The Hard Rock Hotel is yet another notch in Orlando's belt of renowned theme-based entertainment. Located within walking distance of Universal Orlando's three major attractions--Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks and the CityWalk entertainment complex--the Hard Rock Hotel forms yet another thematic trinity with Orlando's Hard Rock Café and Hard Rock Live music venue, both located in CityWalk.

The new Loews-owned hotel continues in Hard Rock International's vein of creating shrines to rock with an incredible line-up of memorabilia. Exhibits include outrageous stage ensembles worn by legends Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Elvis, Stevie Nicks, and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler; Madonna's satin "Vogue" gown; original psychedelic "Bill Graham Presents" Fillmore concert posters; an authentic 1966 London taxi owned by Heart's Ann Wilson; and the stage backdrop from the Rolling Stones' 1968 "Beggars Banquet" tour. With the combined collections of the Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock Live, and Hard Rock Café, Universal Orlando is soon to be home to the largest public display of rock memorabilia in the world.

Tattooed, pierced, Technicolor-haired bellmen, guitar-hero doormen, moon-walking wait staff, and singing concierges could only be found at the Hard Rock Hotel. The unique employees echo the spirit of self-expression and performance that is synonymous with rock 'n' roll.

The hotel is a work of art itself. According to legend, it was formerly the estate of a flamboyant rock star who, over decades of world tours, accumulated an impressive collection of souvenirs and architectural styles from around the globe. Indonesian, Indian, African, South American, Mediterranean, and Californian influences appear throughout. Original artwork adorns the walls, including rock-star portraits by Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood. 650 rooms feature creative themes, such as the Graceland Suite--where, in the footsteps of rock 'n' roll royalty, you can live like "The King."

Of course, the Hard Rock Hotel is as much a feast for the ears as it is for the eyes. Aural magic performed by the music world's most popular artists resounds throughout the hotel grounds, underwater in the pool, and in guests' in-room stereo systems.

Hard Rock Hotel guests are treated like rock stars with a roster of exclusive privileges in Universal Orlando's theme parks. For the first hour of the theme parks' operation, guests are entitled to no-wait access to many popular attractions. Courtesy water taxis and buses provide transportation between the Hard Rock Hotel, theme parks, and CityWalk. Hard Rock guests are granted early admission--one hour before opening--to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Hard Rock guests get priority seating at select Universal Orlando shows and restaurants. Resort ID cards are granted for charging merchandise, dining, and entertainment throughout Universal Orlando, and guests can have in-park purchases delivered to their hotel rooms for free. In addition, guests are entitled to purchase a special length-of-stay ticket for unlimited admission to the two theme parks.

Hard Rock Hotel rooms outfit guests to the max. Three works of art from the Hard Rock Café private archives adorn the walls. A mega-entertainment center features remote-control color TV with cable, in-house video channels, on-demand movies, and a CD player and radio with Hard Rock CDs and super speakers. In addition, an alarm-clock radio and amusing selection of rock star wake-up calls fill your ears. Mini-bar, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, two-line phone with dataport and bathroom extension, in-room dining table, dressing area, hair dryer, and two sinks in the bathroom complete the list of basic accommodations. Additional amenities--including cordless phone, large-screen TV, complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, wet bar, concierge, and parlor areas--are available in select deluxe rooms and suites. Families can also check in to a Kid's Suite, which consists of an adjoining room for children that can only be accessed through the suite's main room.

The hotel boasts a slew of modern luxuries to boot. Splish-splashing takes on new dimensions in the magnificent pool area, replete with white-sand beach, 210-foot waterslide, interactive pop-jet fountains, and a rockin' 12-speaker underwater audio system. Two whirlpools, ten cabanas, a kids' pool, and a game area with lawn checkers, shuffleboard, and beach volleyball complete the Southern California beach atmosphere. Guests can pump iron at the onsite fitness center, complete with soothing steam room and sauna. The Activity Center offers supervised children's programs in the evenings.

Diners can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating at the casual California-cuisine inspired Sunset Grill, as well as the elegant atmosphere and prime steak and lobster cuts of the Orlando version of the world-famous Palm Restaurant. Daytime loungers are treated right with the casual and quick poolside snack and bar service of the Hard Rock Beach Club; guests who love the nightlife can turn it on at the Velvet Lounge, which serves wine, beer, cocktails, and finger food. 24-hour room service is also available.

The business traveler can be the host with the most with Hard Rock Hotel's fully equipped business facilities. The business center provides secretarial, fax, copying, packaging, and shipping services, and has available computers and printers, as well as cellular phones and beeper services. Ample meeting space includes indoor, multi-room space and a lawn set aside for special functions near the boat dock.

Orlando's Hard Rock Hotel has got it all, specially tailored to the rock-n-roll fan in all of us. It's the kind of place where you can check in any time you like--but you may not want to leave!•