For the room key, it is just a plastic white card the size of a charge card. There's no hole punched in it.
We went to
Walmart and purchased those clear plastic little I.D. pouches for 97 cents. They had a long black string that you wear around your neck that has velcro at the back of the neck so you can take it off over your head or just pull the velcro apart. The little clear pouch was a lifesaver! It keeps your hands totally free and you don't have to be searching through a purse or pocket. It zips open and shut. I could keep my Room Key in there to just lift and show the line attendant as we entered the Express Pass Entrance for the next ride. I also kept my photo I.D. there when we flew on the plane and my credit card, cash, and Universal Studios Ticket to get in. Remember when you ride the rides, especially the Mummy, to tuck the clear I.D. pouch in under your sweatshirt, or it might fly off. I doubt it, but anything's possible!
I highly recommend it! My 2 teen girls loved it also!
As for room assignment at the Hard Rock Hotel, don't let them put you anywhere near an elevator. You will hear the continuous "Ding Ding" all through the night.
We had a beautiful Pool View in room #6128. It was near the end of a long hall. I think being at the end of a hall is your best bet for quiet. We found this hotel to have paper thin walls. If you are there for a slow time of year, see if you can ask to be placed where there is no one next to your room. It's worth asking.
Have fun!
Pomcoach
