Loews, Universal and Universal's parent company, the Rank Organization, own the hotel. The ownership arrangement is the same as at Universal's other hotel, Portofino Bay, which opened just across the street in late 1999. Boat and bus shuttles run regularly from the hotels to Universal's two parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, and to Citywalk entertainment area, a 10-minute walk away. From lobby to pool to guest rooms, the Hard Rock Hotel is surprisingly soothing. The lobby, for instance, is light and airy, dotted with an eclectic mix of low rattan chairs, leather sitting chairs with Napoleonic touches and sleek modern tables for cards or writing.
Mattresses are firm and pillows squishy.
Alas, none of the rooms has a balcony, though the hotel is planning to add them to suites, general manager Lou Carrier said. Even the main bar, Velvet, is surprisingly low key, with zebra print chairs and hanging glass lanterns, and an expansive martini menu. And don't miss the bathrooms. There's no mistaking the theme. Among the guests in leather jackets were plenty of unhip-looking retirees and multigenerational families.