Coming from Vidanta to the Hard Rock is quite revealing. This is a nice all-inclusive hotel with OK food, OK service and very dated rooms. We upgraded to get an expanded balcony, but using it was not really possible during the day because they were literally jack-hammering right under us. Hard to have that glass of wine or a drink on the balcony under those strange conditions. I know they have to do maintenance, but jack-hammering is huge. I have to say it really, really bothered me and compromised our stay.
I travel pretty extensively for work so I can see a basic hotel room when I see it, and that's what this upgraded room was -- a Hilton Garden Inn room. But what was strange is that instead of a small sofa or seating area, there's a large jetted tub. Maybe everyone else uses it, but I'd have preferred a small place to lounge in the room, but they only have a couple of straight-back chairs. The bed was very comfortable, and the room was immaculate. As a a point of information, there is only one bedside charging station attached to the Ipad.
The beach and the pool were great except for the jack-hammering much of the day at the pool. Some folks were completely unaffected by it. It got on all of my nerves. They moved us to a beach-side cabana as an accommodation, and I greatly appreciated that. The staff is well-trained, very courteous and highly responsive to guest needs.
The food was plentiful but it was what it was. Very basic. The drinks were plentiful, but you need to remember to tip bartenders and waiters for better service. We were hear about 10 years ago and I have very fond memories. I think they just need to invest a bit to update the place and it will be fine again.