International . We ’ ve got to go big .” Allen believes that this $ 1.5 billion expansion elevates the Seminole Hard
Rock to a destination resort level .
“ The original facility was beautiful and we had a lot of success with it , but we wanted to create something that was more of an integrated resort — something more than just a locals casino ,” Allen explains . “ That was the goal , and the budget mirrored that thought process , and hopefully the guests will love it .”
Design and construction of such a building was complicated and timeconsuming . Strict Florida building codes — including a 450-foot height limit due to the flight path of nearby Ft . Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport and high wind resistance standards — had to be addressed .
Klai Juba Wald , which also designed the original Seminole projects in Hollywood and Tampa , brought in interior designers the Rockwell Group and landscape designers EDSA . They also retained New York-based DeSimone Consulting Engineers to put the puzzle together . Allen remembers a conversation with the founder .
“( Owner ) Vince DeSimone called me and told me I lost my mind ,” laughs Allen . “ But he did a great job as usual .”
DeSimone accomplished the difficult task , which at times required support columns at wildly different angles , so as much as 40 degrees .
The project completely changed even the existing Hollywood Hard Rock casino , which remained open throughout the three years of construction . The result is more than 1,400 rooms and suites , 195,000 square feet of gaming space , a 13.5-acre pool and lagoon experience with overwater cabanas , an ultraluxury spa and fitness center that spans 42,000 square feet , more than a dozen restaurants , multiple bars , an elegant spa and many other non-gaming amenities , including a new 7,000-seat live performance venue , Hard Rock Live .
Allen compliments the guests who continued to arrive despite construction barriers .
“ Our customers have been so loyal and tremendously supportive of what we do here ,” he says . “ But they were very patient . One day a wall was here , the next day it ’ s over there . We moved restaurants around , we moved roads . So to put all this major construction behind us is great for the property but more importantly for our guests .”
Detail-Oriented
Peck says the secret to the success of the Guitar Hotel was paying attention to details .
“ You have to get through approvals and the building department ,” he says . “ You have to make sure that the structural drawings are being met . You have to make sure that we ’ re not having dead-end corridors , because the shape of the tower requires a few other considerations .”
The siting of the building was determined by the height , which was limited due to FAA regulations . And the shape of the building determined how many rooms it would accommodate , with the goal of around 300 .
“ We took the floor plate , we systematically went from level 4 all the way
The existing casino floor at Hard Rock Hollywood was totally redesigned and expanded
If 7,000 seats can be called intimate , it ’ s the new Hard Rock Live ! theater
The standard room at Hard Rock Hollywood is anything but standard
up to 33 , and with that comes the number of keys ,” Peck says . “ But we go by modules , not necessarily keys . As we went up , we put a matrix together , and by way of the fluctuation of the guitar tower , when it goes from wide to narrow to medium — I call it the hips , and the waist and the shoulders .”
At the “ waist ” there are some spectacular suites with balconies , but on the top floor is where the real “ wow ” factor kicks in .
“ We have two pools and two suites on level 33 ,” he explains . “ The suites are probably over 3,000 square feet . They ’ re symmetrical , one side of the tower to the
18 CASINO STYLE 2019