Casino Road Trip - Florida
We are aware that Hollywood, Fla. is not a typical road trip destination from South Jersey, but we believe this unique property justifies expanding this column’s geographical parameters.
First impressions:
That’s pretty much what this is all about: There is nothing anywhere (at least until a similar, larger complex opens in Las Vegas in a couple years) like this hotel tower in the shape of two, back-to-back Gibson Les Paul guitar bodies.
Nothing prepares the first-time visitor for the near-surreal moment the 36-story skyscraper first comes into a view. That goes double after dark, when the building radiates with a seemingly endless array or multi-hued designs.
Inside the main entrance is a rotunda where a perpetual water fall descends into a circular fountain with a ring of lights that change blue to magenta every 30 seconds or so. To the right, the colorfully trimmed front desk shares the space with elevated bar and lounge. And thanks to the contemporary pop music pumped through the sound system, there’s a palpable level of energy in the building that promises fun and excitement.
And speaking of the front desk, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the desk clerk named Bryant, who was extremely pleasant and helpful when we encountered some minor hassles at check-in, and who made the experience extremely easy and stress-free.
Accommodations:
Our (standard) room—a way-way-above-average 530 square feet--was modern and luxurious with many amenities (including a free-of-charge loan of a Fender guitar and amplifier and headphones!). And the night tables with a lower shelf big enough for a laptop or oversized purse is a brilliant idea.
From our perch on the 27th floor we could gaze out on a panoramic view that encompassed both the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami skylines.
Game on:
While the Guitar is casino-free, it’s just a short (indoor walk) from the elevators to the adjacent Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino gaming floor boasting more than 2,700 slot and electronic units and almost 200 table games. And the 45-table poker room is universally regarded as one of the best in North America.
Let’s eat:
In all, there are some 20 dining and drinking outposts, from quick-bite noshing to ultra-elegant dining experiences. Among the outlets are siblings of two popular eateries at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the Asian-focused Kuro and Council Oaks Steak & Seafood. We had a couple of excellent and reasonably priced meals at Rise, a 24/7 casual-dining spot.
Catch some rays: The Guitar Hotel has a 13.5-acre lagoon-style complex with hot tubs, cabanas, massages, food and beverage service and whatever else you may need to luxuriate in the glow of the South Florida sun. That said, the personal preference here is for the “lazy-river” water complex at the Hard Rock Hotel, whose facilities and ambience make it difficult to leave.
That’s entertainment:
As befits a property whose entire brand is based on entertainment, the gaming hall’s 7,000-seat Hard Rock Live attracts the biggest names in show business, up to and including the usually casino-resistant Bruce Springsteen, who played there last February. Upcoming headliners include Jerry Seinfeld (Jan. 27 and 28), Rod Stewart (Feb. 13) and The Eagles and Steely Dan (March 1 and 2).
Off-campus:
The Seminole Hard Rock complex is a fully self-contained pleasure dome. However, if the need to roam arises, there’s the lively Hollywood business district and its beach and “Broadwalk,” Ft. Lauderdale and, about 45 minutes away, the many enticements of Miami and Miami Beach.
