There are dozens of Indian casinos throughout Florida, but not all Seminole Hard Rock Casino hotels were made equal. I had the chance to stay at the one in Tampa a few years back, so I wanted to try something new.
The Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, FL is less than 30 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and less than an hour from the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas.
Mohegan Sun Casino Games That Aren’t Slots - You Should TryYes, there are two airports in Ft. Lauderdale, or “Fort Loo and Dance” as Jimmy Buffett sings. The seminal Floridian often plays the Hard Rock—now known as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino—which hosts many big-name acts each year.
I drove down from Orlando early on a Tuesday to avoid any traffic and construction issues around South Florida. Traffic was very light, and the drive went smoothly.
I’ve been to this casino once before—back when it was still undergoing final inspections prior to its grand opening in 2019. But that was a quick daytime visit to see a concert by .
Casinos That Still Offer Free Cocktails, So You Might Not Need a Resort Fees RefundThis time, I planned to spend the night and check out everything the Seminole Hard Rock has to offer, including their poker room, restaurants, amenities, and music history exhibits.
Rooms at Seminole Hard Rock
There are several room types at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
- Rock Star Suites (one- and two-bedroom configurations)
- Rock Star Bi-Level Suites (two-story suites with bed up stairs)
- Premium Suites (one-bedroom configuration)
- Guitar Shaped Rooms (standard hotel rooms shaped like a guitar)
I didn’t get a guitar-shaped room, although they do look pretty cool.
They’re standard hotel rooms, of course—this isn’t the , where every angle is unique and interesting.
But my room was clean, comfortable, quiet, and well appointed. It featured two queens beds, a decent-sized flatscreen TV, a small seating area, a bathroom with glass-enclosed shower/tub, double sinks, and plenty of counter and mirror space.
Best Sites to Download Free Slot MachinesA minibar, coffee maker, ironing board, safe, and ample electrical outlets rounded out the in-room amenities.
View from my 14th-floor window was of either the garage or the employee parking lot, which is probably for the best.
I did notice a fair amount of construction activity going on next door at the future Hard Rock Atlantic City casino resort. But it wasn’t loud enough to be a bother.
Real Money Gambling Games You Can Play Online For FreeSpeaking of noise, I received another unwelcome auditory surprise later in the evening. Around midnight, someone in the next room started yelling into their phone. I could hear every word, despite having the television on and white noise app running.
I called down to the front desk, and a houseman brought up some extra towels I requested—along with some complimentary earplugs. Problem solved.
Overall, I was quite happy with my room at the Seminole Hard Rock.
Poker Room at Seminole Hard Rock
I arrived at the Hard Rock just after 11 p.m. On a Tuesday night. The poker room was hopping, with a waitlist but no immediate need to sit.
The poker host seat was open, so I chatted with him for a few minutes. He said they typically have 18 tables running, but had to take three out of commission due to staffing shortages.
He also said they usually run promotions, but weren’t doing any during the summer months.
I got a text a few minutes later inviting me to take a seat. I fired up my phone’s charger—a nice touch that many poker rooms don’t provide—and sat down with $200 in chips.
Blinds were $1-$2 with a $1 ante, 30-second intervals, and a $300 max buy-in.
Table talk was allowed, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were available from a nearby podium, along with food from the main casino restaurant selection.
I spent an hour at the table, winning back the $200 I had bought in while hitting kings twice and queens once. That’s all I needed, as I was up bright and early the next morning to explore more of the Seminole Hard Rock.
The poker room is open 24/7, with stakes ranging from $1/$2 to $3/$6.
Dining and Bars at Seminole Hard Rock
You won’t go hungry at the Seminole Hard Rock. They have 15+ casual and fine dining options to choose from, plus numerous bars and lounges.
Sites With Real Money Apps You Need to Try in 2023Here’s a partial list of your culinary choices:
- Council Oak Steaks + Seafood. Fine dining steak and seafood house featuring an expansive wine list and open kitchen. Entrees $30-$70.
- Kuro. Upscale Japanese cuisine with teppanyaki chefs preparing meats and seafood at your table. Entrees $25-$50.
- The Bitter Orange. Contemporary American fare, using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Entrees $20-$35.
- Hard Rock Cafe. Classic American fare. Entrees $10-$20.
- Myriad by Brad Kilgore. A farm-to-table experience focusing on Latin flavors. Small plates $12-$35.
- Martorano’s. Philly chef Steve Martorano brings his Italian-American specialties to South Florida. Entrees $20-$40.
- Ingrid’s Kitchen. German comfort food such as schnitzel, sausages, potato pancakes, and other hearty fare. Entrees $15-$25.
- Fast Forward. Gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches, and other quick bites.
- Guitar Beach Bar. Poolside bar and grill overlooking the lagoon.
- Cardúlio Lounge. Wine, cocktails, and small plates served in a relaxed atmosphere.
- The Donk. Sports bar offering classic American pub grub and craft beer.
- Lobby Bar. Cocktails, beer, and wine served in the central atrium.
- Soul & Blues. Southern and Cajun dishes paired with live blues music on weekends.
I decided to hit Council Oak Steaks + Seafood for an early dinner around 6:30 p.m. On a Tuesday.
I was seated immediately, choosing a table by the window overlooking the expansive atrium and waterfall.
I ordered an ice tea and perused the menu and wine list. I eventually settled on the fried green tomatoes to start, followed by the 14-ounce New York strip. Medium rare, please.
The tomatoes were excellent—three large slices breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection and served with remoulade sauce.
Reasons Why New York Online Poker Is Worth the WaitMy strip was even better. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, it was seasoned simply with salt and pepper and served with a generous helping of roasted vegetables.
I finished off the meal with a piece of key lime pie, which was quite tart and delicious.
Service was good, although my glass went empty for long stretches, and I had to ask for the check multiple times.
Prices are in line with similar steakhouses—appetizers $12-$18, entrees $30-$70. The wine list features a number of affordable bottles as well as some high-end vintages. Most bottles range from $50 to $150, with a few exceptions costing much more.
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab breakfast at the Hard Rock Cafe the following morning. After all, how often do you get a chance to eat off the special “Legendary” menu?
Biggest Casino Companies in the World (Online & Land-Based)I opted for Elvis’ favorite—the King Combo, featuring two scrambled eggs, two slices of Texas toast, two strips of bacon, two sausage links, and two slices of cheddar cheese. Plus hash browns and a side of pancakes. And a Diet Coke, of course.
The Hard Rock Cafe opens at 9 a.m., but the kitchen doesn’t open until 10. So plan accordingly.
My total damage: $20.44. Not a bad deal for way too much food.
Things to Do at Seminole Hard Rock
You could easily while away an entire day or more at the Seminole Hard Rock without even entering the casino proper. Here are some of the many things to see and do.
Guitar Zine
This free, full-color magazine serves as the official guide to the Hard Rock estate.
It details all the musical memorabilia on display throughout the property, as well as information about upcoming concerts, events, restaurants, and shops.
Best Free Poker Apps to Play and Practice Online in 2023You can pick up a copy at the information kiosk outside the main entrance.
Music Walk of Fame
Just inside the main entrances are several bronze stars set into the floor, honoring famous musicians and bands.
Look for stars dedicated to Glenn Frey, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Jerry Garcia, and many others.
Each star bears the recording artist’s name, a musical instrument or symbol, and a quote summing up their achievements and contributions to rock ‘n roll history.
The Tower
This 12-story atrium dominates the center of the Seminole Hard Rock and serves as the hotel check-in area.
Guests arriving at the hotel are whisked up to the second floor in glass-walled elevators for a quick check-in experience.
At the base of The Tower is the world’s largest rock crystal, a gift from India that weighs 20,400 carats and stands more than six feet tall.
A massive chandelier made from more than 400,000 Swarovski crystals hangs from the tower’s ceiling, slowly rotating while multi-colored lights dance off its many facets.
Best Real Money Slots (Plus 6 Top Sites to Play Them At)A 35-foot waterfall spills down a series of rocks and boulders into a lagoon filled with guitar-shaped pontoon boats.
Live musicians play on a stage built into one of the rocks, surrounded by manicured foliage, benches, and walking paths.
A retractable roof covers The Tower, which comes in handy during South Florida’s frequent afternoon rain showers.
Guests can walk across a series of bridges that connect The Tower to various parts of the casino complex.
Best Rush Games Slots at Wild Casino - El Gran Fall guyI spent a good 30 minutes wandering around, taking pictures, and admiring the intricate details of this impressive structure.
Rock Spa
I didn’t have time for a massage or facial during this brief visit, but the Rock Spa looks amazing.
With 39 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and fitness center, you can pamper yourself from head to toe.
Treatments run the gamut from massages ($130 and up), body polishes/wraps/scrubs ($190 and up), facials ($160 and up), waxing, and nail care services. Couples packages are available, as are special packages for mothers and daughters.
There’s also a barbershop if you want a close shave or haircut. Prices start at $35.
Retail Therapy
If shopping floats your boat, the Seminole Hard Rock has plenty of opportunities to drain your bank account.
High-end watch and jewelry stores line one wall of the casino’s main concourse. You can drop $50,000 on a Rolex Yacht-Master 40 or surround yourself with ice … literally.
For mortals with mortal budgets, there are plenty of other retail outlets to choose from. Here are most of them:
- Hard Rock Store. Official Hard Rock merchandise, including T-shirts, hats, shot glasses, and more.
- Hooligan. Streetwear and skatewear brand featuring Supreme, Palace, A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Thrasher, and other popular labels.
- Lucky’s fashion accessories such as sunglasses, hats, handbags, and jewelry.
- Reliquary. High-quality, licensed music-related collectibles and artwork, such as framed album cover art, guitars, posters, and figurines.
- Dilletante Cigars & Tobaccos. Premium cigars, humidors, lighters, cutters, pipe tobacco, and smoking accessories.
Seminole Hard Rock Casino Games
As a Class III semi-huntory casino, the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood offers all your favorite slot machines, video poker, and table games.
No, you won’t find roulette or craps here, but you will find these games and more.
- High-limit and wide-area progressives slots and video poker
- 20+ poker games, including No-Limit Hold ‘em and Omaha
- Blackjack
- Super Fun 21
- Spanish 21
- Pai Gow
- Three-Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ’em
- Four Card Poker
- Casino War
- Baccarat
On the third Friday of each quarter, the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood hosts a Flash Five Jackpot Link promotion. All 5 Florida Seminole casinos link their progressive five-reel slot machines and give players a chance to win one of three progressive jackpots.
The Flash Five must reach $5,000 before they’ll trigger, and they frequently hit for $20,000 to $30,000. Sometimes much more.
Seminole Hard Rock Events and Entertainment
Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood hosts concerts, comedy shows, charity events, beauty pageants, and other special events throughout the year.
video poker appsTheir Hard Rock Live performance venue seats up to 3,600 people and has hosted everyone from Dionne Warwick and Barry Manilow to Kid Rock and the Goo Goo Dolls.
Tickets for most shows average $75 to $150, give or take.
Comedy shows feature national headliners such as Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy, Dennis Miller, and Gabriel Iglesias. Countless up-and-coming comics also grace the Hard Rock Live stage on a regular basis.
Special events include boxing matches, mixed martial arts fights, body painting competitions, and beauty pageants.
The Seminole Hard Rock also maintains an extensive collection of music memorabilia on display throughout the facility.
From Elvis Presley’s gold leather jumpsuit to Cher’s sequined outfits to Michael Jackson’s glove, you can see hundreds of items worn or played by your favorite artists.
Interactive displays highlight the Hard Rock’s founding in London in 1971, its rapid expansion in the US and around the world, and its focus on collecting unique pieces of musical history.
casino app android real moneyOne particularly poignant exhibit highlights the tragic story of Jimi Hendrix’s Monterey Pop Festival costume. After his death, Hendrix’s father cremated his son’s remains and mixed the ashes with paint, creating four post-concert outfits.
Three of those outfits are on display around the world, including the red, blue, and white vest, shorts, and stockings on view at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood.
