Where is the Guitar Shaped Hotel?

Introduction to the Guitar Shaped Hotel

The Guitar Shaped Hotel, officially known as The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, is a landmark luxury resort located in Hollywood, Florida. Opened in October 2019, this 35-story, 450-foot-tall structure is part of a $1.5 billion expansion of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino complex. Designed to resemble back-to-back guitars, it features 638 luxury guestrooms and suites, each offering panoramic views of the South Florida landscape. The hotel is not just an architectural wonder but a celebration of music and entertainment, embodying Hard Rock’s global brand identity. Its unique design includes guitar faces, illuminated strings, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels, making it a stunning visual spectacle both day and night .

Beyond its striking exterior, the Guitar Shaped Hotel is part of a larger resort that includes the Oasis Tower and the original Hard Rock Hotel, bringing the total number of rooms to over 1,200. The resort caters to a diverse audience, from casino gamers and concert-goers to families and luxury seekers. With its prime location near Fort Lauderdale and Miami, it serves as a gateway to South Florida’s attractions while offering a self-contained universe of entertainment, dining, and relaxation. The hotel’s commitment to music is evident in every aspect, from its Sound of Your Stay® program to its state-of-the-art concert venues .

Architecture and Design

The design of the Guitar Shaped Hotel is a feat of engineering and creativity. Conceptualized by Klai Juba Wald Architects and realized with De Simone Consulting Engineers, the building required innovative solutions to bring its curved, guitar-inspired form to life. The structure features two towering guitar faces connected by a bridge, with the neck of the guitar extending 75 feet above the roof. Six high-powered light beams project from the neck, mimicking strings that reach 20,000 feet into the sky. The exterior is clad with 2.3 million LED lights, allowing for dynamic light shows synchronized to music .

Building the guitar shape posed significant challenges. Engineers used detailed 3D models to address logistical issues and ensure precision. Sloped columns, some angled up to 40 degrees, required additional reinforcement to handle horizontal forces. The hotel’s location under the flight path of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport imposed height restrictions, forcing the team to optimize space meticulously. Despite these hurdles, the project was completed in three years, using 36,000 cubic yards of concrete and advanced post-tensioned slabs for the floors. The result is a durable yet visually stunning icon that redefines the South Florida skyline .

Interior Design and Themes

Inside, the hotel continues its music-themed narrative. Guest rooms feature luxury amenities like 100% cotton sheets, bathrobes, and Sweetgrass body products. The design incorporates hardwood furniture, mood lighting, and HD electronics, creating a rock-star vibe. Common areas are adorned with music memorabilia, and the resort’s layout encourages exploration, from the lagoon-style pools to the rooftop bars. The Oasis Tower, part of the complex, offers swim-up suites overlooking private lagoons, while the original Hard Rock Hotel provides music-themed rooms with panoramic views. Every element, from the furniture to the artwork, reflects Hard Rock’s commitment to music and luxury .

Location and How to Get There

The Guitar Shaped Hotel is situated at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, located at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida 33314. Its prime position in South Florida places it within easy reach of major airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (approximately 10 minutes away) and Miami International Airport (about 45 minutes away). The resort is easily accessible via major highways like I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it convenient for both local and international visitors .

For those driving, the resort offers complimentary self-parking in multiple garages (Seminole Way Garage, Lucky Street Garage, and Winners Way Garage). Valet parking is available for $35 overnight or $30 daily, with event pricing on concert nights. Alternatively, guests can use taxi services, ride-sharing apps, or the resort’s partnership with Corporate Coaches for group transportation. The central location also provides easy access to South Florida’s beaches, shopping districts, and cultural attractions, allowing visitors to combine their stay with broader exploration of the region .

Amenities and Features

The Guitar Shaped Hotel offers an array of premium amenities designed to cater to every guest’s needs. Room amenities include plush bedding, mini fridges, coffeemakers, and 24-hour room service. The resort fee ($45 daily) covers access to multiple pools, a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled water, and self-parking. Unique programs like Sound of Your Stay® allow guests to borrow Fender guitars, vinyl record players, or curated playlists for an immersive musical experience. The resort is also pet-friendly, welcoming dogs up to 40 pounds for a non-refundable fee .

Dining and Nightlife

With over 14 restaurants and bars, the resort is a culinary destination. Options range from fine dining to casual eateries, featuring cuisines like Italian, Asian, and American. The 12,000-square-foot rooftop bar offers stunning views and craft cocktails, while DAER Nightclub and Dayclub host top DJs and live performances. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary admission to Entice Nightclub before midnight, adding value to their stay. For reservations, guests can contact the dining concierge or explore packages like the Toast & Jam deal, which includes a $30 breakfast credit .

Recreation and Relaxation

The resort’s pool complex features three waterfront areas, including a lagoon-style pool and a lazy river. Cabanas are available for rent, offering private retreats with service amenities. For relaxation, the Rock Spa® & Salon provides treatments like massages and facials, along with a steam room and sauna. Fitness enthusiasts can use the 24-hour gym or participate in yoga sessions using in-room Rock Om kits. The casino, with 3,000 slot machines and 200 table games, offers thrilling entertainment, while the 7,000-seat Hard Rock Live venue hosts concerts, sports, and theatrical events .

Engineering Marvel: How It Was Built

The construction of the Guitar Shaped Hotel was a monumental task that required collaboration across engineering disciplines. Structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers worked together to overcome challenges like the curved design and airport height restrictions. The team used vibro compaction to prepare the site and installed 36,000 cubic yards of concrete for the foundation. Post-tensioned slabs were employed to achieve thinner floor plates, allowing for the guitar’s narrowing and widening shape. Sloped columns, reinforced to handle horizontal forces, were critical to maintaining the structure’s integrity .

Advanced technology played a key role in the project. Detailed 3D, 4D, and 5D models helped the team visualize logistics and manage costs. The exterior LED system, powered by a RealMotion 4 Karat Gold Series server, features 2.3 million lights that create dazzling visual effects. This system allows for real-time content management, enabling shows like the nightly light spectacles. Despite the complexity, the project was completed on time, opening in 2019 as a testament to modern engineering and design innovation .

Entertainment and Experiences

The Guitar Shaped Hotel is a hub for entertainment, offering something for everyone. The Hard Rock Live venue hosts over 100 shows annually, featuring artists like Tim McGraw, Cage the Elephant, and comedians like Jimmy Carr. The casino floor includes new games like craps and roulette, alongside retail sports betting kiosks. For nightlife, DAER Nightclub and Dayclub provide high-energy parties with top performers, while the resort’s bars and lounges offer relaxed settings for socializing .

One of the most iconic experiences is the Guitar Hotel Light Show, a nightly spectacle that illuminates the facade with choreographed music and lights. Shows range tributes to artists like Jennifer Lopez to classical music arrangements, all visible from the pool lagoon area. The resort also features The Oculus, a free show combining water, light, and sound, and various promotions like the $5,000,000 Summer Spin to Win casino event. These experiences ensure that every visit is memorable, whether guests are staying for a night or a week .

Booking Your Stay and Tips for Visitors

Booking a stay at the Guitar Shaped Hotel can be done through the official Seminole Hard Rock website or authorized travel platforms. The resort offers various packages, such as the Toast & Jam package with breakfast credits, and discounts for Florida/Georgia residents, AAA members, and military personnel. Unity by Hard Rock members receive exclusive rates and benefits, making it worth joining the loyalty program before booking. Rooms range from standard luxury rooms to swim-up suites and villas, with prices varying by season and availability .

Practical Tips

• • Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in starts at 4 PM ET, and check-out is at 11 AM ET. Early check-in is available upon request but not guaranteed.
• • Resort Fee: The daily resort fee of $45 covers Wi-Fi, pool access, fitness center, and other amenities.
• • Transportation: Use complimentary self-parking or valet services. Taxis and ride-shares are available 24/7.
• • Accessibility: Wheelchairs are available for rent, and motorized scooters can be arranged with advance notice.
• • Best Time to Visit: Weekdays offer quieter experiences, while weekends feature vibrant nightlife and events.

For the best deals, book during off-peak seasons or take advantage of resident discounts. Always confirm current promotions and event schedules when planning your trip .

Frequently Asked Questions