Hard Rock Hotel - London, Ontario

   If one searches for "Hard Rock Hotels", many are found, often in exotic locations like Davos, Bali and the Maldives. There is now one in London, Ontario in a location that some Londoners would describe, euphemistically, as "exotic",  and most Londoners probably know as much about it as they do about the one in the Maldives.
   There are a few reasons why the London Hard Rock Hotel is likely more of a mystery than a destination for locals, one of them being that there is not much local reporting any more. Norman De Bono, who wrote two of the articles below, can only do so much. If you never make it past the Aeolian Hall on Dundas, or if you have been hindered by construction, if arriving from the other direction, you might want to read what follows and see what you are missing. There are bars and restaurants, if you are not looking for a room. 
   It has been about seven months since it opened and some skeptics assume that such a glamorous facility might be experiencing grim times during these times which are rather grim. I am pleased to report that that is not the case, as this recent article indicates: " 'Elbows Up' Boosts London Tourism: City Sector Having a Strong Year Due to New Draws, Waning Visits to U.S. Observers Say," Jonathan Juha, London Free Press, Nov.1, 2025.
   "London, however, isn't only benefiting from Canadian travellers. The city also has seen strong numbers of travellers from outside the country, with the new Hard Rock Hotel - also at 100 Kellogg Lane - proving a major draw.
   "For us, we've seen a great summer," said Brendon Ainscow, general manager of the hotel, which this summer was named by Forbes Travel Guide one of the Top 11 new hotels to visit around the world.
  "We were even a little bit surprised with the number of guests that we did see coming in from the U.S. and from outside of Canada," he added.
  "Hard Rock is quite a recognizable international brand, so that's really helped us to become an attraction that's brought in people not just from outside of Ontario, but from outside of the country."
   Ainscow said the hotel also has been boosted by Canadians willing to spend their dollars on this side of the border."

   Buy Canadian and Stay Canadian!  "Half Way Between Detroit and London", as the t-shirt says, now there is a place to stay.

Note: If you have made it this far, but don't want to read the rest, just skip to the YouTube videos at the bottom to see what the Hard Rock Hotel has to offer. 

Located East of Adelaide

  Here is a brief timeline, indicating when the Hard Rock Hotel came to London, and culminating with a description of what has resulted.

2021 - "Hard Rock Comes to Town: Music -themed Hotel Planned for Former Kellogg's Cereal Plant, Site, Norman De Bono, Jonathan Juha, London Free Press, January 16, 2021."London will be home to the first Hard Rock Hotel in Canada."

2024 - Hard Rock Hotel: 'Final Piece' in 100 Kellogg Lane Puzzle, Norman De Bono, London Free Press, Dec. 24, 2024, [Christmas Eve!]
   "London's Hard Rock Hotel is in the final stage of construction, a 164-room upscale development that will push the total investment into 100 Kellogg Lane to more than $100 million."

2025 - The Grand Opening
   "Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, Officially Opens Its Doors," PR Newswire, April 21, 2025.
   "Canada's First Hard Rock Hotel takes center stage at 100 Kellogg Lane as locally-owned property celebrates its opening day and welcomes first guests."

  Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel is officially open for business. Located within 100 Kellogg Lane, Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario is part of Canada's largest indoor entertainment complex and sits in the heart of London's Old East Village, just minutes from the Western Fair District and a short drive from downtown.

    The 164-room luxury destination celebrated its opening day with owners, local leaders and VIP guests, including John Rees, Senior Vice President of Hotels at Hard Rock International. "I was so pleased to join the local team to celebrate the first-ever Canadian Hard Rock Hotel, where music, entertainment and hospitality will come together to create truly unforgettable guest experiences," said Rees. "We are proud to be able to share the iconic energy of the Hard Rock brand with guests in the region and from across the globe."

"The property will help strengthen London's economy, and its culture and tourism industries, and is perfectly positioned within Canada's only UNESCO City of Music," said hotel General Manager, Brendon Ainscow. "As a Londoner, I couldn't be more proud and excited to see our city officially become home to Canada's First Hard Rock Hotel. With the addition of this hotel, London is strengthening its role as an international hub for music and culture. Our local team of over 100 employees are ready to welcome visitors from Southwestern Ontario and across the globe."

In addition to specialty suites offering floor-to-ceiling windows, and family-style guestrooms featuring separate rooms with bunk beds, the property offers ultra-luxurious rockstar and terrace suites and a range of unique amenities, including:

   -- An indoor/outdoor pool, where guests can enjoy cabana seating,    poolside cocktails, gourmet bites, and a state-of-the-art underwater sound system. 

 

   -- The signature Hard Rock GMT lobby bar, and Sessions restaurant,
  with creative culinary experiences. 

 

   -- A 1913 speakeasy, with mixologist driven, and thoughtfully inspired 

      cocktails that give an ode to the history of 100 Kellogg Lane
with cereal infused libations and traditional speakeasy styles. 

 

   -- The Rock Shop, where exclusive Hard Rock merchandise and 

souvenirs  can be purchased.

 

   -- Iconic music memorabilia from legends like Shania Twain, 

Gord Downie and more. 

 

   -- Valet parking. 

Visit hotel.hardrock.com/london-ontario for more information.

About the Hard Rock Hotel, London, Ontario Property

    "Hard Rock and Dora Hotel Company collaborated with award-winning BBB Architects and Interiors to create a music-infused sensory experience for the guests at this boutique hotel. Upon arrival, a 32-foot-high sculptural metallic guitar, handcrafted in London, Ontario, marks the entrance for a grand porte-cochere, which combines a theatrical light show and surround sound immersive musical experience. The grand lobby combines elements of the historic Kellogg brick building with new stone tile, multiple skylights, and displays of significant musical memorabilia themed to London's history and Canada's contribution to the world music scene.

The hotel features 164 exquisitely designed guest rooms and specialty suites offering floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the vibrant energy within the complex. Family-style guestrooms featuring separate rooms with bunk beds sure to delight all ages, while the signature Rock Star Suite features a plush living area and bar, exclusive music-inspired touches, and high-end amenities like a private kitchenette, perfect for entertaining in your own one-of-a-kind retreat.

Guests and locals will discover innovative culinary and beverage concepts, including GMT-5 bar, Sessions Restaurant & Bar, and a unique speakeasy appropriately named after the year the Kellogg's Factory opened -- 1913. The mixologist driven bar will feature cereal infused libations as an ode to the venue's history.

At Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, music is at the heart of every guest experience. The Sound of Your Stay(R) program invites travelers to connect with music in immersive ways, from streaming expertly curated playlists with Tracks(R) to spinning classic vinyl on Victrola record players with Wax(R) or playing a premium guitar delivered to your room with Picks(R).

Wellness also finds its rhythm here. The signature Rock Om(R) program blends yoga with DJ-curated soundtracks for on-demand, in-room sessions that inspire balance and relaxation. Guests seeking a more dynamic workout can visit the Body Rock(R) Fitness Centre, fully equipped with Technogym equipment and energizing playlists. After an invigorating workout, the indoor/outdoor pool provides the perfect place to recharge, complete with an innovative underwater sound system that keeps the music flowing - even below the surface.

  

Pets are also part of the experience, with the Unleashed program offering thoughtful amenities for four-legged family members, further positioning Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, as a destination for all."

Videos:

Hard Rock Hotel, Jenelle Nicole (10 min.)

Inside Canada's First Hard Rock Hotel (6min.) "gunnarolla" (Andrew Gunadie).

The Bonus:
   Located next door, Paradigm Spirits won the grand prize at the Canadian Whisky Awards in 2024. For additional details, see "Local Booze."