Hard Rock hotel not just for music lovers

JAKARTA (JP): Ever dreamed of being a lead singer in a band and recording your own CD?

Fantasy can become reality at the Hard Rock Cafe Beach Club in Bali, a hotel scheduled to open in May. It will provide a recording studio -- the Boom Box -- along with a band for the recording.

The Hard Rock Cafe Bali, formerly located in Jl. Legian, will also be part of the compound in Jl. Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas in Kuta.

"Bali will soon become home to the world's first Hard Rock Beach Club when the hotel starts its operations," the hotel's executive producer, Joseph Zitnik, said.

Development of the US$70 million resort proves Bali has not lost its charm as the nation's main tourist destination.

Zitnik said the hotel management was committed to adapting the Hard Rock theme. A huge video wall, scores of Hard Rock memorabilia and a raised stage for concerts will adorn the hotel's lobby.

Its 417 rooms will be divided into several wings, each of them styled and named after six musical themes: alternative, blues, jazz, pop, psychedelic and rock n' roll.

Each room will also be equipped with ceiling-mounted televisions and a video jukebox with access to music videos -- including the Hard Rock Cafe's performances, movies and computer games.

There will also be an in-house independent radio station and the island's largest free form pool with a unique sand island stage in its center.

Families are also a target market. Parents can leave their children under the care of the L'il Rock Club when they have other activities on their agenda. (ste)