What is there to do for late arrivals at hard rock hotel?

[cottontail]

Hello:

The first day we will be arriving around 4 p.m., is there something besides swimming that we can do in that area without using a day pass to universal, visit shops, outlet shopping or go to city walk ? We have never been so I do not know what is there. Thanks,

Deb.

 

[Tony M]

I am a local(Tampa resident) and like to do weekend jaunts to Orlando. I like to pay for that extra night before(Friday) just so that I can relax and take in the entire experience. I leave early from work but we still do not arrive to check-in until after 5:00pm. I have tried the early check-in where you arrive before the park opens(Saturday) at HRH just to receive a "Room Key" to receive all of the FOTL perks, but ended up finding that a full day at the park and only spend Saturday Night there is just too exhausting to ENJOY myself thoroughly. Check out is too early to enjoy a good night's rest and to see all that HRH or the Universal resort(excluding theme parks) has to offer. I feel rushed and don't get the full value of the room rate. Besides, with the discounts that you can find from others on this site or by using discount travel websites(expedia, etc.), the extra night doesn't really "cost" more than the un-discounted singel night stay.
Anyway, to answer you question specifically...
Yes, there is plenty to do after a 4:00pm arrival.
Citiwalk can be enjoyed before primetime with no admission/cover charges. You won't be able to see the Clubs hoppin' but you can see the themeing and even partake in a beverage or two(Don't try more than two Hurricanes at Pat O'Brien's without a designated Driver or a room on site, even then, bring knee pads as the crawl to your room can seem pretty far on hands and knees.) Even if Adult Beverages is not your thing there is still plenty to do.
Citiwalk is a happening street party outside of the Clubs and you can have just as much fun outside. Citiwalk also has several shops, dining venues and even a 20 screen cineplex. Another fun thing to do is to take the boat ride offered to resort guests to the other resorts. Explore Portifino or even Royal Pacific(if it is open yet). Play in their pools and see what they have for fun/enjoyment.
If you are visiting in Summer Months, they may[/] have Fireworks. Not a guarantee, so check this site or the "official" site to see the schedule. From the HRH's parking lot(which is next to Universal) you can see the aerial portion as well as from inside the park.
HAVE FUN

 

[cottontail]

Hi Tony, thank you that is exactly what I was looking for. My problem is my low dollar, I have called down and got a price of l55 for a deluxe room before tax, so about 170, that is approx. $276.00 canadian, would like to get a garden view at 125 but they had none. These are with entertainment card.

I agree with what you say about one day being a rush, that is what my family wants is a bit of a rest and not a rush, even if we do one day at the parks, the night before to look around.

Have you been in a deluxe room, are they worth the extra money or should I keep trying for the garden view. Thanks,

Deb.

 

[gschmerl]

Cottontail,
It depends on how many people you have in your party. The deluxe rooms are bigger. If you don't need the extra room, then go for the cheaper one.