Are you ready to Rock n' Roll all night?
I don’t know if this is the “coolest hotel on the planet,” as the slogan claims, but it might just be the coolest hotel at Universal Orlando. Hard Rock Hotel is one of the oldest Universal hotels, opening shortly after the debut of Islands of Adventure.
This is a Premier Hotel that is just a short 3-minute walk from Universal CityWalk, and it also includes Universal Express Unlimited. Honestly, these two points might be enough to make you book a stay here. Plus, it lets you (literally) rock and roll all night with rented guitars and record players delivered to your room. You can book a room at the Hard Rock Hotel for $530 per night if you plan well in advance, though the usual price is around $650 per night.
What we like about Hard Rock Hotel
There’s plenty to enjoy about this hotel, but the overall atmosphere will only charm those who love classic rock ‘n’ roll and (good) music. I mean, just look at the hotel’s name! The hallways and rooms are all about rock from the ’70s and ’80s and some new names, with nods to Led Zeppelin, Lady Gaga, and even the King of Pop himself. There are signed records and outfits worn by rock ‘n’ roll legends, so if you’re a big music fan, you’ll love this place. If you’re not really into rock, the overall vibe might be hit or miss.
One thing that’s always a big hit with guests is how close this hotel is to Universal Orlando. Location is the biggest advantage of this resort, since it’s just a short 3-minute walk to a side entrance inside Universal CityWalk. The walk is also very relaxing and scenic, lined with palm trees and shaded areas. Most of the time, there’s no line leading to the security check, so you don’t even have to waste time showing what’s inside your bags.
The hotel is so close to Universal that you can be inside Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios in just ten minutes. Seriously, this might have the best location of all the hotels at Universal Orlando. It even offers a boat service for those who want to take their time reaching CityWalk, as well as a bus service to Volcano Bay and Epic Universe.
The pool also gets a lot of praise. It spans 12,000 square feet and features a sandy beach, hot tubs, splash zones, a play area for children, and a 260-foot pool slide, which, if I’m not mistaken, is one of the biggest hotel slides in the United States. There’s always a movie playing by the pool, along with music. In fact, there’s even an underwater music system, so you can hear Tom Petty or Axl Rose rocking out to those good old tunes even while diving.
The last thing to note is that the Hard Rock Hotel is a Premier hotel, so it includes Universal Express Unlimited with your stay. This fast pass is invaluable to many Universal Orlando guests, as it lets you skip the lines at some of the most popular rides, like VelociCoaster, as many times as you want. Considering that an Express Pass like this can cost around $130 per guest, it might even be more advantageous to book a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel just for it.
What we don’t like about Hard Rock Hotel
There’s not much to dislike about the Hard Rock Hotel. The price, of course, is a downside. If you book a year in advance, you might find rooms for around $530, but even in mid-September 2025, prices are at $650. That’s pretty expensive for a Universal hotel, especially since you probably won’t need an Express Pass for Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios in September. Still, if you have little time to explore Universal, the Express Pass will always be invaluable.
Other small nitpicks include a layout that can be a bit tricky to navigate for some, as some rooms are far away from the lobby, meaning you’ll likely spend more time walking around the hotel than walking to the theme parks. Standard rooms are also a little bit smaller than those found at the Deluxe Disney hotels, and some bathrooms are in need of an update.
What are my overall thoughts on this hotel? If you care about an amazing location and Universal Express Unlimited, this might be your best option for a Universal resort. The rooms could be a little better, but they still get the job done. Oh, and you can’t beat the idea of listening to KISS by the pool while getting a tan.
Hard Rock Hotel FAQ
How much is a room at the Hard Rock Hotel?
Room prices vary based on several factors but generally start at $530 per night.
Does the Hard Rock Hotel include a Universal Express Pass?
Yes! Guests staying at the Hard Rock Hotel receive a complimentary Universal Express Unlimited pass.
Can you walk from the Hard Rock Hotel to Universal Studios?
Yes! The Hard Rock Hotel is just a short 3-minute walk from Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure.
Is the Hard Rock Hotel close to Epic Universe?
No, it is not. The Hard Rock Hotel is about 4 miles from Epic Universe. However, complimentary bus service is available to transport guests from the hotel to Epic Universe.
