Have you heard about the world’s first guitar shaped hotel? The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel is located in Hollywood, Florida and features 465 luxury rooms across its three towers, one of which is the iconic guitar-shaped building.
You’ll find a variety of accommodations, dining and bar options, entertainment, a massive pool, a spa, and several bars and nightclubs.
If you’re considering staying at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, read ahead for helpful tips so you know what to expect and can determine if it’s worth the (not-so-inexpensive) price for this luxurious resort.
Staying at The Hard Rock Hollywood is NOT a Budget Trip
Let’s just get this out of the way because if you’re considering this property, you know it’s not a budget stay. However, how much should you expect to be paying?
While you might be able to find off season rates for as low as $250 per night, more often rates are between $400 – $600 (and up) per night. Expect to pay more on weekends and during holiday or busy times.
In addition to room rate, nothing on the property is inexpensively priced. You can anticipate paying between $17-$20 for cocktails, $15-$25 for wine, and on the low side around $6 for a slice of pizza and $5 for a coffee or a bottle of water.
There are ways to save money when booking your room stay, so read on for more info.
Location of Hard Rock Hotel, Hollywood Requires a Car
The Hard Rock Hollywood is located centrally to many things, but is not necessarily next door to anything interesting or worth going to. In other words, you cannot walk to nearby things to do from the hotel. Get ready to take a drive or use ride share (Uber or Lyft) to nearby destinations. Getting an Uber in this area is relatively very easy.
Other Things Near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel
- 17-25 minutes from Hard Rock Stadium
- 15 minutes or about 7 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport
- 20 minutes from Downtown Fort Lauderdale (Las Olas)
- 20 minutes from the Florida Live Arena (where you can do things like watch the Panthers play hockey)
- 20-25 minutes from Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
- 25-40 minutes from Downtown Miami
Hard Rock Hotel rooms are spacious and luxurious
Expect well appointed rooms with luxurious bedding, detailed design and a lot of comfort. The rooms at The Hard Rock Hotel are very nice whether you’re staying in a standard room, deluxe room, suite, or going all out on a Rock Star suite.
It’s helpful to know there are 3 towers at Seminole Hardrock Hotel Hollywood, Florida and they are not all created equal.
A Few Key Things to Know About the Three Hotel Towers
- The towers are The Oasis tower, The Hardrock tower and The Guitar tower
- The Guitar Tower is a premium, but is NO different in the experience (or the way the room looks)
- You cannot see the guitar lightshow while IN The Guitar Tower
- The pool on the Oasis side tends to be more “adult” with the Hard Rock pool having a slide and amenities for kids
Staying IN the actual guitar costs extra (on average, an additional $300 a night) and what’s unique is you DO NOT see the lights on the outside of the guitar from inside the room.
To be honest, the stay WITHIN the guitar is no different than elsewhere on the property (except for the price), so if you’re willing to spend more on your stay, consider upgrading within another tower vs. staying in the actual guitar. Click to see the latest hotel rates.
Standard rooms feature stylish decor and comfortable furnishings, along with amenities such as high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Deluxe rooms offer additional space and may include separate sitting areas and additional amenities such as in-room coffee makers.
Suites at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino typically feature separate living areas with sofa beds, larger flat-screen TVs, and premium bath amenities. The Rock Star Suites offer an even more luxurious experience, with added amenities such as private balconies, separate living areas with comfortable seating, and oversized spa baths.
Helpful to Know If You Are Driving to The Hard Rock Hollywood
Parking at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida is available for guests and visitors. The hotel offers both self-parking and valet parking options.
Self-parking is available in the hotel’s parking garage, which is located on the property and is easily accessible to guests. Valet parking is also available, with 24-hour service provided by the hotel.
- If you stay in the Oasis tower, park in the Lucky garage
- If you stay in the Hard Rock tower, park in the Hard Rock (Winners) garage
- Valet parking is $35/night
Enjoy 4.5 Acres of Pools at Hard Rock Hollywood
The pool experience at The Hardrock, Hollywood is SO good that it’s worth trying to plan your stay with good weather. The 4.5 acre pool has every experience you’re looking for from:
- Dining at the pool bar and grill
- Helpful wait staff walking around so you can order directly to your seat
- Private cabanas starting at $450 and up
- Areas to rent paddle boards and float and paddle around
- Kid areas
- And so much more!
Pool chairs are first come first serve and when you check in (with your room number), it’s required you wear wristbands to enter the pool area.
Helpful to know is the pool closes fairly early! Hours are generally 8am to 6pm.
The Hard Rock Guitar Light Show
Part of what makes The Hard Rock Hollywood special is the guitar! Not only it is so unique to see, but it’s even more unique to see it lit up to a show in which the lighting is synchronized to fun music.
The light show is performed on the exterior of the guitar tower and can be seen from various locations around the property, as well as from nearby roads and highways. The lights and music change periodically, providing a unique and immersive experience for guests and visitors.
It’s important to note the light show doesn’t happen all day long! Check the latest schedule so you know when to head outside and watch the 10-15 minute show. I’ve been here on occasions they have a few shows per night and others where there is just one show per night.
Regardless, DO NOT miss it. Grab a prime spot by walking to the back of the Oasis pool area, have a seat, and enjoy the show!
Don’t Miss the Show at The Hard Rock Fountain
Not just a prime spot for photos, have a seat and enjoy the music and light show at the fountain located located near the main entrance of the property. This goes on throughout the day.
The fountain is surrounded by lush landscaping and is illuminated at night, creating a stunning visual display. It is a popular spot for guests and visitors to take photos and enjoy the beauty of the property.
Restaurants at The Hard Rock Hollywood
There are a LOT of restaurants on site and it’s helpful to know that in the dining areas, it is non smoking. That means if you’re trying to enjoy a drink at the bar, but you don’t want to be near smoke, consider checking out a bar at one of the restaurants!
Here are a few of my favorite spots I go back to again and again:
- Council Oak – this is the spot to go to for a fancy steak dinner with some fun live music. You’ll find a great wine menu, delicious steak tartare, and fantastic service in an upscale environment.
- Rise – When you’ve been drinking till late this spot is open 24 hours a day. So whether you want to eat some scrambled eggs or a plate of french fries, grab your upscale diner like food at Rise at any time of night.
- Constant Grind – If you start your day off with coffee like I do, stop in to this coffee shop that also has tons of pastries, snacks, gelato and more. There are tables to enjoy your coffee at, but I recommend sitting out in the open hallway where there are some nice seating areas around the art displays.
Bars at The Hard Rock Hollywood
If you love to drink as much as I do, you’ll love the bars, but maybe not the prices. Cocktails at $17-$20 and wines at $15-$25, you’ll find some spaces with great vibes (and really nice bartenders).
L Bar is a little more secluded with some nice seating areas with high back seats, but if you want to be in the mix amongst the crowds, go to the Center Bar in the middle of the casino.
Don’t forget if you prefer to have a drink without anyone smoking near you, the restaurants have great bars. I love having wine at the Italian restaurant Cipresso.
Want to know a secret? There’s a bar at The Green Room, but it’s only accessible to guests staying in Rock Star Suites. Here you’ll find a VIP experience with premium drinks and top service.
Want to SEE the bars and MORE helpful tips? Checkout the video below!
Hard Rock Hollywood Pet Policy
Have a pet you’re considering bringing on your trip? They’re welcome here as long as they weigh 40 lbs or less (or your pet is a service animal).
There is a $100 non-refundable pet fee per stay and leashes are required (even in the designated Pet Walk area).
Where Exactly is Hollywood Florida?
Hollywood is a city in Broward County, Florida. It is located on the southeastern coast of the state, about 28 miles (45 km) north of Miami.
What is it known for besides the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel?
Hollywood is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, parks, and cultural attractions. Scroll down for some ideas for top things to do in the area.
One thing to note…
the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel is not next to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, but it’s near it. About a 10 mile or 17-25 minute drive (depending on traffic) the hotel does not necessarily service people who are staying for an event at the stadium. Click to see the google maps directions.
Other Hotels in the Hollywood, Florida Area
Considering other properties? I also loved staying at the Hilton on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Checkout that full video here or SEE some other options in the map below!
Things To Do in Hollywood Florida
The most popular thing in the Hollywood area is the Hollywood boardwalk. It’s a 2.5 mile (4km) long promenade along the beautiful Hollywood Beach. You’ll find a ton of restaurants, bars and shopping all with beautiful views.
Other things in the area:
Arts and Culture: The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers a variety of performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
Shopping: The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk and the Downtown Hollywood area offer a variety of shops and boutiques.
Dining: Hollywood is home to a diverse array of restaurants, serving everything from seafood to Latin cuisine.
Golfing: The city is home to several golf courses.
Outdoor Activities: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park is a popular destination for picnicking, fishing, and boating.
How about the larger Fort Lauderdale area? See some of the top tours travelers are taking on Viator!
Bottom Line
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, Hollywood Florida is DEFINITELY worth the stay for a fantastic experience. There are things to consider:
- If you want to enjoy the pool, come with good weather and plan accordingly for its hours
- If you are coming for entertainment or a show, expect to pay a premium for your room
- Depending on which tower you stay in, you may be significantly more to stay in the actual guitar
- Don’t miss out on seeing the guitar light show!
- Don’t expect a budget trip, but do expect a great time!
It’s a luxury resort and the first guitar shaped hotel in the world. Is it worth checking out? Yes! But consider planning your trip in a way that best fits your needs so you can have the best time possible.