If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably already know Aaron and I headed over to Tampa for a mini vacation at the iconic Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a nights stay at the newly expanded hotel. We were in for such a treat! I'm embarrassed to say but this was my first ever trip to the Hard Rock Tampa, so i'm excited to share our experience as a first time guest.
Upon arrival we entered in the lobby which we were immediately starstruck by the grand entrance that included Elvis Presley's 24-karat gold leaf grand piano with a beautiful memoir on the history of the piano. Fun Fact: Elvis purchased the piano second-hand for his mother in 1955, then was later moved to Graceland after his mother had passed then the gold leafs were added in 1968...and now it sits in the lobby at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa! How cool is that?!
Dining
Since we just had a one night we wanted to make the most out of our stay, so we didn't waste any time and got right into the action! There are a number of dining options on the property (13 to be exact) we opted for Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, it was such an amazing dinner that included live music, and fine wines, it was a perfect romantic evening. If Italian is more your style the Cipresso is a newly added restaurant that offers house-made pastas and pizza that will leave you wanting more. There is also The Rez Grill, which is a trendy upscale restaurant that offers a great menu selection! Also, the classic Hard Rock Cafe, Rock N' Raw Sushi, the Pool Bar & Grill which we enjoyed on our last day, all are great options. Our favorite hangout spot during our stay is a cafe called Constant Grind, they offer anything from coffee, gelato, morning pastries, and assorted chocolates (no wonder we found ourselves here a lot ha!). The adorable blush decor was right up my alley, and conveniently located downstairs, a perfect little spot to sip on your morning coffee sit back and relax or in our case a late night gelato run. ;)
The Rez Grill Restaurant
Sipping coffee at Constant Grind
Accommodations
The new 14 story hotel tower offers incredible views no matter what floor you're staying on. Everything was set to perfection and made for such a comfortable stay, including the plush robes and dreamy bedding. A small feature that made the room experience that much greater was a Room Service ordering card where you can select your breakfast the night before and the time you want it delivered in the morning..so don't worry about setting your alarm or oversleeping and miss breakfast, The Hard Rock has you covered! Such a great perk.
Our view
Rock Spa & Salon/ Pool
The Rock Spa was unlike anything I've ever experienced. You step in and immediately feel relaxed and like you've just escaped from reality. The atmosphere was so relaxing and the service providers were friendly and accommodating. It's a 25,000 square foot spa with 13 treatment rooms including a Turkish Bath and any spa service you could imagine. Included in your spa service you can enjoy all the amenities the spa has to offer including the fitness center, a salt sauna steam room, a private jacuzzi, and the unisex aqua lounge. The photos don't even do it justice, I could have stayed all day!
After our visit to the spa we hopped right over to the pool where you can find 3 new pools and the Pool Bar & Grill, where we enjoyed lunch. We didn't take a dip in the pool on this trip but we'll definitely be back to enjoy a drink under the cabana poolside.
Rock Spa
The aqua lounge
Womens Jacuzzi
Final Thoughts
Since this was our first visit I was unsure of what to expect, I always thought of The Hard Rock as just a casino, but I couldn't of been more wrong. There is an unlimited amount of live entertainment, great nightlife, culinary experiences, and all the relaxation you need to unwind. Whether you're looking for a staycation like us or visiting from out of town, there are so many great features The Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has to offer. In case you're wondering we didn't leave hitting the jackpot, but we did leave with an amazing experience to remember so in a way it feels like we did hit the jackpot. We'll be back for more soon!
Thank you to The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for hosting an amazing trip.
xoxo,
Gabby