Why Now Is A Great Time To Visit Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

24.02.2024 - 16:33 / forbes.com / John F.Kennedy / Bora Bora

If the lack of daylight has sunk your spirits to new lows, take comfort in that you’re not alone. According to this story published by the American Heart Association, nearly 10% of North American residents suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While light therapy and exercise can alleviate symptoms, an easier (and definitely more pleasurable) way to lift your spirits is through travel. Though New Yorkers are spoiled with choices for sunshine-filled getaways, one destination just a three-hour flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport rewards travelers in ways more than one.

Situated between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has been popular with locals since opening in 2004, but often bypassed by tourists favoring flashier accommodations in neighboring cities. Thanks to a jaw-dropping 2019 renovation to the tune of $1.5 billion, however, Hard Rock has recently grown into a popular vacation destination for South Floridians and out-of-towners.

Anchoring it all is the 450-foot high and 36-story Guitar Hotel. The first of its kind in the world, and the resort’s third hotel tower (the other two are Oasis Tower and Hard Rock Hotel), it houses 638 guestrooms and suites crisply done up in a bright, nautical palette and contemporary furnishings. But what happens just outside the the acccommodations is arguably the Guitar Hotel’s biggest draw. Paneled with cutting-edge LED lighting, the architectural marvel puts on a spectacular display of orchestrated lights and music every evening at 7 p.m., which can be spotted even miles away.

Just as mesmerizing as The Guitar Hotel’s nightly light show but on a smaller scale and indoors, The Oculus serves as the resort’s central hub connecting The Guitar Hotel, Hard Rock Live, shops, and casino. It’s a wholly original architectural feat merging a 35-foot tall waterfall, lights, projections, and sounds that change throughout the day to offer guests a uniquely immersive experience.

The pool area of The Guitar Hotel is visually stunning as well, taking inspiration from Bora Bora’s famous over-the-water bungalows. The 16 semi-private hideaways offering direct access to the water come with butler service, fridges stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, and private restrooms. You can order bottle service and globetrotting bites (think Mexican street corn, Greek salads, Chicharron Banh Mis) from Pool Bar & Grill’s menu.

Spanning a whopping 42,000 square feet, the Rock Spa® & Salon remains one of South Florida’s best-kept wellness secrets, but it won’t take long before word gets out. You can easily spend a day at the Spa Atrium’s lounging areas, multiple pools including a cold plunge, steam rooms, saunas, and Himalayan