The Complete Guide to the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

The Hard Rock Hotel is one of the most fun and exciting resort hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort. Originally opened in 1999 as part of a major expansion to Universal, the 650-room hard Rock Hotel has a unique Spanish mission design to compliment a staggering amount of rock décor and memorabilia. 

This full-service resort hotel is our favorite Universal on-site hotels due to the rock “vibe” and energy you pull up to the hotel – seeing the guitar fountain out front.  Then when checking in to the Hard Rock, guests will find huge art portraits of John Lennon, Taylor Swift and Jim Morrison.  And since it literally backs up to Universal Studios Florida, we are just minutes to the front gate and on  to our first ride of the day.

The Hard Rock Hotel is managed by Loews Hotels and is a Universal top tier “Signature Collection” which means has the resorts highest level of amenities, dining venues  and service. When staying at Hard Rock Hotel or any of the on-site hotels at Universal, guests are provided a number of exclusive theme park benefits which further enhance the value for the cost.

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The Hard Rock Hotel – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hotel rates at the Hard Rock Hotel?

Depending on the time of year, hotel rates at the Hard Rock Hotel typically average from less than $400 per night for a standard room to more than $750 per night for the suites.  Discounts are offered for Universal Orlando annual passholders.

How close is the Hard Rock Hotel to the Universal theme parks?

The Hard Rock Hotel is by far the closest hotel to the Universal Orlando theme parks.  Guests can just exit the hotel property using the rear pool gate and be at the entrance to Universal Studios Florida in just 5 minutes.  Water taxi service is also available.

Is there a Resort Fee or Parking Charge at the Hard Rock Hotel?

There are no resort fees at the Hard Rock Hotel but self-parking costs $33.00 per night and valet parking is available for $42 per night.  Other costs include Florida state sales tax of 6.5% and an Orange County occupancy tax of 6%.

Is there a spa at the Hard Rock Hotel?

While there is not a full-service spa directly on site at the Hard Rock Hotel, guests can visit the luxurious Mandara Spa located at the Loews Portofino Bay Resort which is just a short water taxi ride away.

Does the Hard Rock Hotel offer complimentary Universal Express passes?

Since the Hard Rock Hotel is a Premier level hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort, complimentary Universal Express passes are included as a resort benefit. Other Universal Premier hotels include the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Universal Express is the ultimate theme park benefit of any hotel in the Orlando area.

Is there a nice pool at the Hard Rock Hotel?

The 12,000 square foot zero-entry pool at Hard Rock Hotel is one of the best pool areas of any on-site hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort.   Additional features include a 260-foot water slide and an underwater sound system.

What are the food & beverage options at the Hard Rock Hotel?

The Hard Rock Hotel features a number of dining options ranging from grab-and-go to poolside and upscale dining (including our favorite, The Palm).  Learn more about the dining options in our post below.

What is the check-in and check-out time at the Hard Rock Hotel?

The check in-time at the Hard Rock Hotel is 4:00 pm and check out time is at 11:00 am.

What is the pet policy at the Hard Rock Hotel?

The Hard Rock Hotel is a pet friendly hotel allowing up to two (2) pets per room.  There is a $100 one-time fee per stay two pets that are 50 pounds or less.  Click here to see the complete Loews Loves Pets Policy.

What is the reservation cancellation policy at the Hard Rock Hotel?

Guests may cancel reservations for the Hard Rock Hotel six or more days prior to the visit for a full refund.  A one night room rate plus tax fee is charged for cancellations from five days or less.

The Location of the Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel is within the boundaries of the Universal Orlando Resort, just across Universal Boulevard from the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.  Access to the hotel is fairly simple as there is an interchange at Universal Boulevard from Interstate 4. 

This property is very well located and is fairly close to the Orlando / Orange County Convention Center, the International Drive attractions and several of Orlando’s major shopping & entertainment destinations.

It will take visitors about 20 minutes to get to the hotel from the Orlando International Airport and less around 10 minutes to get to the Orlando / Orange County Convention Center.  

In addition to what is offered on-site at the Universal Orlando Resort, there are several restaurants and retail venues within a very short distance along Kirkman Drive which include a Walgreens Pharmacy, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and TGI Fridays. Additional shopping outlets and restaurants are located along nearby International Drive and Sand Lake Road (along known as restaurant row).

Being in the heart of the Universal Orlando Resort, Universal’s CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure is a 5-minute water taxi ride or short walk away. 

Additional area theme parks and destinations are short distance to the hotel.  Per Google Maps, travel time is as follows (non-peak hours):

• SeaWorld Orlando: Less than 15 minutes.
• The Magic Kingdom Park: approximately 25 minutes.
• EPCOT: approximately 20 minutes.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: approximately 20 minutes.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: approximately 25 minutes.
• Disney Springs: approximately 20 minutes.
• Downtown Orlando: approximately 20 minutes.
• Orlando Premium Outlets: Less than 5 minutes.
• Vineland Premium Outlets: Less than 15 minutes.

Hotels Amenities at the Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel is a large full-service hotel the Universal Orlando Resort and features a number of amazing resort amenities including:

Resort Swimming Pool

One of the main reasons to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel is for its 12,000 square foot resort pool.  This pool features a zero-entry, sandy beach area, 260-foot water slide, a unique underwater sound system (listen to your favorite rock tunes while underwater) and two hot tubs.

Poolside Activities

The Hard Rock Hotel offers its guest a number of daily poolside activities including contests, games and more.

Fitness Amenities

Guests visiting the Hard Rock Hotel have complimentary access to the “bodyrock” fitness center which includes a full compliment of cardio-vascular and strength training equipment.  

In addition to the fitness center, guests can get a free “Rock Om” on-demand yoga package (comes with a yoga mat) and zen out right in their own room.

Sound of Your Stay ®

Rock fans will love the Hard Rock Orlando’s “Sound of Your Stay” program which provides its guests their own individual music experience.  These programs are called Picks, Tracks and Wax – and best of all, they are free to hotel guests.

• PICKS®: Guests can choose from a selection of 20 Fender guitars including Stratocasters, Telecasters and bass guitars so they can rock out right in your own room (high quality headphones headphones are provided).  Click here to see the guitars that are offered in this program.
• TRACKS®:  Guests can download a curated playlists with hits from most of rock royalty to set the mood for their stay.  Click here to see the playlists.
• WAX®:  Guests can order a Crosley turntable which includes a curated collection of records carefully chosen by the Hard Rock team.

Mandara Spa

While there not a spa on-site at the Hard Rock, there is one at the adjacent Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.  The 13,000 square foot Mandara Spa features 14 individual treatment rooms, a full-service salon, co-ed lounge and hydropool as well as separate men’s and women’s sauna & steam rooms.

Click here to see the spa brochure and list of spa services.

Additional Amenities at Hard Rock Hotel include:

• On-site Universal Vacation Planning Center
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour on-site business center
• Full service concierge
• Hotel Kids’ Camps
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Hotel
• Game (Not) Over (arcade)
• The Rock Shop (store)

Did you know that the Hard Rock Hotel has it’s own butterfly garden?  Just walk out near the garden pathway buy the water taxi dock and check out this amazing garden featuring numerous types of butterflies.

Dining Options at the Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel features multiple casual and upscale dining options that will fit any palette. 

The Palm 

One of our favorite fine dining restaurant at The Palm.  Along with the caricatures of celebrities & athletes hanging on the walls, this legendary New York steakhouse is known for its prime aged steaks as well as large Nova Scotia lobsters.   The Palm is open daily for dinner service and the dress code is resort or business casual.

The Kitchen

Guests will enjoy the ultimate in comfort food in a casual setting at The Kitchen.  Lo