This blog post is sponsored by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

This past weekend we were invited by Hard Rock  Tampa to check out the new expansion to the hotel and our experience was beyond amazing.

We’ve been to Tampa at least 3 times before to go to Busch Gardens and we never thought about going for anything else than to visit this amusement park. Little did we know that going to Tampa and stay in the Hard Rock was like being in Las Vegas without even leaving Florida.

First, let’s talk about first impressions.

Few times we’ve been impressed with hotel lobbies but this one stole our hearts.

Been greeted by Elvi’s covered in gold piano was epic. Followed by one of his famous quotes, and then you just look-up to find a huge gold and sparkly chandelier. Fairytale from beginning to end.

Also, everyone that works in the hotel gives you a  star service since you take your suitcases from the car. They help you with the bags, the check-in and even the recommendations of things to do in the hotel and all around Tampa.

Paradise, I mean, the hotel room.

The room was very spacious and the minimalistic wooden look with some blue touches all around it. What we loved the most was the guitar details all over the bed and the pillows that by the way, were a dream to sleep in them. Super soft and makes you feel luxurious even in your sleep.

The bathroom was my favorite part, full of light to do your makeup, a huge mirror, and the perfect shower fixture to pair it all. 

Another great thing from our room was the huge wall-to-wall window with a view to the pool and part of the Tampa skyline.

We enjoyed waking up to the blue skies while we ordered our breakfast in the room.

Mimosas, cappuccinos, BBQ ribs and Belgian waffles were the perfect way to start the morning in Hard Rock.

Another thing to love about staying in the Hard Rock Hotel is how affordable it actually is. You can get rates from $175 around May 2020. Perfect to enjoy luxury without breaking the bank.

Cocktail O’Clock by the pool

We went to the pool area to get a little tan and many cocktails!

Pool Bar & Grill bar offers you a variety of cocktails and snacks that you’ll want to keep ordering.

We had the traditional mojitos by the pool but I really fell in love when I tried their frozen sangria margarita. Yeap, you read that right. If you are into frozen and gorgeous looking drinks, this one is for you.

Also, the cocktails are super affordable around $13. The cherry on top of a luxurious but affordable mini vacation.

we spent the rest of the afternoon resting on the pool chairs while we got a tan and some naps in between (and no, I’m not even sorry).

Hard Rock has three amazing pools and sometimes they throw some cool pool parties Las Vegas-style. We promised we would be back for it.

The Main Course at Cipresso.

And onto our favorite part about staying in the Hard Rock, the dining experience.

We decided to eat Italian at Cipresso which was only within a few steps from our room building. The restaurant is completely romantic. And we decided to seat in a corner booth to feel even cozier in the restaurant.

For starters, we ordered grilled octopus with sun-dried tomatoes (favorite)  and Burrata with an amazing bread that they bake at Cipresso. Of course, we had to pair it with a glass of Merlot.

For the main course, we ordered the best Lamb Chops I’ve ever had, which clearly I couldn’t resist because I didn’t even get a picture of it.  And a super juicy Filet Mignon that had a sweet taste to it. Totally recommended.

And top of the entire dinner, we ordered a perfect Tiramisu to share which of course had us wanting more, but you know, moderation (lol).

We had an overall great time at Hard Rock, not having to leave the hotel felt like a nice getaway where you don’t even need to think about what to do to have a good time.

If you want to see more of our experience, head to our Instagram @TwoOutsiders and check out our Highlight “Tampa” to see more of the dinner, the cocktails and fun times at our favorite hotel in Tampa.