$1.5bn project complete

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, has opened a new hotel. The facility varies greatly from traditional hotels, as it has been built in the shape of an electric guitar.

the property is 450 feet tall and boasts more than 600 guest rooms

Known as the Guitar Hotel, the property is 450 feet tall and boasts more than 600 guest rooms. The project cost $1.5bn to complete and is so large, it is visible from the air as far away as Fort Lauderdale.

Accommodations and entertainment

The guitar-shaped hotel is home to hundreds of guest rooms, as well as a new concert and event hall. Hard Rock Live offers seating for around 6,500 guests and has been designed like a clam shell. The first act to perform in the venue will be Maroon 5.

Hard Rock Live offers seating for around 6,500 guests and has been designed like a clam shell

The unique shape of Hard Rock Live creates an intimate setting for guests. The furthest distance from the stage to the back wall is only 164 feet. Visitors can choose to purchase tickets for traditional seating or ‘the couches’, a premium spot with a nonstop cocktail service.

Along with the unique entertainment space, guests will find The Oculus. This is a unique installation that features water, fire, and technology, all choreographed together with music.

Hotel guests will also have access to additional amenities, including 19 restaurants. The Oculus Bar and revamped Council Oak are among the newest additions. The property is also home to the new Rock Spa and Salon Oasis, featuring salt rooms and saunas.

Unique idea

The design of the Guitar Hotel is based on the curves of an electric guitar. The idea to design the hotel in this shape was conceived in 2007. Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, made a comment to an architect and the plan grew from there.

Allen recalled the moment, saying: “I said in a passing comment to one of our architects, ‘We should shape it like a huge guitar.’ That was the first chapter and here we stand today.”

Larger expansion

According to VSO News, the new Hollywood casino hotel was built on the site of the former Hard Rock Café Hollywood. The café was moved into a building beside the casino so construction could begin.