This is the first time we booked a room in Hard Rock chain of hotels. I am very pleased with my choice because I got a very good deal through Booking.com. I got the rate for half the price during summer season. We booked stayed here for 2 nights and 3 days last July 4-6, 2012.
Here are my findings which I have broken down in several categories:
Ambiance:
Lobby
It was nighttime when we arrived at the hotel. It was a bit dark like a club style and there was a band performing so shouting was the method of communicating with the staff at the reception desk. I could barely hear her. I had to ask her to repeat twice or thrice what she just said. The band’s audio was so loud, really loud!
The interior is fit for a rock and roll themed hotel – dark, with plenty of memorabilia display, crystal chandeliers (even inside the elevator’s wall!) and urban and modern furniture.
Lighting is okay and you can feel like you are in a club or disco bar.
Concierge/Reception area
We checked in around 2145 hrs. My daughter and I were the only ones checking in so the attention was on us. Not bad when you’re super tired, drowsy and disoriented from a long, bumpy flight. There is a nearby Memorabilia store for souvenirs.
We were greeted by the busboys with courtesy the moment we alighted the taxi. Our bags were taken by the busboy inside the hotel and that was appreciated. The lady who checked us in was very cordial, same with the gentleman who took our bags for us.
Floor hallway
Ample lighting but not as bright as I would prefer on hotels. Bearing in mind that the theme is rock/glam-rock kind of feel so it suits the motif.
Carpeted flooring all throughout the hallway
Accommodation:
This is the best bedding I have ever slept on. It was better than the luxurious Marriott Hotel in Singapore! The foam is just perfect. The pillows are down so I had a good night sleep. It was clean and well kept. The headboard was the wood paneling on the wall, which was okay. I love the pull out bed though. It is a safety buffer for me because my daughter punches and kicks when she is asleep so I can bunk on the pull out bed if she starts getting “violent” while asleep.
There is a long table, which also act as a study and vanity table. The only problem I had was the lack of chair to use when I had to use the laptop or do my make-up. There is a yellow odd-shaped stool inside the bathroom that I used as a stool. There is a long window bedding or seating area that can double as another bed for younger folks or guest.
There is a pressing table, flat iron, dual opening closet (which also opens from the bathroom) and a mini-safe
Mini bar
It is well stocked with 5 complimentary water from RWS and the rest of other juices and soda for a fee. There is also a complimentary coffee, sugar, tea and creamer for the guest. There are enough drinking glasses (2 from the mini-bar and 2 from the bathroom) to use and 2 drinking cups, a percolator and an ice bucket. The hotel does give free ice cubes in the ice room. There is one in our floor. I am not sure if there is ice room on every floor though.
I find the washing area with the vanity a bit tight. I had to bump my daughter when she was standing next to me while I brush my teeth and she, while brushing her hair. The mirror was a bit small.
I love the separate shower and toilet though. My only complaint is the lack of proper hanging place for our clothes inside the shower area where we are taking the bath. I had to leave the towel just outside. Also, both the separate enclosures have glass doors. But the water is trickling outside too and the bathroom floor closer to the shower area gets wet a lot.
Entry hallway in the room
This is a huge entry hallway for a bedroom. I like that we can leave our bags there without tripping because there are actually enough space around.
The façade is nice with the big logo of Hard Rock. You cannot miss it and it’s a nice photo op as well as there is a big guitar in the middle just few meters away from the drop-off point for guests that leads to the hotel.
Back of the hotel
The gigantic pool with a simulated beach shore is located at the back of the hotel. You’re lucky if your room is facing the pool side. Ours was facing the front so we didn’t have a good view. The pool has a nice sunken bar and there is enough space for everyone to swim around as it is a huge pool and also, there are enough lounging area to wait for your kids or family members while they enjoy a good dip in the pool.
Disclosure:
This hotel review is my personal review. I have paid for this stay and in no way sponsored by the property nor Booking.com. I just love to book via Booking.com because I always find a very competitive rate or great deals when compared to other booking sites.
Sounds like a fun vacation stay! The noise from the band would bother me too. Good review.
Elizabeth