My family and I have stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando 3 times in this past year, and have had a terrific experience everytime.
Our main reason for choosing an on-site hotel was that we travel with our dogs, and when i say dogs, i do mean DOGS.. we have 2 large dogs that we do not leave behind. The Lowe's Hotels, Including the Hard Rock Hotel are dog friendly, they have a great staff and we have always had an enjoyable time.
Since this review is mostly for pet owners, let me say, that when you check in with pets, there is a one time 25.00 charge for the pets, not per night as some hotels charge, but PER visit, also not per pet. Upon checking in, room service will deliver a "gift bag" to your room for your pet, including a special "do not disturb sign" warning housekeeping that there are dogs in the room, a special stainless steel bowl, bottled water and a dog tag.
They really go above and beyond to make not only YOUR stay but your pets stay fun! They even have special room service meals for your pets, and it includes food for your dog, cat, lizzard and birds. You can schedule your room service so that you can return from the theme parks or pool to your room and remove the pets so that housekeeping can enter.
Now to the hotel, I usually shop around, but the little extra expense to stay on-site at Universal Theme Parks is well worth it. They provide free shuttle, or boat transporation from the Hotel to City Walk, and your room key is used in all rides as a "Fast Pass" so that you can avoid waiting in the long lines at each ride, which saves a TON of time, and allows you to more fully enjoy your day at the theme parks.
The Pool is a great place to hang out, the bartenders at the pool bar are EXCEPTIONAL! At night, they have a "swim in movie" at the pool, since the pool is actually quite shallow, you can grab a drink, sit at the edge of the beach style pool and watch a great movie.
I would never stay at another hotel in the area again, The Hard Rock provides an atmosphere and a experience at every turn.

Recommended: Yes