I absolutely love this hotel. It is worth just staying in this hotel to get the express pass for Universal. I loved it so much we are going back to Florida for our honeymoon and this is definitely where I am going to book. It is a brilliant hotel and to be honest I am finding it hard to fault it. The drinks are a little on the expensive side but that is my only gripe. The water bus and closeness to the park make it a winner. If location is important to you i.e. it is so close to Universal then this is the hotel for you. Another bonus is there is never a mention of a time share (thank god), I have stayed in other hotels in Florida and have been pestered before !!! Brilliant hotel and I can't wait to go back

First, the facts:This Hard Rock is on-site. It's a 5 minute walk  to Universal studios -10 to Islands of Adventure. Your room key acts as a credit card throughout the theme parks and all of City Walk (except theater). All charges to your room. Purchases can be delivered at no charge. The best part? It is an express pass on all rides (except Rockit Rollercoaster and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey). It also gets you into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-all of this section of the park - 1 hr before the park regularly opens. If you really want your wand to pick you or must enjoy a breakfast pumpkin juice, you will want to stay at this hotel. 
There are 2 other hotels on- site.Hard Rock is the best because it is so accessible. When you're soaked from the water rides , you will be glad you chose this hotel.
Price: Not as cheap as some off-site hotels.  I have gotten a deal 2 ways . The first, I book my room early- 6 months out or more. This way I have a room during peak times. Then I watch their website for specials. Hard Rock has always honored any discount if I booked with them on a regular room rate. I always ask for a room upgrade on check-in. It's a 50/50 thing but if they aren't too full, it can happen.
The other way is frequent flier miles . More airlines are offering this perk . Use your miles or split cash/miles. I've been able to stay for "free" the past 2 trips using miles (miles DO have a cash value but not dishing out anything for the room is wonderful ). Just don't get carried away with that handy room key/credit card option!
Finally, the hotel accommodations . The beds are comfortable and the rooms are jazzy . Watch an evening movie with the kids at poolside. The staff is excellent . From the front desk to the guy manning the pool towels. People are friendly and offer to help. It's our choice every trip.

My family was recently here for 3 days as part of a Universal package and we really enjoyed the hotel. The rooms are fine, nothing special but clean and comfortable. The food at the hotel was quite good and reasonably priced for a resort hotel. One day we spent at a cabana by the pool and the kids had a wonderful time playing in the pool and riding the slide over and over and over! The water taxi is very convenient and offers a fun alternative to the 15 minute walk or so to the parks and city walk.

We stayed at the hardrock 2 nights and really enjoyed it. Easy to get to Universal. Clean and nice rooms. The only complaint was slow service at the pool. (could be the time we went November)