Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Tampa

Colorful, rock-themed decor fills the vast interiors of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Tampa, which buzzes with a bustling atmosphere and is surrounded by well-landscaped grounds that include a large pond feature at the entrance. The spacious lobby has music memorabilia adorning the walls as well as colorful pop art portraits of music legends. Tan armchairs provide seating and there are unique, modern light fixtures throughout. Bright, rainbow-hued carpets line the hallways throughout the property, some of which are so large they have walkalators, while technicolor lights illuminate the spaces and various paraphernalia of rock stars adorns the walls. The hotel's array of restaurants and bars are stylish with clean, modern lines, such as at Rock ‘n Raw, which offers a triangular seating area with floral patterned chairs and large hanging lights. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood has a refined style with white tablecloths, brown leather seating, and a dark granite bar area, while the Hard Rock Cafe has a purple-lit stage, hostess stands covered in microphones, an abundance of rock memorabilia, and red leather seating. Guests complain about cigarette smoke in the casino, so travelers sensitive to this should take note. 

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Tampa is off the I-4 highway with MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre and the Florida State Fairgrounds a five-minute drive away. Busch Gardens, the University of South Florida, and Raymond James Stadium are a 15-minute drive from the hotel, as are restaurants, the Amalie Arena, Port of Tampa, and Tampa Convention Center. The Tampa International Airport is a 20-minute drive.

Spacious rooms are stylish with leather headboards paired with crisp, white sheets, contemporary wooden furnishings, and framed photographs of legendary musicians, like Kurt Cobain, on the walls. Brown patterned carpets, pink lampshades, and neutral couches also decorate the space. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, fully-stocked minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, iPod docking stations, and free newspapers. Some rooms also offer butler service, wet bars, Bose speakers, and floor-to-ceiling windows, plus Fender guitars are available by request. Bathrooms vary from fairly standard ones with shower/tub combos, to luxurious offerings that have both walk-in rainfall showers and jetted tubs, though some of these are in the bedrooms and might pose privacy issues. All bathrooms have double vanity sinks with ample storage space, fluffy bathrobes, and Rock Spa toiletries. Some guests have complained that rooms are dimly lit.

The 24-hour casino with high-limits gaming, a poker room, and table games is the best part of the hotel. There are also many restaurants available, including Council Oak Steaks & Seafood with dry-aged steaks, seafood dishes, and an award-winning wine list. The Hard Rock Cafe features classic American food along with live music, while Fresh Harvest has brick oven pizza and dim sum. Rise Kitchen & Bakery serves artisan breads, soups, salads, and sandwiches, while Rock ‘n Raw has sushi and traditional Asian cuisine. The food court provides everything from burgers and fries to sweet treats, while Jubao Palace has a noodle bar and authentic Asian dishes. Bars and lounges (Plum VIP Lounge, Center Bar, Lobby Bar, Pool Bar, and Whammy Bar) have live music along with cocktails, beer, wine, and cigars; some are open 24/7.

The lovely outdoor pool is equipped with underwater speakers and surrounded by a white brick sundeck with loungers and a long planter of red flowers skirting its edge. There's also a hot tub, plus poolside cabanas are available for rent and furnished with comfortable seating, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, water, and snacks. However, the pool area closes early in the evenings. Waxing, facials, massages, blowouts, and haircuts are offered at the full-service Rock Spa & Salon, while the fitness center has cardio and weight machines as well as free weights. A small office area comprises the business center with a brown leather desk chair, computer, printer, and blue armchairs, and there are three on-site stores with Hard Rock clothing and Native American crafts. Wi-Fi is free, as is parking, but valet parking incurs a steep daily fee. This hotel is pet-friendly, but there are fees and only two pets under 50 pounds are allowed per room.