Planning a Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Choosing the right Universal hotel can make all the difference. It's not just about having a place to sleep; it's about immersing yourself in the magic, even after you leave the parks. With so many Universal hotels to choose from, where do you even begin? This post covers our recent stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, a truly special experience.
The Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando Resort, located on Universal Boulevard, is more than just a place to crash. This hotel immerses you in rock and roll from the moment you step inside. From the iconic memorabilia to the music, the energy is electric.
The pool was a highlight for our family. This rockstar oasis has it all. A fun waterslide provides hours of entertainment and was a hit with both of my daughters, ages 12 & 9. A poolside bar is conveniently located nearby and lounging at the pool and ordering yummy drinks while the girls happily swam around was really a highlight of the trip for me.
This isn't your average hotel with subtle theming. The walls are lined with real rock and roll artifacts. Think guitars from famous musicians, iconic photos, and other pieces music fans would adore. Our girls loved exploring the hotel and discovering the surprising details and features.
Beyond the glam, we loved the hotel's location. You can easily walk from the Hard Rock Hotel to the entrance of Universal Studios. Many Disney hotels don't offer this convenience and let me tell you, it came in handy.
Who else was so excited to ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure? Who else felt utterly nauseous after the ride? Just me?
After that wild ride, I knew I had to get back to the hotel fast. I abondoned the family at the Hogwarts Express and headed back to the hotel to rest.Thank goodness for the Hard Rock’s convenient location. A little rest and a lot of dramamine quickly saved my day, and frankly, my whole trip. Location matters when considering Universal hotels, or any hotel for that matter. Being in the heart of the magic offer valuable benefits, though they may cost a bit more.
If rock and roll isn't your theme, don't worry. Universal Orlando Resort offers many other gorgeous hotels that will make your visit feel equally special.
| Hotel | Benefits | Price (Starting) |
|---|---|---|
| Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort | Free WiFi, free theme park shuttle, 3 restaurants, walkable location | $346+ |
| Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort | Free WiFi, free theme park shuttle, restaurant, walkable location | $179+ |
| Universal's Hard Rock Hotel | Free WiFi, free theme park shuttle, 3 restaurants, walkable location | $282+ |
These popular Universal hotels have over 4-star ratings on Booking.com. This data influenced our decision to book the Hard Rock Hotel. Portofino Bay Hotel is another great choice for Universal visitors.
Choosing among Universal hotels is an exciting decision. Our experience highlighted the importance of proximity and the poolside experience for our family, but your group may have different priorities!