard Rock was one of the best hotels we have stayed in. Can't recommend it enough.

C

Christina B

April 19, 2016

Rooms

The rooms feature light-gray walls and linens and colorful retro-inspired accents, such as mirrors marked with the heights of famous rock stars.

  • Room with Queen Bed(s) and en-suite bathroom
  • Dresser with drawers
  • Full-length mirror
  • Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
  • Flat-panel TV
  • Coffee maker and starter supply of coffee pods
  • Ironing board and iron
  • Hair dryer
  • Digital thermostat
  • In-room safe
  • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and bar soap

Standard rooms are 375 square feet, slightly larger than rooms at Disney's Moderate resorts and a bit smaller than most Disney Deluxe rooms.

Dining

BeachClub A poolside spot to grab drinks and snacks.

The Kitchen Though we must admit our expectations weren’t too high for this Hard Rock venture, we were pleasantly surprised with the food and service here. Though expensive, the food is actually quite good, and the setting is pretty fun. Brave and/or crazy souls can take part in the Kitchen Sink Challenge, which consists of eating the burger, a pound of fries, a fried pickle, and the humongous Kitchen Sink Cake within a 30-minute time limit (advance reservations required). If dinner is a little out of your price range but you still want the experience, visit at lunchtime or go for the family-style breakfast, which includes pancakes or French toast, plus scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, and cinnamon rolls.

The Palm Restaurant The crowd here can get noisy, so The Palm may not be the best place for a romantic night out. However, if you’re looking to celebrate with friends or family, this is a good, if very expensive, choice. Stick with the signature dishes: the steaks are done well, and the ginormous lobsters are impeccably prepared, while some of the other dishes could be better. The side dishes are meant for sharing, and the creamed spinach and Brussels sprouts are justly famous. If you want a taste of The Palm on a hamburger budget, drop by the bar during Prime Time (Sunday–Friday, 5–7 p.m.) for discounted appetizers.

Emack & Bolio's Marketplace Boston-based Emack & Bolio’s has a long history of associating with rock stars (check out the vintage van doors outside) and naming ice cream flavors after their songs. Here you can have a cone or sundae made from Space Cake, Trippin’ on Espresso, or “Deep Purple” Chip. It also has a graband- go selection of snacks, cold breakfast foods, and Starbucks drinks to speed you through your morning, plus a decent selection of hot and cold snacks, sandwiches, and takeout pizzas (in 10- or 16-inch pies) after noon.

Velvet Bar

Amenities

SWIPE TO EXPLORE

12,000-Square-Foot Pool

The Hard Rock's pool includes a 260-foot water slide, two hot tubs, a sand beach, and an underwater sound system.

Arcade

The Game (Not) Over Arcade is located next to the pool and features relatively recent video games of all kinds.

Jogging

One lap around this part of the Universal resort can be as much as 3.6 miles. Some of it is on roads with traffic. Check with the front desk for options.

Spa

The Mandara Spa at the Portofino (a short walk away) is a full-service spa and salon. Services include massages, body treatments, mani/pedi. and more.

Priority Restaurant Seating

Guests staying at the Hard Rock get priority seating at many Universal park and CityWalk restaurants. Check with the front desk for options.

Early Park Admission

Guests staying at the Hard Rock get in up to one hour early to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Express Pass

Guests staying at the Hard Rock get free Universal Express Unlimited passes to skip the standby lines at most popular Universal Orlando attractions.

Resort amenities at-a-glance
Universal-owned
Early Park Admission
Universal Express
Suites
Club Level
Room Service
Wireless Internet
Fitness Center
Transportation to Parks
Water Sports
Marina
Tennis
Beach
Biking
Airport Transportation

Practical Matters

Check In/Out Time

Check-in is 4:00pm
Check-out is 11:00am

Mobile Check-In

Hotel mobile check-in lets guests perform several check-in tasks before leaving for their visit, leading to a smoother and shorter process once they arrive at the hotel. Check your email about 24 hours in advance for an invitation to do mobile check-in.

Theme Park Tickets

Park tickets are best purchased online in advance either directly through Universal Orlando or from a trusted reseller. However, if you arrive without park tickets, head to the Vacation Planning desk in the hotel lobby.

Dining Reservations

Table service dining reservations can be made via Universal Orlando's Dining Reservations website or app.

Laundry

Washers and dryers are availabile in laundry facilities at each Universal Orlando hotel. Only credit/debit cards can be used for payment. A small selection of soap, fabric softener, and dryer sheets is sold in vending machines in the laundry rooms.

Lost and Found

If you lose something during your stay, visit Universal's Lost and Found website or call (407) 224-4233.

Shopping

Universal hotels have gifts shops near their lobbies with a decent collection of souvenirs. You will also find basic pharmacy items such as sunscreen, aspirin, allergy and cold medicine, baby diapers and formula, shampoo, and the like.

Child Care

Universal recommends a third party company, Kid's Nite Out, to provide babysitting services at the resort hotels.

Transportation

Driving to the Resort
Getting to the Parks
and Universal CityWalk
Getting to Another Hotel from Hard Rock
Getting to Walt Disney World

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