Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel At Universal Orlando Resort

“I love Rock n’ Roll” might as well be the refrain at this elegant Orlando outpost of the Hard Rock dining and hotel empire. There’s loads of rockstar and kid appeal! Reflective columns in the lobby lead to an Instagrammable white marble staircase. That’s topped with framed gold records, photo murals of pop stars, a hipster kids club lounge and guitars to play in the gaming arcade.

Universal’s Hard Rock doesn’t have to rely on the themepark’s characters to make a splash. Glass cases enclose Mom memorabilia of rockers from Elvis to Jeff Beck and many newer musicians. It’s one of the top Loew’s managed hotels at the Universal Orlando themepark resort.

And in the elevator and restaurants, you can’t stop the music… and that’s what makes this place rock. The Guest Services Directory in each room is riddled with classic rock lyrics that harmonize with services ranging from in-room dining to the self-serve laundromat.

Loews Has Kids Amenities for Ages 6-months to teen

The fantasy world they create, combined with the perks provided at the Universal Orlando theme park, make the Hard Rock and other Loews managed hotels such as the Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific and the some of (the larger, newer, more moderately priced Universal properties), a good choice for families.

Universal’s Hard Rock, however, is a special treat for music lovers because it also provides facilities for business travelers and conventioneers who bring their families along.

All three hotels participate in Loews family-friendly programs such as Loews Loves Kids, which means under-10s are eligible for welcome gifts, special menus, loaner toys and books. Babies get cribs and crib sheets, child-proofing kits, and even night-lights. Teens have exclusive snack bars, a library of board games, and WiFi. Pets are welcomed in certain rooms for a reasonable fee. All ages will enjoy the character breakfasts with favorite Universal figures.

Loews’ Family-Welcoming Conveniences & Universal Perk Package

The Hard Rock — always in demand — may be the most popular of Universal Orlando’s on-site family hotels. The hotel delivers show-biz glamor with display cases of instruments, rhinestone footwear and other memorabilia from the great and not-so-great. Although it costs more than chain hotels in the nearby International Drive corridor, the extra perks you get make it worth the premium, and walking around all day humming… well, that’s priceless.

The perk package includes convenient access to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and CityWalk. (Especially important if you ‘ve come for a major concert at the enormous Hard Rock live theater within the complex.) Active families will enjoy the 15-minute walk around the landscaped lake front, but there’s also a free water taxi and shuttle bus among all the resorts and the theme parks.

Shuttle transportation for a fee is also available throughout the day and evening to other Orlando destinations, with advance reservation. Special Universal Orlando theme park benefits include one-hour early admission (essential if you are going to Epic Universe or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and a free pass to use the Universal Unlimited Express ride system for first in line access. Note that on arrival and checkout days, your family passes remain valid.

Backstage at the Hard Rock Universal Guestrooms

The Hard Rock’s outgoing staff make guests feel like they’re always on. The seven-story hotel’s 650 rooms (including 29 suites) wrap around the pool and overlook the garden or pool. (Lucky ones get a view of the ghostly towers of Hogwarts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.)

Guest rooms are very spacious, with varied decor depending on theme. You might have a rock n’roll portrait, a colorful contemporary look, or autographed photos from legends in various genres. All rooms offer WiFi, a work station, minibar, TV and plenty of entertainment systems. There are also many gestures that reinforce the Hard Rock’s ca. 1968 motto, “Save The Planet.”

The Kids Suites are the most popular crash pad for families. The 800-square-feet capacity sleeps five very graciously, with room for a crib. Themed to the ever-present music, the  two-room suites have a large king master bedroom and a twin bedroom, with plenty of play space for acoustic musicians. Try and book the stunning Future Rock Star Suites so your kids can create TikTok videos while you try to doze off.

What’s Happening at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel

It’s always happening at the Hard Rock. Comfy seating areas make it possible to just chill and celebrity watch. Kids love the balcony view from the third floor entry: a pretty 12,000 square-foot lagoon pool with its own underwater music system and waterslide.

Try out the surrounding sand beach, cabanas, hot tubs, sand volleyball court, gardens and more.

Themed Dining & Character Meals

On-site dining is plentiful, themed and swings to the beat. Let’s start with the rap-star-rich Palm Restaurant for those who love a perfect steak. Stop in — even if you can’t afford it — to admire the celebrity portraits on the walls.

Mostly you’ll find young couples with boisterous kids at Emack & Boglio’s. The famous ice cream joint has grown into a great breakfast grab n’go place with Starbuck’s, muffins, and other snacks to munch in the shade of the poolside palms. Speaking of poolside, the beachclub is the popular and very buzzy poolside bar!

The Kitchen is the hotel’s more casual foodie restaurant that focuses on sustainable cuisine. We love that they feature celebrity chefs from the music world. Try to book a meal when they’re preparing meals during kids’ cooking lessons. And when you can’t stand the noise, send your kids to the Kid’s Crib where they can snooze on beanbags till you’ve finished your cocktail.

Note that The Kitchen is also the venue for character dining a few evenings per week, when kids can pose with popular Universal characters.

Evening Family Fun at Universal’s Hard Rock and Nearby Loew’s Resorts

Hard Rock guests can also take advantage of facilities at the other Loews resorts. That means a variety of fun restaurants — a Hawaiian Luau at the Royal Pacific or fresh pizza at Portofino Bay anyone?

Plus, look for dive-in movies by the pool during summer.

Cute Universal Hard Rock Kids Club in Season

When parents want to dine in any of the restaurants or visit CityWalk on their own, Camp Lil’ Rock has supervised evening activities for ages 5-12. (Open 5pm-11:30pm for movies and dinner; hourly fee). Private babysitting is available with advance notice. Tweens and teens can be seen chatting in the lobby, working on their tans, or cruising the rock-abilia shops on the lower level.

The don’t-miss here is the Gift Shop, a treasure trove of music memorabilia whose clerks are straight out of “High Fidelity.”  They can tell you the date that Katy Perry wore her pink tutu, or which show Cat Stevens played with the guitar on display. Although grandparents may be too old to remember the bands, and the kids may be too young to know the music, the enthusiasm for all genres is infectious and lots of fun.

Trip Planning Details for a Hard Rocking Orlando Getaway

The Loews Hard Rock Hotel At Universal Orlando (407/503-ROCK) is located at 5800 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819. Seasonal rates vary widely and often include good theme park admission offers; book ahead.

Best perk ever: Parents are welcome to wallow in nostalgia while kids discover new tunes.