Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Overview & Review | Universal Orlando Resort

This is my hopefully comprehensive overview and review of the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando at Universal Orlando Resort.
Within this review, we'll be covering location, transportation, resort amenities, pool area, room tour, dining (the Palm, the Kitchen), the pros and cons. I'll also be comparing to Universal Orlando's other competing resorts, such as Loews Royal Pacific and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
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[@lscales6131]

Personally the “full service” hotels can’t be beat at universal, but really it’s worth it if you are a family of 2 or more and plan on getting express pass at the parks this is actually a cheaper option.

[@_felixg84]

My family and I are going on a Disney and Universal trip at the end of the month and your videos have been absolutely essential to our planning. Honestly don’t know what we would have done without you, absolute legend!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

That’s great to hear. Hope you all have the best time! 😁

[@_felixg84]

@@TheFrugalBrit Thank you!

[@TripNWithRed]

We love the Universal Orlando Hotels. As much as I obsess on Disney World, Universal hotels are better, have bigger rooms, better dining options and priced more affordable. Obviously, The Hard Rock Hotel is higher priced but it has amazing perks. The best perk is that Express Pass for the parks. Hard Rock is incredible but I can't say it's my favorite though of the premier Universal hotels. It seems much louder than other premier hotels which is probably expected for what it is. When I think of Hard Rock I think loud music and amped up but I do want some quiet time on vacation sometimes. Great review as always. You do an amazing job covering everything.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you for that! Agree with all those points. Much appreciated as always😁👍

[@timh4794]

Another top notch video! Do love the Hard Rock, been during Christmas and the hotel was amazing. Heading back in April 23, cannot wait! Keep the content coming FB.

[@abbysc417]

These videos have become such an essential part of my pre-church Sunday routine! Your channel is so professional and entertaining!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

That’s awesome 😁😁

[@woooooooo9061]

Absolutely loved this hotel. We booked for 1 night during our September stay, right before the hurricane. Those 2 days of express passes were invaluable. It wasn’t as pretty or luxurious as Coronado springs, but it was great for the memorabilia, the gym and pool were great. Also the location so close to the parks were definitely an advantage over Disney hotels.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Absolutely, the atmosphere and location is incredible. Thanks for watching 😁

[@CarolCityCane305]

Free breakfast? Lunch?dinner?

[@mrs.donglover2586]

Hard Rock is amazing! I love it! ❤

[@BradleySmellsOfBeans]

i love these videos! they all help alot when booking in Orlando. keep up the good work!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you!! 😁😁

[@edvaira6891]

Always been curious about this place… never got to see it-thanks!

[@vikingshelm]

Your reviews are definitely addicting

[@GetAtUsENT]

This video came out at such a great time! Gonna be staying at the cabana bay resort during christmas week but i decided to check and see if i could book a night stay at one of the express pass hotels for the all day express passes and got a great deal for the hard rock and have never stayed there before this video has me really excited for my one night at it!

[@AlsArachnids]

I stayed here as part of a 3 week holiday in August. I have 5 & 7 year old boys, they absolutely loved it. Even preferred it to the Art of Animation hotel we stayed in for the first 2 weeks. So I wouldn't rule out taking the kids with you if you can't get away just you and the misses.

[@thesecretphotographer1491]

booked for one night in jan and was great, and smelt lovely. was a rush as we did it for the express passes and with kids. felt so much more luxurious than cabana bay

[@curamevegano]

Thank you for this! Saving a few dollars and sticking with royal pacific 👌🏾

[@mcbridefamily6764]

We are staying here soon and this video was SUPER HELPFUL and gave me confidence in my choice to book this hotel - thank you!

[@queenofcamp832]

so many happy memories staying here as a kid! absolutely loved every second. i can still smell the lobby when i see pictures of it hahah

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I wish I came here as a kid!!

[@lashed34]

Our favourite hotel - absolutely love it. Great staff, fantastic atmosphere and perfect for the parks.The Kitchen's breakfast buffet is a wonderful start to the day and the pool area and pool bar are great to spend some relaxing hours. The memorabilia throughout is great for a wander and a few photos too. Overall....with the inclusive unlimited Express Pass...unmissable.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

It's great. Hopefully I'll get to stay there longer on my next visit.

[@lashed34]

@@TheFrugalBrit We are from the UK and it's so worth the extra saving to stay there - you just feel classy and sassy there.

[@ignaciocampusano5870]

Been waiting for the hard rock review!!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁😁

[@EDfilms-fy2mo]

Loved the vid

[@lenacalo4273]

I agree this video is well done. We stayed last year at the Portofino and since they are renovating we thought we will give this hotel a try. Does anyone know if they have washers and dryers? We pack carry on only and I like to do laundry before we leave.

[@robertshort1271]

Fantastic video, as ever. Never stayed there and always wondered what it’s like

[@rebekahm8502]

Thank you for the video! Trying to decide between here and Portofino Bay is tough!

[@johnnyhan3170]

Please make a video about Portofino Bay lol... Can't wait!! Your videos are absolutely fantastic!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

It’s in the works lol! I’ve got quite a big video I’m working on for Jan which might effect the release date though unfortunately. Aiming for January or early Feb,

[@johnnyhan3170]

@@TheFrugalBrit Thank you for your reply! Good to hear you are planning to talk about Portofino bay. No rush! I just want to say your video is really realxing and totally made my day.

[@TheDespicableThree]

The depth of information in these is incredible - we thought we knew this hotel inside out. Evidently not 🙈😂. Fantastic review of a fantastic resort although personally we thought it was absolutely great as a family with the waterside and movies in the pool🤘🤘🤘

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you for that! I recall watching your vlog years ago. Yeah I may have allowed previous trips to cloud my judgement re family friendly. Main reason I don't see myself booking with the family is cost 😰

[@Mike_Vlogs_YT]

@TheDespicableThree fancy seeing you guys here 🤣

[@angellara5190]

About what time did you film btw love your videos 👍❤️

[@GHAMVs]

My guy just keeps delivering top-tier content. Love it, mate!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! 👍😁

[@Britfam.]

We stayed here in July for 6 nights loved it can’t wait to go back again

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Was there enough seating at the pool in July?

[@Britfam.]

no problems getting sun loungers 👍🏻We did 2 days at the pool both times it was surprisingly quite around the pool area looking forward to getting back out there this summer

[@allanbrown4922]

Great video as always.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Allan!

[@greedybeastie9828]

Another great video! Could you please do a few restaurant reviews? A handful of dishes, filmed and then commentated on. City walk could be a good place to start. Taking jnto amount food quality, service, theming and most importantly, value for money

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! Yeah I’ve toyed with the idea of doing individual restaurant reviews.

[@iallyl3877]

Im staying here in march 2024 for 14 nights and i cannot wait!! my first time staying at universal, we normally stay on idrive.. so really looking forward to it, thankyou for this overview

[@tl8413]

It's almost time!😂😂

[@iallyl3877]

@@tl8413 i know!! so excited haha

[@TheeLight111]

@@iallyl3877you’ve been waiting a long time for this sista! It’s finally time! Have so much fun!!! ❤❤❤

[@edvaira6891]

10:00 Oh Wow, my son would LOVE the guitar loan feature! He is a self-taught guitar enthusiast and he owns a Stratocaster and a Flying V I got him for Christmas last year (apparently my Coolest Christmas present EVER according to him!)

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I have an American Strat which is one of my most prized possessions!

[@mollyjd7585]

Is the record player complimentary??

[@adamkehoe7405]

I just walked over and entered through security, then headed to the hotel lobby, and went into the rock shop for the hard rock merch. :D Please note that for the Unity Rewards scheme, the following applies: Rock Shop: The Hard Rock Hotel Rock Shop is NOT a Rewards participating location Hotel: This is a valid location for hotel points. Cafe: The cafe inside is NOT a Hard Rock Cafe. This is located in CityWalk (& both shop + cafe are participating locations for Unity Rewards). A stay is, though.

[@sky242]

Planning on booking a night at a premier hotel to get express passes for two days during our stay (as we can't afford it for a whole two weeks as a family from the UK). These videos are so hopeful and informative, thank you!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, thanks for watching and I hope you have the best trip 😀

[@chazgames3690]

Yeah that’s what we did so we got access to the universal parks

[@Th3Bunk]

Having seen this we have booked 1 night here in April 23. Express for 2 people for 2 days was going to cost nearly £600. We bagged a room for just £330!

[@bigbadchillybear]

Hi ,I'm looking for a balcony on any rooms in a universal resort,so far I can't find any???

[@ericteneyck8691]

Although way above what I am willing to spend, if I had the budget I wouldn't mind staying here. The restaurants look great, (good on the food pictures, BTW) and the rooms, even the lower priced one, seemed to a little more upscale than some of the other deluxe type resorts you see at theme parks (yes, I am looking at you Disney). Great video.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Eric! Yeah it’s also out of my budget for anything over a night or two.

[@mfdegregorio]

Love your content! Can you use the unlimited express pass from this hotel at two parks in a single day if you have a 2 park 1 day ticket? Or do they only give you a single park unlimited express pass? Thanks

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Marco! Yes you can use for both parks 😀

[@billieomalley2179]

Love Portofino but am planning to try Hard Rock or another one of the Universal hotels based in part on your reviews. Variety of great choices. Cheers.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Billie, hope you have the best trip! 😁

[@konatheconqueror3561]

Don’t hard rock is way worse

[@patrickcolburn7089]

Great video, FB! Stayed there in May. It was my favorite hotel as I visited the others. Easily the best pool. One thing they need to correct is the time it takes to check in. It is awful and is a common complaint.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! Yeah my check in was slightly longer than the others now you mention it.

[@nixcooper6993]

I agree with this, check in seems to take forever which is a downside.

[@mollyjd7585]

Do they offer connecting rooms?

[@nixcooper6993]

Have to disagree about it not being kid/family friendly, we were there in Sept and it was full of familys, our kids love it there and made friends around the pool easily. The pool bar has food ideal for kids young and older too, Plus theres an ice cream bar. There was plenty of young kids there in Sept having a great time, the pool is fab for them. We had just come from a Disney hotel and our kids 10 and 5 liked that hotel just as much and have requested it again when we go back.

[@treacle301]

Had three nights at the Hard Rock last week with family. Thought it was an amazing hotel. Beautifully maintained grounds, swimming pool. Standard twin queen room was clean and well presented. Proximity to parks was the clincher though. It’s a five min walk to universal studios/city walk/islands of adventure.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Couldn't agree more!

[@treacle301]

great channel, well done. We're staying at Hard Rock in Feb, really looking forward to it. We still need to buy our Universal 3 park tickets though. Can you recommend the best UK vendor? There seem to be a lot of options and not sure which is legit.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Floridatix and Attraction Tickets are the main secure ones. Have seen a couple cheaper options but not confident enough to recommend to anyone yet.

[@treacle301]

@@TheFrugalBrit thanks. Yes, I’ve seen those. Orlando Attractions also seem to come recommended (if Trust Pilot is to be believed). They are also cheapest by around £100 for a family of four for a 14 day 3 park pass. However they don’t seem to offer tickets but vouchers instead which need to be redeemed at the park. Is that a thing?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

@@treacle301 yeah that was the company I had in mind. As you say, good scores online. I’m probably going to book with them shortly. Not sure about the voucher situation though to be honest.

[@Meforutr]

Should have had more purple and prince is your favourite hmmmm. Hard rock sounds great thnxs

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😜

[@doodles3075]

Have just become Legendary members for the Hardrock so looking for our 1st hotel. How hard is it to do park tickets ontop ? Do you this this would be suitable for a 15yrd and 16yrd or is it more adult oriented?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hard in what sense? This would probably be the best resort for a 15 and 16 year old in my opinion.

[@doodles3075]

Sorry ment how do we book daily park tickets? Also the queue jump tickets( sorry can't remember what you called, the ones you received from the hotel) is that automatically done or do you need to tell the hotel when you book that you will be visiting the parks? Absolutely brilliant that you agree its the right hotel for our teens thank you

[@petersampson5202]

DEAR THE FRUGAL BRIT, GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND. I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU AND VERY HAPPY FOR YOU. I HOPE ALL OF YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. I HOPE YOU HAVE THE BEST AND HAPPIEST HOLIDAY SEASON OF YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. IT LOOKS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. 🙏 SINCERELY PETER

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Peter 😁

[@petersampson5202]

@@TheFrugalBrit YOU ARE VERY WELCOME. I HOPE ALL OF YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. I HOPE YOU HAVE THE BEST AND HAPPIEST HOLIDAY SEASON OF YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. I LOVE ALL OF MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS. I LOVE MR. ESPARZA. I LOVE MR. ZUCKERBERG. I LOVE MRS. PRISCILLA CHAN ZUCKERBERG. I LOVE MR. PAGE. I LOVE MR. BRIN. I LOVE MR. GATES. I LOVE MR. MUSK. I LOVE MR. BEZOS. I LOVE MARRIOTT. I LOVE MR. BUFFETT. I LOVE MR. ELLISON. I LOVE THE BEAUTIFUL SEMINOLE TRIBE. I LOVE MS. WALTON AND SO MANY OTHER BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS. I LOVE ALL OF MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS. I LOVE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL HOTELS AND RESORTS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! I LOVE THE HARDROCK HOTEL IN HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA AND IN OTHER PLACES. WOW! WOW!!!!!!!!!! I ABSOLUTELY FEEL LIKE CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CRYING. ( I WANT EVERYTHING TO COME TRUE WITH ALL OF MY HEART) 🙏 SINCERELY PETER

[@tammyknibbs8496]

Does the hotel provide express passes for each day of your stay, or is it only the day you check in?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

From the minute you get your hotel key card, until the time that the parks close on your check out day, you get unlimited express passes 👍

[@tammyknibbs8496]

@@TheFrugalBrit thank you 😊

[@Christina-hw3du]

Will you be doing a video on the Portofino Hotel ?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Working on it at the mo, aiming for Sunday 15th, but maybe Sunday 22nd 👍😁

[@marcsarfati3291]

Missing. The hotel is a ranch style. If get a room at end of building. It’s walk. They keep side door lock - or emergency locked.

[@jodowns2008]

on a one night Hard Rock Cafe hotel stay, do you get unlimited fast passes for the two days wrapped around your night or just one?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

You do indeed!

[@jodowns2008]

@@TheFrugalBrit thank you

[@jodowns2008]

@@TheFrugalBrit trying to work out if it’s better value than just buying fast passes

[@SunsetDriver4]

Is it possible to see the michael jackson suit without a booking?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I think you should be able to

[@trevorbayers2175]

Many of the rooms are outdated and need a serious refresh. The grounds and pool are absolutely amazing though. But overall, the hotel is OVERPRICED for the shabby rooms they offer.

[@Rodnii72]

Cannot believe how expensive it is to eat here, breakfast $27!.

[@cartoonandgamefanatic2.019]

2:35 mickey in my universal lol

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Huggies 😉

[@richardsantiago429]

I like stay one day.

[@avamurray232]

Hide The lifeguard at the hard Rock Hotel pool Orlando

[@RawOlympia]

RIP Bob Sagat

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😢

[@jasonkennedy2045]

Mate, for a Brit you miss the most important element here which are the costs and value. Example, breakfast, lovely…. Fresh fruit and yogurt and it’s only $27 each, Hahaa…. Anyway, great promo video, hope they hired you and you got paid 😉

[@TheFrugalBrit]

If it makes you feel any better, I emitted a resounding british 'tut' upon reading your comment 😉

[@gone4daystravel]

I don't see your Portofino hotel review

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I’m working on it now 😁

[@gone4daystravel]

@@TheFrugalBrit lol thanks I can't wait!

[@kenyak2959]

I don’t like their kids suites tho. They could’ve done better with the setup and theming.

[@KG-tl1ox]

Tiny bathroom and gross tubs Hate these Rooms are zzzzzz no thanks

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Good for balance, thanks for sharing.