Hard Rock Hotel, Universal Orlando

-click on pictures for larger images

Background about the Hard Rock Hotel:

Hard Rock is a big brand around the world, with Hard Rock Cafes in many countries, and nine hotels. The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando opened in Feb. 2001, as a joint effort with Universal Studios, and Loews Hotel.

The Hard Rock Hotel has 650 rooms, including 29 suites, four restaurants and lounges, and fun theming based on rock music and featuring rock memorabilia. Club Level Rooms offer complimentary breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres, etc.

The Hard Rock Hotel is part of the Universal Orlando complex, that includes: Islands of Adventure theme park; Universal Studios Florida; the CityWalk entertainment area, linking the parks; and two other hotels, the Portfino and the Royal Pacific Resort.

• read about Universal Studios Florida- highlights for families
• read about Islands of Adventure highlights for families
• -take a photo tour of the Hard Rock Hotel

What's special about the Hard Rock Hotel, for families?

• The Hard Rock Hotel has convenient access to the Universal Orlando theme parks. Guests can take a free watertaxi shuttle, or a lush garden walkway (-five minutes to Universal Studios Florida.)

• guests get front-of-the-line access to theme park rides! This in itself is a major reason to stay at a Universal Orlando hotel, especially during peak periods when wait times can be long for popular rides.

• The Hard Rock Hotel has a large freeform pool with waterslide, a sand beach along one side, and underwater stereo. The pool is shallow (very), and life-guarded.

• The Hard Rock Hotel has Camp Li'l Rock supervised kids' activities for ages 4 to 14.

• guests can visit Loews' sister resorts at Universal: the Portofino Bay Hotel(with large Beach Pool, waterslide, kiddie pool) and the Royal Pacific Resort (large Beach Pool and play zone with water squirters etc.)

Also: Loews hotels in general have a Loews Loves Kids (and a Loews Loves Pets) policy, with services including game libraries, special menus, welcome gifts for kids under ten, and supervised recreational programs. Kids under 18 are free; cribs are available, as are roll-away beds for $25/night. (Check hotel sites for updates.)

More about the Hard Rock Hotel:

• see the Loews site for Hard Rock Hotel. Rates start at $219/night; check for updates and Specials
• see also Universal Orlando site's section on Hard Rock Hotel
• check visitor comments at TripAdvisor: just enter "Hard Rock Hotel Orlando" in the searchbox

-take a photo tour of the Hard Rock Hotel

*photo (c) Teresa Plowright