What is it that everyone wants from a vacation? If I had to guess, I’d say some R&R, great food, a little bit of entertainment, and maybe even a thrill or two to make the trip really memorable.

South Florida is dotted with places that can offer one or two of these requirements, but there’s no one-stop shop quite like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida—just 20 minutes from Miami.

Inside the Seminole Hard Rock

It’s like a playground for grown-ups—there’s always something to look at and always something fun to do.

This entertainment complex has got it all: the largest casino in Florida, a state-of-the-art European spa, a variety of restaurants and lounges to suit every taste and dining style, and several shops.

Overhead, a 12-story hotel tower looms, and the incredible 4.5-acre lagoon-style pool just outside is a true sight to be seen.

Not only does the pool house a 182-foot-long slide built into a huge rock formation, but there’s also an outdoor bar and elevated spa.

Feel like splurging? Rent a traditional covered “chickee,” a private cabana that’s decked out with a refrigerator, TV, phone, ceiling fans, and lounge chairs. Bliss!

What to Do

On this particular trip, I spent an afternoon lounging poolside with a couple of yummy cocktails, before trying my hand at the slot machines and lunching at the Hard Rock Café.

Whether visitors indulge in all the luxuries or choose to just wander the grounds, there’s plenty to take in. Scope out the impressive architecture, people-watch the outdoor restaurant patios that are packed with patrons, and scour the walls dripping with classic rock ‘n roll memorabilia.

Like a classy touch of Sin City in the heart of the Sunshine State, visitors will find a grown-up Disney World at the Seminole Hard Rock.

Costs

Room rates at the hotel start at $100.

Travellers not staying at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel can enjoy the pool facilities by renting a day bed ($35 to $100) or chickee hut ($100 to $350).

Anyone—hotel guests or otherwise—can dine at the Seminole Hard Rock’s many restaurants or try their hand at the casino. How much you spend there…well, that’s up to you and Lady Luck.