Hard Rock Hotel - Orlando

There are Hard Rock hotels, clubs, and casinos all over the world but when you visit Orlando you get to stay in the middle of so much fun you can park your car and forget it your whole trip. Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando is located on the grounds of Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure.  You will stay in one of Florida's premium hotels and walk or ferry to you daily destination.

We recently stayed in a suite for the night and got the treatment: quality accommodations in an 800 sq. ft. suite with a king bed, bath, shower with 2 sinks, and  separate kids room with 2 double beds and their own TV.  The mini bar is full and room service is impeccable.  Walk the halls listening to rock music of all genres and see all the rock and roll memorabilia that covers the place.

 Check in time is 4:00 pm but if you arrive early they will check you in provided your room is ready.  Valet parking is $28.00/night and self-parking is $18.00/night whichever you choose.  Bellhops will take car of you either way and check-in is a breeze.  Staff courtesy and professionalism is the best and they make you feel welcome, not in a stuffy way, but in a cool rocker way.

We made our reservation at www.UniversalOrlando.com.  There they have rates for Florida residents, AAA, and a few other amenities.  Our night was $448.00 plus tax. A 2 double queen can be reserved for around $250.00 to $$350.00 but one has to check all the time because rates change regularly and different dates also dictate lower or higher rates. I also recommend checking with Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, and all the other reputable travel sites.  You can often get a better rate.

Take a trip to the pool that has everything from a sandy beach to a food bar, a drink bar, underwater music, and big screen TVs that you can sit and watch movies on. Sorry, I wasn't able to get a good photo because it was stormy the night we arrived and the pool was closed due to lightning warnings.  Welcome to the hurricane state in summer.  We did get to hit the jacuzzi for a little while though.

When you book at Hard Rock or any of the other on-site hotels you also get ExpressPass privilege that gets you past the general lines and onto the rides faster.  This is a valuable plus especially when in Florida in the summer with little kids.  You really avoid a lot of the stress of vacation and save  a great deal of your time.  Stay at the Hard Rock when you visit Orlando.  You will be glad you did.

Hard Rock Cafe - Orlando

I don't think I've ever had a bad time at Hard Rock Orlando.  Every time we go there to eat we enjoy it immensely.  It's not just the food and the atmosphere but the staff that makes it a great time  Walk in and take in the party rock feeling as you walk through a virtual museum of rock memorabilia and photos.  The staff are way cool and look the part.  They dress and act more like roadies than waiters but they're professional and courteous approach is second to none.  Thanks to the manager, Rusty, and our lovely server, Becca, everything was perfect!

Start with an appetizer.  Our family favorite is the nachos but they have much more.  We also tend to get burgers (the 10 oz. classic is my best) and sandwiches.  If you are really ready for a heavy meal they serve great steaks, seafood, or sophisticated salad choices.  So, if you're a vegan, don't feel left out.

I have always give the Hard Rock Cafe an "A+". They rank right up there for me as places to have a super dinner but feel like you're rockin' cool at the same time.  Their prices are good for theme parks and the staff is on top of everything.  Good job everybody.  It was worth every dime!!  Love it.

Hard Rock Cafe Universal Studios Orlando

When you go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure one stop you really want to make is the Hard Rock Cafe.  If you're even remotely in to music this is the best place to visit other than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  One step inside and you instantly feel the energy and adrenalin that permeates the rock universe.  Hard Rock is an "in your face" dining experience that the whole family will enjoy.  Whenever we go to Universal Studios we eat there more than any other of the fabulous restaurants.

Hard Rock has a commanding presence on the walkway between Universal and Islands of Adventure.  It overlooks the river that runs right down the middle of the vast Universal complex.  As you approach you're immediately attracted to the Roman Coliseum architecture with a pink Cadillac jammed right into the side of it.  When you enter you are greeted by one of the finest serving staffs I've ever encountered.  My family and I have been there dozens of times in recent years and the staff is always friendly and high speed.  Rock music is always playing and the atmosphere is vibrant without being oppressive.  The cafe is more like a museum with hundreds of pieces of rock memorabilia prominently displayed on the walls and ceilings.  The kids will love it and so will the parents.  There is an interactive wall on one side of the main bar where children of all ages can touch images and learn rock facts all night. 

There is a round full service bar in the middle of the cafe with a mezzanine floor accessible by stairs or elevator.  You can browse and wander all you like before, during, or after your meal.  High-Def TVs's are everywhere broadcasting various concerts by all the legendary bands.  We never have to wait long to be seated and are always greeted by a wait staff who always seems glad to be serving.  Either they hire real happy people or have a super training program (or both). 

The menu is large and varied.  You can choose from a full page of appetizers if you're in to that.  We have settled on the Hard Rock Nachos that come loaded with everything and you can also add meat, chicken, or pulled pork.  It's not a light dish so only order it if you think the whole family will eat it.  If you can't finish it take it back to your room.  (Note: Only the restaurants on City Walk let you take doggie bags.  The restaurants inside the parks don't allow it)  The menu has entrees, burgers, smokehouse, and sandwiches.  They also have sandwiches and salads with a few vegan ideas mixed in.  As a family we usually steer away from the entrees because they can get pricey when you're on a vacation budget but we always have tremendous burgers and there's a full kids menu to include the classic hot dog plate for the kid who eats nothing else!  When we go, if we avoid the high end platters and get an appetizer with nothing from the bar, our tab comes to about $75.00-$95.00. Not a cheap ticket for some families but if you figure in the convenience, experience, and not driving out in a town you don't know, looking for something you have no idea what, it's worth the lack of stress for Mom, Dad, and the kids.  I'm still looking for one of the photos I have of Hard Rock but if you go to their website  http://www.hardrock.com/ or www.universalstudios/citywalk you can take the 360 degree virtual tour and see if it doesn't look like what I'm describing. 

Our experiences there have always been fun and eating at Hard Rock Orlando is an outing by itself.  Think of us when you go there and let me know if your time there wasn't just superb!  Thanks for reading and more to come.....