One of three Loews hotels at Universal Orlando, the 650-room Hard Rock Hotel is a fantasy getaway for music fans, designed to look like a wealthy rock 'n' roll star's Southern California manse. It's filled with cool collectibles like a rhinestone-encrusted jumpsuit worn by Elvis, one of Elton John's outlandish costumes, and boots worn by the likes of Mick Jagger, Baby Spice, and June Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. A fancy fountain with 42 guitars spouting water sets the stage, and as soon as you walk through the doors you start hearing the omnipresent rock music—even the swimming pool has 12 underwater speakers. Dining, too, takes on a celebrity edge, with favorite dishes of rock stars like Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray on the menu at The Kitchen.

Rooms exhibit an Art Deco flair and are filled with more rock 'n' roll memorabilia from the Hard Rock Café's vast collection. Plus you can get a wakeup call from celebs such as James Brown, Alice Cooper, or Vince Neal of

One of three Loews hotels at Universal Orlando, the 650-room Hard Rock Hotel is a fantasy getaway for music fans, designed to look like a wealthy rock 'n' roll star's Southern California manse. It's filled with cool collectibles like a rhinestone-encrusted jumpsuit worn by Elvis, one of Elton John's outlandish costumes, and boots worn by the likes of Mick Jagger, Baby Spice, and June Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. A fancy fountain with 42 guitars spouting water sets the stage, and as soon as you walk through the doors you start hearing the omnipresent rock music—even the swimming pool has 12 underwater speakers. Dining, too, takes on a celebrity edge, with favorite dishes of rock stars like Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray on the menu at The Kitchen.

Rooms exhibit an Art Deco flair and are filled with more rock 'n' roll memorabilia from the Hard Rock Café's vast collection. Plus you can get a wakeup call from celebs such as James Brown, Alice Cooper, or Vince Neal of Mötley Crüe. Families will appreciate the 800-square-foot "kid suites" (connected to another room), with twin beds and kid-sized furniture.

Centerpiece of the grounds is an enormous swimming area landscaped with palm trees and a white-sand beach. The 12,000-square-foot pool features a 260-foot waterslide dropping into a zero-entry pool, while entertainment includes weekly "dive-in movies" and themed cabanas ("Yellow Submarine," for instance) with TVs and wireless Internet.

One of the best benefits of staying at the Hard Rock, however, is free Universal Express access: just show a valid hotel room key and you get to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. (This perk has a value of $80 per day per guest, but on-site hotel guests receive it for free.)

The Spread:
Part of Universal Orlando, the Hard Rock Hotel is a good bet for families because of its easy theme-park access and Loews branding. Like all Loews hotels, the property caters to families with programs such as Loews Loves Kids (check-in gifts and board games to borrow); Loews Loves Pets (any size dog is welcome and gets a treat); Healthy Kids (menus with smoothies and other nutritious options); and Family Concierge (a designated person to recommend family activities in the area).

Kids of all ages enjoy the themed resort's rock-and-roll memorabilia, and 14 of the 650 rooms and suites are designed for families with specially decorated attached kids' rooms.

Why Families Love It:
The Hard Rock Hotel's close proximity to Universal Studios is the initial lure. Staying here comes with privileges, too, including preferred access to most park rides and attractions, courtesy shuttles, and priority seating at

The Spread:
Part of Universal Orlando, the Hard Rock Hotel is a good bet for families because of its easy theme-park access and Loews branding. Like all Loews hotels, the property caters to families with programs such as Loews Loves Kids (check-in gifts and board games to borrow); Loews Loves Pets (any size dog is welcome and gets a treat); Healthy Kids (menus with smoothies and other nutritious options); and Family Concierge (a designated person to recommend family activities in the area).

Kids of all ages enjoy the themed resort's rock-and-roll memorabilia, and 14 of the 650 rooms and suites are designed for families with specially decorated attached kids' rooms.

Why Families Love It:
The Hard Rock Hotel's close proximity to Universal Studios is the initial lure. Staying here comes with privileges, too, including preferred access to most park rides and attractions, courtesy shuttles, and priority seating at restaurants and shows. A complimentary shuttle also circulates to SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild.

After a day at the parks, parents can enjoy the restaurants and dance clubs at CityWalk while their kids (ages four to 14) head to supervised play at Camp Lil' Rock, open daily 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The per-hour charge is $10 for the first child and $8 for each additional child in the family. Kids receive an inflatable Hard Rock guitar and dinner is available at an extra charge.

Outdoors, families congregate at the pool with its sandy beach, underwater music, interactive fountains, 260-foot slide, and private cabanas. A game room, poolside activities, and an ice cream shop add to the fun. Parents can play golf at nearby courses and use the spa at sister resort, Portofino.

Special Activities & Events:
In The Kitchen restaurant, the Kid's Crib room is children-only, complete with a plasma TV theater, toys, and kid-sized furniture. On select nights, Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Woody Woodpecker, and other characters show up to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Once a week, families gather in the pool for free "dive-in" movies.