Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Review: Best Hotel for Universal Orlando
Considering staying at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando? Here’s my honest review of the experience (and why you should pick this hotel for your park adventure!).
I recently went on one of my bucket list trips – a two-week trip to Orlando to visit Universal Orlando and Disney World theme parks. I never visited as a child, so I’d been waiting a LONG time for this dream trip!
I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando for five nights, and it was the perfect place to start this trip. It is one of the pricier hotels available in the area, but it is absolutely worth the premium price tag.
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando and looking for a mix of luxury, convenience, and fun, this is the place to be.
Let me tell you why!
Why I Picked Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
One of the biggest draws of the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando is the incredible perks you get when you stay here.
You’ll receive free Universal Express Unlimited passes, which allow you to skip the queues at the parks. These are invaluable if you want to make the most of each day in the parks and save so much time.
You also get early park entry, meaning you can enter the parks up to an hour earlier than other guests and enjoy a few attractions without the crowds (ok, smaller crowds).
These perks alone are worth a lot of (time and) money and make the cost of staying here feel more justifiable.
RELATED: 18 Top Tips for Universal Orlando to Maximise Your Experience
There are only three hotels at Universal Orlando that offer free Universal Express Unlimited passes:
- Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
I booked my accommodation for this trip fairly late in the day, so the Hard Rock Hotel was the only one of these three with availability.
The Location
The location is unbeatable. It’s the closest hotel to the Universal Parks, just a few minutes’ walk away.
There’s no need to worry about transport or rushing in the morning as the hotel provides walking paths or complimentary shuttle buses and water taxis to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk, making it incredibly convenient to get around.
Volcano Bay is a little further away, but a complimentary shuttle bus can take guests there, and it runs every 30 minutes or so.
The Decor & Vibe
Another reason to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel is the theming. Inspired by the iconic “Hotel California” album cover, the hotel blends Spanish mission-style architecture with chic, rock-and-roll decor.
As you make your way up the long driveway to the hotel, you’ll see a massive fountain outside the hotel made of stacked metal guitars. It’s quite something.
Inside, you’re greeted with rock music playing softly, and behind the reception desk, you’ll find a giant painting of Elvis Presley, the king of rock and roll himself.
These little touches make the Hard Rock feel like more than just a hotel, but an experience.
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Rooms
We booked a twin pool-view room, and our room had two double beds in it, which was dreamy. I think this is quite an American thing, as in Europe, if I’d booked a twin room, I’d have expected a single bed each!
The view from our window was great too, as we could see a large pool surrounded by swaying palm trees, with the tops of the tallest rides in the distance.
The room itself was super comfortable. Free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station are standard in each room, and the decor features rock-and-roll memorabilia that ties into the hotel’s theme.
The beds were cosy, and the stylish design gave the space a unique character.
Whether you’re looking to chill after a day at the parks (likely!) or just soak in the atmosphere, this hotel hits the mark.
For families or larger groups, there are Deluxe Queen Rooms and suites that provide even more space.
The Deluxe Queen we glimpsed had a lounge area with a sofa, which is ideal if you need downtime in the privacy of your room.
The bathrooms in these rooms are practical, with double sinks and separate areas for showering and dressing, which made getting ready in the morning a breeze.
Small details in the room, like Hard Rock-branded coffee mugs and subtle music-themed accents, tied everything together.
They’ve definitely gone to some effort to continue the hotel’s overall vibe in each individual room.
Restaurants and Food
The food was one of the highlights of our stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, and there are so many options to satisfy any craving.
On most days, we had breakfast on the go, opting to pick up something from Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace inside the hotel and eating our breakfast whilst marching our way over to the parks for early entry.
There’s no time to waste in the mornings!
You can grab hot breakfast wraps, soft drinks, coffee, and all manner of snacks here.
It’s a bit pricey, but it’s super convenient and perfect for those mornings when you’re rushing to get to the parks.
There’s also a wide selection of ice cream if you’re looking to cool down after a day out at the parks!
One day, we treated ourselves to a later start and breakfast at The Kitchen restaurant. It’s a buffet with quite frankly an overwhelming variety of options.
Whether you’re a sweet or savoury person (or both, like me), you’re bound to find something to love.
Think waffles, pancakes, and fresh fruit for those with a sweet tooth, or bacon, eggs, and made-to-order omelettes for a healthier start.
They also had lighter options like porridge, granola, and yoghurt.
If you’re not in a rush in the morning, it’s the perfect way to fuel up for a busy day at the parks.
One evening, we also dined out on the terrace at The Kitchen.
I had the lamb ragú pasta, and my friend had the scallop risotto. Both dishes were delicious, and we paired them with cocktails to round out the meal.
Dining outside in the peace of the hotel’s terrace was such a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of CityWalk, which can be quite busy and loud.
Yes, it’s expensive, but so is everything at Universal, and this meal felt worth every penny.
If you’re looking for a more upscale meal, the Palm Restaurant is also on site, offering incredible steaks and fresh seafood in a historic space.
For something more casual, the Velvet Bar serves appetisers alongside a full bar in the lobby. There’s often live music playing here and rockstar memorabilia on the walls.
If you’re hanging out by the pool, the BeachClub serves snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Even the poolside menu is on theme and shaped like a vinyl record!
One of my favourite things about the food at the Hard Rock Hotel is how convenient it is. Whether you want a lavish sit-down dinner, a quick snack by the pool, or a late-night dessert, you’re covered.
It made our stay so much more enjoyable to have such variety and quality right on our doorstep.
Facilities
The Pool
The pool area at the Hard Rock Hotel is next-level amazing. It’s a massive 12,000-square-foot pool with underwater speakers playing music (yes, really!), and the whole atmosphere is so fun and relaxed.
There’s even a sand beach and a waterslide for a bit of extra excitement.
It’s a relatively shallow pool, so it’s more for cooling down and chilling in whilst sipping on a margarita, rather than swimming.
My favourite part was that you can order cocktails straight to your sun lounger. I was living my best life, sipping margaritas in the sun, holiday read in hand.
At night, the pool often transforms, with movies playing on a big screen, which is a fun way to unwind after a busy day.
There are also cabanas available for rent, offering a more private poolside experience. These come equipped with TVs, fridges stocked with drinks, and a personal server to cater to your needs.
The surrounding area, including the gorgeous garden walkway that connects the hotel to the parks, is also lovely for a little walk.
Shaded paths lined with trees and bamboo make the short walk to Universal Studios Florida feel like a mini adventure of its own.
Fitness Facilities
With all the indulgent food at Universal Orlando, the hotel’s gym was a great way to balance things out.
The gym at the Hard Rock Hotel is impressively large and well-equipped for a hotel gym.
There are plenty of treadmills, cardio machines, a weight section, and mats for stretching or bodyweight exercises.
It felt good to start the day with a light workout before heading out to explore the parks.
The gym was never crowded when I visited (though, admittedly, this was at 6am in the morning), and it had everything I needed for a quick session.
Plus, it’s open 24 hours, so you can fit in a workout whenever it suits you.
Live Music
Music is at the heart of the Hard Rock Hotel experience. Live performances at the Velvet Bar create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere in the evenings.
The hotel’s decor, including its impressive collection of rock-and-roll memorabilia, keeps the music theme alive throughout your stay.
Genuine costumes and artefacts from some of the greatest names in music are displayed around the property, and you’ll spot signed guitars, stage outfits, and iconic costumes, including a beaded shirt worn by Prince, a dress worn by Lady Gaga, a dress from Carrie Underwood, and Michael Bublé’s jacket.
Every corner of the hotel celebrates music, and it’s like walking through a living museum of music history.
Whether it’s the curated playlists in the common areas or the subtle nods to legendary artists in the decor, it’s clear that this hotel is as much a tribute to rock-and-roll as it is a place to stay.
If you’re a music lover, it’s an absolute delight.
Unique Extras
One of the coolest features of the Hard Rock Hotel is the “Sound of Your Stay” programme. You can borrow a Fender guitar and have your own jam session right in your room.
How cool is that?
The hotel also offers the “Wax” experience, where you can borrow a Crosley turntable and vinyl records to enjoy classic albums in your room.
Both options are free with your stay, though they require a deposit. It’s fairly hefty for the guitars, but it’s a unique way to make your trip even more memorable.
The Service
The service at the Hard Rock Hotel was top-notch from the moment we arrived. Staff members were attentive, friendly, and always eager to help.
From carrying our bags at check-in to providing park tips and making sure our stay was as smooth as possible, they went above and beyond.
Whether you needed directions to the parks, extra towels, or a quick restaurant recommendation, they were always ready to assist with genuine enthusiasm.
Why This is the Best Place to Stay When Visiting Universal Orlando
Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando was the perfect choice for my trip.
From the unbeatable location and exclusive Universal Express Unlimited passes to the incredible pool and dining options, this hotel offers a blend of luxury and fun that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The thoughtful theming, attentive service, and music-infused atmosphere make it so much more than just a place to sleep.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool with a mojito, enjoying live music, or strolling the garden walkway to the parks, every moment feels special.
The Hard Rock Hotel is designed to make guests feel like rock stars from start to finish.
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando and want to maximise your time, comfort, and overall experience, I can’t recommend the Hard Rock Hotel enough.
It’s a splurge, but one that pays off in memories you’ll cherish long after your holiday ends.
Check the latest offers and availability for Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel Orlando here.
Practical Details:
Check-in / check-out times: 4pm check-in / 11am check-out
Price: $$$
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