Music filled the air. Music lyrics, platinum records, memorabilia in glass cases and musician’s portraits filled up the walls and space of the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. Upon my entrance into the lobby, it didn’t feel as if I was walking into a hotel – but that I was entering a behind-the-scenes tour of a rock n’ roll museum. From the moment I stepped foot into this music sanctuary, I no longer felt like a guest, but somehow a part of the music culture. It wasn’t until I got to my room that the fun really started. Not only did I feel like rock star, but I got to live like one too throughout the duration of my stay.
The beautiful Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando offers 650 guestrooms, starting at 375 square feet, 29 Suites, and over 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The property is located in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort and guests are just a short walk away from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks, and the CityWalk entertainment complex, which includes the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Live concert venue. One of the perks to staying at the hotel is receiving complimentary, unlimited Universal Express ride access in both theme parks and early park admission to Islands of Adventure.
Upon entering my room, which came with a gorgeous view overlooking the hotel’s pool, I also noticed there was a beautiful brand new Fender guitar waiting for me on the couch. Why is there a guitar available to me at any moment of my stay? Well, it’s simply because of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos incredibly entertaining package – the ‘Amplified’ package, available now to December 31, 2016 at all 23 hotels around the globe. Not only did I feel like a rock star at the Hard Rock Hotel – I also got the chance to be one too!
This package is the first of its kind – there’s nothing else out there like it. This package is designed to provide guests with a total music experience when they stay on property, and better yet, right in the comfort of their own hotel room! The ‘Amplified’ package provides hotel guests with a memorable brand centric experience through direct engagement with offerings exclusive to Hard Rock Hotels. Hard Rock will also offer guests who book the ‘Amplified’ package a behind the scenes look at the collection through a personalized, VIP memorabilia tour during their stay.
Part of the brand’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, guests will also receive a pre-reserved Fender guitar, complete with floor amp and headphones for in-room jam sessions. This allows participating guest to have a real hands-on experience on how to learn to play the guitar or brush up on their skills. I, myself, enjoyed strumming a few chords on my personal Fender guitar during an in-room jam session. There are three elements of this program that include; tracks®, picks®, and mix®. tracks® is Hard Rock’s complimentary music download program providing guests with the chance to download playlists exclusively curated by some of the biggest names in the music industry. At check-in, visitors receive a code to download a special playlist, curated by Hard Rock’s team of music experts and partnerships with global music labels, artists and brands.
picks® is a Fender guitar room service program, exclusively for Hard Rock Hotel guests. Visitors of the hotel call down to the front desk and choose from an enticing menu of 20 Fender guitars, including Stratocasters, Telecasters and even basses to play during their stay. The guitar is then delivered to the room, complete with a Mustang Floor Amplifier and Blue Mo-Fi headphones – allowing for a high-volume jam out session with zero noise complaints.
mix® is the latest component to the brand’s music amenity program, offering guests the chance to be a part of the EDM movement and mix like the pros in the comfort of their rooms. To get on the ones and twos, guests simply call the front desk for in-room delivery, and choose from one of several Native Instrument mixing systems.
At some point after all that music playing you’re likely going to get hungry. You’re in luck, because the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando offers excellent dining choices if you choose to stay on property. The Palm Restaurant is best known for its prime cuts of meat and succulent Nova Scotia lobsters, along with classic American fare and Italian specialties, Palm Restaurant is the perfect place for a hearty meal in a classic New York style atmosphere. You will never leave hungry! For something a little more edgy, The Kitchen is where you’ll feel the urge to “raid the ‘fridge,” every meal of the day for a variety of New American cuisine, and comfort food with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
In the mood for some gambling and dinner – you’re in luck! About 70 miles west from Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, FL. Spend a few hours gambling in the casino before making your way over to the hotel’s newest restaurant, Grey/Salt, for a fine dining experience. By celebrated Chef Marc Murphy. Enjoy a mouth-watering Mediterranean/Italian meal and a cocktail before you leave.
If you’re looking for a fun filled getaway, you can never go wrong at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando or Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. For additional information or to book a stay at any Hard Rock Hotel around the globe, head over to www.hardrockhotels.com. Rock on!
