You're A Rockstar, Baby Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara

OK, not only do I have a hotel "problem" but I'm a rock and roll junkie too. I found the perfect way to feed both obsessions in a single stay.

As you would expect from a Hard Rock Hotel, the lobby is loud, colorful and the giant screens behind the front desk, on a rock video loop, let you know you've arrived.

There's so many really cool things here I'm not sure where to start so I'll begin with the first place I explored; the roof. I know, I know, normal people would go to their room first but I've never been accused of being normal and there's a bar up there.

Being in the middle of Guadalajara, the view is pretty good from up here and the pool looks inviting. Check out this video to get an idea (disregard floating head guy).

Arriving to my room was sort of an event. When I put the key card in the wall slot a whole bunch of stuff happened. The music stared, the under bed mood lighting came on and the window shade sprang to life. It's at this point you start to notice stuff...the details we all know and love about a good hotel. The guitars embroidered on the pillow cases, the clever word play using rock and roll lyrics on available amenities...but the best is that everything is controlled by the touch screen next to the bed! Well, except for the under bed lighting. That comes on exactly when you need it to. I usually hate when things are smarter than me but this is super convenient! (and there's so many things smarter than me that I'm not going to start holding grudges now). Take a peek at my arrival video...

All of this sensory overload and I haven't had a drink yet. Even that had to wait. I was hungry. A table at Sessions, the restaurant terraced above the lobby was just the ticket (sorry, geeky concert metaphor). Look, I wasn't expecting much; it was a weird time of day (like 1230pm), the restaurant was empty and the staff was busy preparing for the lunch rush to begin just after 2pm. I couldn't have been more wrong. I started with a Romance Salad (what can I say, I'm a romantic). When it arrived not only was it pretty, not only did it taste amazing but the service competed at a Michelin standard. I mean, Mexican service levels are some of the highest on the planet but this impressed even me...and I can be a, well, a bitch (in expectation...never to a waiter). The main course "Luchita's" Cuisine? Holy smokes...here's some pics, you'll get it.

Now that I was fed I needed to work. The free wifi was easy to connect to and quick making it a really productive afternoon. Once that was done I really needed to get to my favorite place in Guadalajara...Sergio Bustamante's studio/gallery in Tlaquepaque. He's a Mexican artist/jeweler whose pieces I've been collecting since the early 80's - they were cheaper then. Here's his website: www.coleccionsergiobustamante.com.mx

As is the norm for me, I didn't have a lot of cash. Uber isn't prevalent and you can't use credit cards in taxis. I went to explain my dilemma to the concierge. In no time they had me in an Uber equivalent and charged (including tip) to my room. The driver was so awesome she came with me to the gallery. We had some great laughs.

Back at the hotel I decided I'd waited long enough for that drink. UTC6 Lobby Bar put an immediate end to the angst. The Grey Goose Cosmos were the perfect way to round out the day.

If a journey of yours ever takes you to Guadalajara don't pass up the opportunity to be treated like a rockstar. Book yourself a room at Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara.

Please leave a comment about your love of travel, your own travel experiences or your favorite boutique hotel (or any hotel, really)...I'd love to hear from you.

Check out the photo gallery on the home page for more pics.