Quick Trip to the Hard Rock
📍 Tampa, Florida
Cover-Up || Swimsuit Top || Swimsuit Bottom || Sandals || Sunglasses || Similar Tote Bag
This is my favorite time of year in Florida! After a not-so-hard “winter” in the Sunshine State, we finally have returned to warm days. Since peak summer hasn’t fully hit, both the temperature and humidity level and pretty reasonable. I find myself saying “this is a really gorgeous day” every few hours. Because of that, I’m taking full advantage of the weather. Without even realizing it, I’ve been pool hopping at some of the best hotels in the Tampa Bay Area. The most recent visit was a quick trip to the newly renovated pool at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa with my mom. If you haven’t visited, you just need to see this one for yourself!
The Location
Located just east of downtown Tampa, the Seminole Hard Rock is an easy destination from anywhere in Tampa Bay or Greater Orlando. Currently, the Hard Rock Tampa is the 4th largest casino in the United States, but it didn’t start out that way. When it originally opened in 1982, it was just a small high-stakes bingo hall. This is because the land was given reservation status for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and they actually own the entire Hard Rock franchise. It may be because I’m a Florida State grad, but the tribe’s history absolutely fascinates me. As you explore the hotel, be sure to look for Seminole-inspired influences.
The Venue
As I get older, the more I appreciate a great resort pool. Sitting poolside gives me the Vitamin D I’m craving, without worrying about the beach. The chairs are provided for me, a frozen drink is just a few steps away, and it’s completely sand free. The Seminole Hard Rock pool did not disappoint! There were plenty of chairs, some even in the water. I always appreciate a good cabana or just a shadier spot to get away from the sun. Both were present. I especially loved eating at the Pool Bar. I ordered a Pina Colada (my go-to frozen drink)and chicken quesadilla. Both were delicious! A second pool was reserved for VIP guests. Sadly, I don’t fall into that category, but it looked perfectly serene.
The Evening
After a few hours of soaking up the Florida sun, don’t forget the SPF, we went back to our room to get ready for dinner. I wanted to really enjoy the evening with my mom, so the camera stayed in the hotel room. We wandered the gigantic gaming space, looking for any slot machine that caught our eye. I even got to walk away with $60 more than what I started with. Dinner at The Rez was simply delicious, but the highlight of the evening was probably lounging in my room afterward, snuggled in a robe. Seriously, isn’t that just the best feeling? From a social distancing stand-point… Marks are required, shared spaces are constantly being sanitized, and plastic shields help separate the machines and tables.
Whenever I talk about going to the Seminole Hard Rock with friends, I always give the disclaimer that I’m not much of a gambler. I have no qualms about throwing some cash into a Penny-Slot, but I definitely have a time limit. From fine dining, to events, and just great people watching, it’s nice to know that this casino offers so much more than slots and card tables. Book a room or get a day-pass and this stunning pool can be all yours!
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.