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Summary of reviewsUniversal's Hard Rock Hotel® provides an exemplary experience for those visiting Universal Studios and its adjoining theme parks, primarily due to its unbeatable location. Guests laud the proximity to the parks, which is just a brief walk or water taxi ride away, alongside the convenience of express passes for priority access to attractions. This prime location significantly enhances the hotel's appeal, especially for those fully immersing themselves in the Universal experience.
The hotel generally receives high praise for cleanliness with spacious, comfortable rooms and well-maintained public areas and a pool area that stands out for its vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the design and maintenance of the facilities, highlighting the attractive, heated pool with underwater speakers and numerous activities like movie nights and DJ sessions that cater to both adults and children. The family-friendly environment, as evidenced by child-friendly amenities and a fun yet safe pool area, is a significant draw for families visiting the parks.
Breakfast options receive mixed reviews. While the variety and quality of the breakfast buffet are appreciated, the high costs and occasional inconsistency in service prompt some guests to seek more diverse and affordable choices outside the hotel. Dinner services, particularly at The Kitchen restaurant, are positively noted for great service and excellent food quality, although some eateries are criticized for being overpriced and not particularly child-friendly.
Room cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort are generally well-received. However, the dated decor and occasional maintenance issues, like old furniture and faulty electrical sockets, detract from the overall experience. Despite these concerns, many guests find the rooms comfortable with pleasant views and ample space for families.
The hotel staff are widely commended for their friendly, professional and attentive service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience from check-in to departure. However, the hotel's Wi-Fi service is often criticized for its inconsistent speed and reliability.
Parking presents a mixed experience: it's plentiful and hassle-free, but the high costs associated with it are a frequent point of dissatisfaction among guests. Lastly, the vibrant nightlife in the vicinity of the hotel offers various options for evening entertainment, adding to the overall appeal for visitors seeking fun after a day at the theme parks.
In summary, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® is an excellent choice for families and park visitors, combining an outstanding location, clean and spacious facilities, vibrant amenities and friendly staff with a few areas for improvement, notably in dining value, room updates and Wi-Fi service. Show more
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Resort near Nightlife Spots
Located on-site at Universal Orlando Resort, this hotel provides immediate access to the vibrant nightlife of Universal CityWalk. It offers a mix of funk and fun, with live music and a lively atmosphere.
Resort with Parking
Located at Universal Orlando, this hotel offers convenient parking, especially for park visitors. The hotel's proximity to the parks makes it a practical choice for those driving.
EV charging stations
Resort with Gym
This hotel provides a fitness center with modern equipment and facilities. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's swimming pools and recreational areas.
Resort with EV Charging Stations
The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando provides six EV charging stations, including Tesla connectors and J-1772 chargers. Valet parking is available.
4-Star Resort
Located at Universal Orlando, this hotel offers a rock-and-roll theme and exceptional amenities. It features a vibrant atmosphere, a lively pool scene, and priority access to the parks, making it ideal for music lovers and thrill-seekers.
Resort with Heated Pool
The Hard Rock Hotel offers a 12,000-square-foot heated pool with a zero-entry white sand beach and a 260-foot waterslide. Unique features include an underwater sound system, two hot tubs, and interactive fountains.
Resort near Golf Courses
Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Resort for Honeymoon
Resort with Spa
Family Friendly Resort
Dog Friendly Resort
Romantic Resort
Resort with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Resort
Accessible Resort
Resort with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Garden View Room (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This garden-view room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities.
Pool view room (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This pool-view room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities.
Deluxe King Room (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities. A separate seating area is also included.
Club Level Room - King Bed (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This club-level room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities.
Additional club-level amenities include:
-Access to the Club Lounge
-Continental breakfast and hors d’oeuvers
-Free fitness centre access
-Discounts on pool cabana rentals
Club Level Room - Two Queen Beds (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This club-level room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities.
Additional club-level amenities include:
-Access to the Club Lounge
-Continental breakfast and hors d’oeuvers
-Free fitness centre access
-Discounts on pool cabana rentals.
Deluxe Two Queen Room (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities. A separate seating area is also included.
Standard View Room (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities.
King Suite (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This room features a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities. A dining area is also included.
Premium Two-Bedroom Suite - Future Rock Star Suite (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This two-bedroom suite features memorabilia from modern music artists. The kid's room includes a stage area where guests can sync their own music playlist to a TV or Bluetooth headset. A starlit sky lighting effect appears over the beds in the kid's room.
Mobility Accessible Garden View 2 Queen Room (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)Providing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned family room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee machine, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Mobility Accessible Garden View 2 Queen Room, w/roll-in shower (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)Providing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned family room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee machine, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Mobility Accessible Club 2 Queen Room (Includes FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited)This air-conditioned family room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Location
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® is widely praised for its prime location, particularly its close proximity to Universal Studios and other Universal theme parks. Guest reviews consistently highlight the convenience of being just a short walk or a quick water taxi ride away from the parks, making it an ideal base for park visitors. The hotel is often described as having an unbeatable and excellent location with many guests emphasizing how easy it is to access the attractions without the need to drive. The express passes provided by the hotel are also highly appreciated, offering guests the added benefit of priority ride access. Overall, the location is considered superb, making it perfect for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the Universal experience.
Breakfast
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® offers a breakfast experience that has left guests with mixed impressions. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the variety and quality of breakfast options available. The breakfast buffet is noted for its diversity, offering a good selection of items that cater to different tastes. Guests specifically highlighted the egg dishes and the good quality English tea available in the rooms. Early park-goers also appreciated the convenient breakfast alternatives available in the hotel shop, which opens as early as 6 am.
However, there are several concerns that might affect guest satisfaction. Breakfast is not included in the room rate and is described as very expensive by multiple reviewers. Some guests felt that the price did not match the quality or variety of the food provided. Additionally, specific complaints were made about the service with some finding the waitstaff less attentive and the overall dining experience falling short of expectations.
While the hotel offers good coffee and a variety of dining options within the premises, several guests recommend exploring nearby CityWalk for possibly more affordable and diverse breakfast choices. Overall, while the breakfast at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® boasts a range of choices and some standout dishes, the high cost and inconsistent service may prompt some guests to look elsewhere for their morning meal.
Dinner
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® offers a varied dining experience with several restaurants on site. Reviewers generally appreciate the excellent bar service, attentive staff and the good quality of food available. The Kitchen restaurant, in particular, receives praise for its fantastic food and service, making it a popular choice for special occasions such as Christmas dinner. The Palm Restaurant, though regarded as having a high quality of food, has garnered feedback about its high prices and limited kid-friendly options. Similarly, while the on-site market restaurant is noted for its delicious food, many guests find the resort's overall dining options to be overpriced and not always of good value.
There are limited food options for children and fewer choices available within the hotel, leading some guests to seek alternatives outside. Additionally, the restaurants can become quite noisy and overwhelmed, particularly the Beach Club bar and restaurant by the pool. Noise levels and long wait times have been highlighted as areas needing improvement. Although the food and drink options are considered excellent by some, the general consensus points towards a need for better value and more varied options, especially for kids and budget-conscious diners.
Rooms
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® offers a mixed experience when it comes to its rooms with notable highs and lows. On the positive side, guests frequently praise the rooms for being spacious, clean and comfortable. Many find the room sizes to be perfect, roomy enough for families of four and well-maintained. Guests appreciate the modern and tastefully furnished aspects of some rooms, which offer a relaxing and luxurious feel. The views, especially those overlooking the pool on higher floors, are often highlighted as a pleasant surprise.
However, there are consistent remarks about the rooms looking dated and in need of refreshment. Complaints about old furniture, threadbare sofas, outdated curtains and worn-out bathrooms are recurrent. Some rooms even suffered from lingering odors and cleanliness issues with occasional reports of unclean floors and clogged bathtubs. The electrical sockets in various rooms were sometimes found to be defective or hanging off the walls. Noise insulation seems to be minimal, causing disturbances from adjacent rooms.
The rooms generally lack certain amenities, such as microwaves with some guests feeling let down by the basic offerings and high costs compared to the expected standards. Maintenance issues, such as windows being sealed shut and malfunctioning fridges, also add to the inconveniences experienced by some guests. Room service quality receives mixed reviews but is generally reported to be lacking.
Overall, while the rooms at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® provide ample space and comfort, they would benefit greatly from modernization and more meticulous upkeep to meet the expectations set by the hotel's reputation and pricing.
Beds
The beds at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® have received a wide range of feedback from guests with a notable emphasis on comfort and quality. Many reviewers praised the beds for being very comfortable, clean and featuring great quality sheets, which greatly contributed to their overall positive experience. Descriptors like "super comfortable," "incredibly comfortable," and "comfiest hotel beds" were frequently mentioned, highlighting the satisfaction of numerous visitors.
Some guests commented that the beds and pillows were excellent, adding that they experienced the best sleep they've ever had in a hotel. The spaciousness of the beds also accommodated families well, proving to be suitable for both adults and teenagers. Additionally, the bedding was consistently described as clean with some guests appreciating the large and cozy beds and cozy bedding.
However, not all reviews were entirely positive. A few guests found the beds to be outdated or too soft with some mentioning issues such as beds sinking in, lumpy pillows and even bed bugs in isolated cases. There were also comments about beds being frayed or poorly made and in some cases, the beds were described as uncomfortable.
Despite these mixed reviews, the overall consensus leans towards the Hard Rock Hotel providing a comfortable and restful sleeping experience for most of its guests. The comfortable beds coupled with the hotel's well-located and clean facilities made it a preferable choice for many travelers.
Cleanliness
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® largely receives praise for its cleanliness with numerous reviews highlighting the hotel and rooms as very clean, comfortable, spacious and well-presented. Positive remarks extend to the pool area, which is described as clean and inviting and common areas that are well-maintained and regularly cleaned.
Guests appreciate the overall atmosphere and the stylish, modern décor, noting that the hotel feels refreshing and luxurious. Despite these positives, some reviewers mention inconsistencies in housekeeping services, pointing out rooms not being serviced daily and occasional lapses in cleaning thoroughness, such as dust, stains and unclean coffee makers. Additionally, poolside toilets and some hotel corridors have been noted as needing freshening up or a more thorough cleaning.
There are a few mentions of dated furnishings and small room sizes, but these are balanced by comments about the hotel's welcoming vibe and the cleanliness of facilities and amenities. Ultimately, while the hotel impresses with its cleanliness and comfort, a few areas could benefit from enhanced attention to detail in maintenance and housekeeping.
Staff
The reviews about the staff at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® praise their friendly and attentive nature. Guests frequently highlight their positive experiences with the hotel's amazing, caring and supportive team. The staff's helpfulness, from check-in to concierge services, consistently stands out with many pointing out their professionalism and willingness to accommodate needs swiftly and efficiently. While check-in can occasionally be busy, the reception staff are generally noted for their exceptional service, friendliness and welcome, making guests feel at home.
Housekeeping also receives commendations for their kindness and careful attention to detail. Many guests appreciate the staff's energetic and pleasant attitude, mentioning how their courteousness and top-notch service contributed to a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. However, a few remarks mention occasional rudeness or lackluster service from some front desk employees.
Overall, the team at Hard Rock Hotel® is largely praised as excellent with numerous mentions of exceptional customer service and dedication to ensuring guests have a wonderful stay. The positive interactions and the dynamic, fun-loving staff significantly enhance the hotel experience.
Wi-Fi
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® offers Wi-Fi services that receive mixed reviews from guests. Many have noted that while Wi-Fi is available, its reliability and speed fluctuate. Some guests found the connection to be decent, but others experienced various issues such as outages, slow speeds and poor service quality, which is particularly disappointing given the high-end status of the hotel. There were also mentions of lost connections in rooms, which further frustrated those trying to maintain a stable connection. Despite these challenges, basic communication such as messaging via SMS remained possible. The overall sentiment suggests that while the hotel provides Wi-Fi, there's significant room for improvement to meet guest expectations fully.
Pool
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® boasts a pool area that receives high praise from guests for its lively and inviting atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the great vibe and numerous fun activities around the pool, including underwater speakers, a DJ and movie nights. The pool's large size, shallow sections for children and attractions such as a water slide cater to all ages. The heated pool is a particular favorite with its cleanliness and stunning visuals consistently noted.
Guests appreciate the well-designed layout, featuring plenty of lounge chairs and a beach-like feel, adding to the overall relaxed and comfortable environment. The attentive staff and well-kept facilities enhance the experience, ensuring an enjoyable visit. While there were mentions of occasional noise and crowded conditions, the positive amenities and general upkeep more than compensate for these minor drawbacks. Special events and private closures were mentioned but seemed to be efficiently managed and communicated.
Overall, the pool area at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® stands out as a major highlight of the guest experience, offering a mix of relaxation, family-friendly fun and vibrant entertainment.
Parking
Many guests have shared mixed experiences regarding parking at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel®. On the positive side, there are plenty of parking spaces available and the parking process is described as easy and hassle-free by some visitors. Options such as valet parking, which is characterized as good though expensive and convenient shuttle services to the parks add to the overall convenience.
However, a common sentiment among guests is the high cost of parking with charges typically cited at $30 to $35 per day and some finding it even more expensive, reaching $50 per day or $250 per week. The fact that parking is not included in the hotel stay and needs to be paid separately is a frequent point of dissatisfaction, as guests feel that parking should be included in their room rate. Additionally, there were notes on the lack of covered parking and the inconvenience of no elevator access from the parking area.
Overall, while the availability and ease of parking are appreciated, the high costs associated with it are a significant concern for many hotel guests.
Family
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® offers a fantastic experience for families, particularly those with children. The hotel provides a fun and safe environment, making it an ideal choice for a family vacation. Its proximity to Universal Studios is highly convenient, allowing easy access to the parks, which adds to the overall appeal.
Families have praised the hotel for its child-friendly atmosphere and the array of activities available for kids. The swimming pool area is a highlight, featuring a slide that kids love and a DJ providing entertainment. The pool is not too deep, ensuring safety while maintaining the fun factor.
The staff at the hotel are noted for being exceptionally helpful towards families, offering excellent service that enhances the stay. The club level, though at an additional cost, is considered worthwhile for the extra comfort and convenience it provides, especially for children. The ability to send park merchandise directly to the room is a bonus that families appreciate.
While the overall family-friendly atmosphere is widely recognized, some reviews mention minor drawbacks like small bathtubs and the lack of large double beds, which can be inconvenient for some family members. Additionally, pricing for extra features may feel steep for some guests.
Despite these minor issues, the hotel is celebrated for its great meals for kids, a fantastic pool area and a welcoming family atmosphere. The Express Lane pass is highly recommended for families visiting the parks, as it significantly enhances the experience by saving time. Overall, it's a great place for a family stay with plenty of amenities and activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Nightlife
The nightlife around Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® is described as vibrant and appealing, offering a variety of options for those looking to enjoy their evenings. Guests appreciate the availability of clubs and bars with several good restaurants open at night. The area is praised for its attractiveness and is considered great for night owls with establishments playing cool music and providing live entertainment. While some reviews mention night noise, the overall sentiment highlights the amazing and great nightlife options nearby, making it a suitable destination for those seeking to experience lively night activities.
4 Star
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® receives generally strong reviews for its four-star rating, offering a luxurious and high-quality experience with a fantastic location close to Universal parks. Many guests appreciate the comfortable rooms and very good service delivered by the extremely nice and kind staff. The hotel's overall vibe is excellent and the pool is a noted highlight.
However, there are mixed opinions regarding the cleanliness and value for money. Some guests feel the rooms were not very clean and that the hotel did not meet the expected four-star standards, considering it too expensive for what was offered. Others believe the four-star rating is justified, appreciating the luxury feel and the high-quality service. Although the bathroom size received some criticism, the general consensus is that the hotel's luxurious atmosphere and convenient location offer good value as a four-star establishment.
Business
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel offers a convenient and business-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for travelers on work-related trips. The hotel provides easy access to surrounding business areas and robust facilities, including a well-equipped business center. It stands out as a good place for business meetings, supported by top-tier bedding that ensures restful nights. This combination of comfort and convenience makes it well-suited for business travel.
Accessible
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® stands out as an accessible destination for travelers with disabilities, offering convenience and ease of movement. Many reviews highlight the hotel's accessible rooms and overall good accessibility. The property's location is praised for being perfectly situated with easy access and close proximity to Universal parks, making it easy for guests to visit the attractions. The hotel's decor is noted as nice and the accessibility available extends beyond the rooms with accessible park entrance and the Universal Express features adding to the ease of travel. While there are some mentions of lacking power doors for wheelchair access, the overall feedback underscores excellent and close accessibility, facilitating a smooth experience for all guests.
Heated Pool
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel boasts a large and lively pool area that stands out in guest reviews for multiple reasons. The heated swimming pool consistently receives positive feedback, creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for swimmers regardless of the weather. The pool area itself is described as beautiful and lovely, adding an aesthetic appeal to the comfort.
Guests frequently mention the fun atmosphere, enhanced by built-in underwater speakers and live music, which contribute to the pool's vibrant vibe. A talented DJ often livens up the area, providing entertainment and activities that engage both kids and adults. The pool is reportedly great for kids, offering a fun and safe environment with an average depth that some guests noted as being extremely shallow.
Overall, the pool at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel is a central highlight, combining relaxation with entertainment and aesthetic charm. The heated feature of the pool is particularly well-received, ensuring a pleasant swimming experience. While there were a few comments about fluctuating temperatures, the positive aspects of this area far outweigh the minor inconveniences.
Outdoor Pool
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® boasts an outdoor pool area that receives high praise from guests. The pool is described as large, clean and inviting with a water slide that adds an element of fun. Families will appreciate the pool's kid-friendly features and the various poolside activities available, making it an engaging environment for all ages. The pool area offers a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere with an outdoor bar and a movie screen enhancing the overall experience.
Guests frequently mention the pool's cleanliness and the resort's attentive upkeep. The poolside service is noted to be good, contributing to a pleasant stay. Despite some remarks about the pool being crowded or shallow at times, the overall consensus is that the outdoor pool and surrounding area provide a fantastic and enjoyable retreat within the resort. The heated pool and spacious layout further add to the comfort and appeal, ensuring a satisfying experience for guests looking to unwind or have fun.
Luxury
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel offers a stay that exudes luxury and splendor with guests repeatedly referring to it as a luxurious hotel infused with a luxury ambiance. The property is often described as a true palace, providing a real sense of luxury that many felt was worth every penny. The high-quality, luxurious rooms and the overall luxurious appearance contribute significantly to its luxury feel with many guests acknowledging it as an awesome luxury property. The staff receives particular commendation for being amazing, enhancing the overall luxury experience.
However, some guests noted a disparity, stating that the luxury appearance was not always maintained and in some instances, upgrades were needed. A few reviews mentioned that their expectations for a deluxe, high-end resort were not fully met, citing issues such as hot water not being on. Despite these areas for improvement, the general consensus is that Universal's Hard Rock Hotel delivers a predominantly luxurious experience.
Romantic
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic retreat. Reviewers frequently highlight the romantic ambiance of the hotel, noting that the overall atmosphere is perfectly suited for a couple's getaway. The lighting is particularly praised for creating a lovely and intimate setting. Guests appreciate the less noisy environment that further enhances the romantic experience. Whether it's the general romantic feel or the specific amenities catering to couples, the hotel succeeds in providing a memorable and romantic stay.
Dog Friendly
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® is renowned for its dog-friendly environment, making it a great choice for those traveling with pets. Guests highlight the hotel’s welcoming attitude towards dogs and appreciate the safe and accommodating environment provided for their pets. The hotel allows pets and many guests feel reassured by how pet-friendly the premises are. However, there have been occasional mentions of dogs barking in adjacent rooms, suggesting that a designated dog-free area could enhance the overall experience.
Yes, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel®.
Yes, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel® welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel®.