Poker players, Slot junkies, Bingo bums and those who just like to party and have a good time, the brand-new, luxurious Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood is just what you’ve been waiting for.
The brand-new complex is located a few miles west off the Stirling Rd. exit of 95 on state road 441. The casino is 130,000 sq. ft. and has 65 poker tables, where you can play Omaha Hold ’em, seven card stud and everyone’s favorite, Texas Hold ’em.
They have over 2,000 Technical Aid Device machines, which are the same as slot machines except they are completely computerized and don’t have a crank on the side. Of course, they also have a Bingo room which features Lightning Bingo, with a winner every 30 seconds.
The casino also has a handful of eateries, including the classy “Council Oak Steakhouse” and The “Blue Plate Special.” In addition, when in the casino you are never more than a few steps away from a bar.
The central bar, known as the “Tower of Power,” holds the majority of the 40 plus plasma televisions in the casino. The “Tower” is also the central point for socializing in the casino, where all those who aren’t gambling go to hobnob.
Then, of course, there’s the 9,600 sq. ft. Hard Rock Cafí© itself.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino didn’t just cram all its rock and roll history into the cafí© alone. Following in the Hard Rock tradition, the complex is adorned with rock ‘n’roll memorabilia, not to mention the 50 foot guitar that is out front to greet guests when they arrive. Instruments, costumes, and gold and platinum records decorate the casino floor with bands from Aerosmith all the way to Led Zepplin. Music fans can come just to enjoy the slue of signed guitars and glitter jump suits.
The complex even features its very own 5,500 seat concert venue, that has acts for the most diverse tastes, with acts ranging from Kenny Loggins to Aaron Lewis from Staind.
The complex even has it’s very own night club, aptly named “The Club” where anyone, of age, can come for a good time, even if they don’t play poker or the slot machines. There is a four-acre lagoon style pool complex that has a poolside bar and a water slide.
The pool area will take your breathe away when you see the man-made mountain equipped with tunnels that will lead you up to the water slide. The gorgeous Jacuzzi has a beautiful waterfall flowing into it, and is also atop the man-made natural wonder.
In total, the pool area is 19,000 sq. ft. and even has two entrances to the beach.
The Hard Rock Hotel has over 500 rooms and is 15 stories high.
At night, it is a sight to behold in the Hollywood skyline. Lights that reach into the earth’s atmosphere make sure that you don’t miss the action. There is a fountain outside the hotel that puts on a dancing water show every 15 minutes that you can see from 441.
“They did not hold back on anything, the company spared no expense, first class on everything,” said a Security Officer who is known only as Security Officer Jay. All the employees working the floor wear name tags with only their first name,
“It creates a friendly relationship between us and the customer,” he went on to say.
Jay, is one of over 3,000 of the casinos employees, it takes that many people to bring this city-sized complex to life.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has pumped millions of dollars into this casino, as well as another new Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tampa that opened in March. It was $410 million combined to be precise, according to www.SeminoleHardRock.com.
As we all know, it takes money to make money, the casino is expected to surpass $400 million annually in revenue. This includes spending by hotel guests, convention sales and casino patrons, according to Hard Rock’s website.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is much more than it’s name would imply. It seems more like a self-sufficient city than it does simply a hotel and casino. It will bring many good things to the town of Hollywood, putting it on the map as a pioneer of gaming in South Florida.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the good people of Hard Rock are welcoming us in, I say we play.
