As difficult as it might be for high rollers and penny-slot enthusiasts to steer clear of the gaming offered at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, there’s far more to the Hollywood-based complex than electronic craps, Diamond Lotto and Texas Hold ’em.
Yes, the AAA Four Diamond-rated resort (1 Seminole Way, 866.502.7529, seminolehardrockhollywood.com) features table games and slot machines as far as the eye can see. But as guests can attest, Seminole Hard Rock also deals in chic and spacious contemporary-style rooms, accented with rock ’n’ roll photography and artifacts. A Rock Spa that sports a variety of full-body wraps and exfoliations, smoothing facials and more than a half-dozen stress-busting massages. And dining to satisfy every craving and price point.
But that’s not the half of it.
Wet and wild: The over-the-top vibe that permeates Seminole Hard Rock extends to a sprawling 4.5-acre pool complex that’s built around a soaring rock mountain. Elements such as a 182-foot waterslide, elevated hot tub and scattered waterfalls add to the scenery, but the real eye-catcher, especially for larger groups, is the 520-square-foot deluxe chickee inspired by the DIY Network’s “Man Cave” show. This cave has it all—a plunge pool, seven lounge chairs, a cutting-edge entertainment system (including a 70-inch HDTV and PlayStation system), cooling misters and a stocked refrigerator. For those looking to up the ante, custom options include a blackjack table, barbecue grill, personal massages and a private disc jockey.
Center stage: Hard Rock Live, the complex’s 5,500-seat arena, has emerged as one of the premier concert venues in South Florida. Musicians find the space intimate compared to sports arenas, and top comics can play to larger audiences. Already this year, the likes of Don Henley, Chris Rock and Rod Stewart have taken the stage—and the hits just keep on coming. During a one-week stretch this fall, Santana (Oct. 28), The Who’s Roger Daltrey (Nov. 1), and “30 Rock” co-star Tracy Morgan (Nov. 4) are all slated to play Hard Rock Live.
Spin the black circle: You don’t have to toss a high-definition TV into the pool to feel like a rock star when staying at the hotel. Just call room service and reserve one of the 20 Fender guitars available (along with an amplifier and headphones). For those who don’t know a whammy bar from a Hershey’s bar, go old-school and check out a Crosley record player, complete with a curated collection of vinyl—from classic rock to one of the artists with which Hard Rock has partnered, including Michelle Branch and Evan Rachel Wood’s band, Rebel and a Basketcase.
Aces high: Card sharks from all over the world are expected to descend upon the resort from Sept. 21 through Oct. 2 thanks to a partnership between Seminole Gaming and the World Series of Poker—but that’s hardly the only poker being played at Seminole Hard Rock. In addition to daily promotions, the 36-table poker room hosts special tournaments throughout the year. Visit shrpo.com for details.
Good to the last drop: Just off the casino floor, the resort’s L Bar is the epicenter of cocktail cool, the kind of hip, artistic space that would have embraced an Andy Warhol party back in the day. The lounge features live acts and DJs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday, with music that cuts across a variety of genres (neo-folk, nu disco, funk). The fully stocked bar boasts premium tequilas, craft beers, handcrafted cocktails—and, through Aug. 31, refreshing, spirit-free “mocktails,” including Grape Rosemary Smash and Watermelon Cilantro Fresca.
Good to the last bite: There’s no rolling the dice when it comes to the fine-dining options inside Seminole Hard Rock—both Kuro and Council Oak Steaks & Seafood are sure bets, setting the foodie bar wildly high in their respective categories. At Kuro, executive chef Alex Becker spins contemporary Japanese fare into visual and culinary works of art; check out his lighter dishes over the summer, including seared salmon sashimi, wagyu lollipops and grouper cartoccio. At Council Oak, the USDA prime dry-aged beef and wagyu selections are matched by an award-winning wine menu (more than 350 selections) and one of the most popular Sunday brunches in all of Broward County (think full raw bar, bananas Foster and Belgian waffles, unlimited mimosas and bloody marys, and much more).
The future: The outdoor shops and restaurants that once comprised Seminole Paradise have been cleared, paving the way for a mammoth expansion project that will be completed in time for the Super Bowl’s return to Miami in 2020. Expect all new dining, retail and nightlife, additional casino gaming—and a 36-story, 800-room hotel tower shaped like a guitar.
