Photo: courtesy Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
An architectural wonder soaring 450 feet into the sky opens this weekend in Hollywood, Florida.
The world’s firstGuitar Hotel, an ambitious expansion of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, is designed to resemble back-to-back guitars, complete with guitar faces, illuminated strings, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels dazzling the landscape.
“We created this unique hotel because the guitar is a symbol of music worldwide for any person of any background,” Drew Schlesinger, Vice President of Hotel Operations, and an industry executive noted for opening new properties, tells PEOPLE during an exclusive tour.
courtesy Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
“Since the guitar is an iconic symbol for the Hard Rock, we embraced its unique shape and form to create a narrative that begins at ground level,” Craig A. Stoner, Associate Principal of EDSA, a firm that designs outdoor spaces that work in conjunction with nature, tells PEOPLE. “When guests arrive they discover a layered, lush and dynamic resort environment that transforms into an experience that changes around every corner, and allows for events, interaction and ultimately excitement.”
Rockwell collaborated with WET, a water feature design firm that created the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, to build The Oculus, a sight and sound extravaganza, combining elements of water, fire and technology with waterfalls that change color in a constant series of floor-to-ceiling shows all choreographed to music. (There is an infinity pool in its center.)“When guests arrive via our new grand entranceporte cochèrethey will be immediately entranced with a synchronized show which changes each hour,” says Schlesinger.
At night, the lights and music work together to create a jaw-dropping experience that should fascinate visitors of all ages. “Nothing in Las Vegas comes close to this—not the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, or the fountains at Bellagio,” he continues.
Adjacent to the Guitar Hotel is the new seven-story, 168-room Oasis Tower, a suite hotel with eight swim-out terraces featuring large private pools. The 1500-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment-style suites are designed with lots of marble, sexy Japanese soaking tubs, two separate German made Speakman showers, and a large living and dining space.
While touring the hotels and new attractions, there is always something more, something grander to see. In addition to celebrity photos of the late Amy Winehouse and other performers gracing most public area walls, there are constant videos shown at elevator banks of musicians and entertainers like Mick Jagger chatting with Bruce Springsteen.
On the third floor, is the new 42,000-square foot Rock Spa & Salon is a fully immersive music-centric spa utilizing amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation of its relaxing treatments. Three spacious couples suites offer three-hour spa sessions with champagne-filled whirlpool baths, exotic fruit and truffles.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Hollywood
The finishing touch?, the resort is presenting a newer, more modern version of Hard Rock Live, a $125 million, 225,000-square-foot entertainment space with nine VIP suites for private show experiences.
“I live for this,” marvels Schlesinger after seeing the new complex come together. “I open properties for companies but this is unique. I compare it to rock climbing. When I get to the top I feel euphoric. Opening the Guitar Hotel and this expansion gives me the same rush!”
Visitseminolehardrockhollywood.comfor more information and reservations.
source: people.com
