Hard Rock or Royal Pacific???

macraven · Feb 15, 2015

Luvzmy3boys said:
Have not stayed at hard rock but stayed at RPR 2 yrs ago. Public spaces were nice and pool was ok, but the room (especially bathroom) needed refurbishing. Furniture and baseboards and walls were beat up. Did not seem like it was worth the price but maybe my expectations were too high.
We are going back to US in a few months and will likely stay at HR for proximity.

a lot of us noticed the conditions at the rpr rooms in the past.
now that they are refurbishing the entire hotel, it will become just the opposite.
all new furnishings and decor.
peeps are now starting to be booked in the new rooms and have good things to say about it.

it's all down to personal choice of which hotel is best for you.
if hrh is what you want, book it.
you'll have fun there.

Csaks · Feb 16, 2015

I guess we were there after the reno's because everything was great at RPR last fall. We found it faster to walk than wait for the water taxi, I wouldn't worry about the walk, it's not that bad in the grand scheme of things.

macraven · Feb 16, 2015

Csaks said:
I guess we were there after the reno's because everything was great at RPR last fall. We found it faster to walk than wait for the water taxi, I wouldn't worry about the walk, it's not that bad in the grand scheme of things.

the reno just started last month at rpr.
i think it was last week T1 was opened to new guests.

you might have received a room that didn't have furniture or carpet damage.
i get the same room most of my stays.
that room had the most knicked up dressers and stands.
i'm looking forward to a room with new furniture!

Csaks · Feb 21, 2015

Well, it was in great shape then. LOL
I forget the exact room, it was on the lowest floor, pet wing I believe. That was my only complaint, someone left their dog in the room and the poor thing was barking non stop the first day we were there. I knew we were in a pet area and they asked if we minded. Having a 90lb suck at home, any smell or hair wouldn't bug us and didn't think anything of it but the constant barking was a bit much. We said something to the front desk about the barking. They were great about it, offered to move us or send someone down to check on it but we decided after 24hrs of driving we'd see if it got any better when we came back from the parks. They must have either left or did something different with the pup the next day because we never heard it again. Personally can't understand bringing your dog to a theme park hotel but I guess different stokes for different folks.

EllieH1970 · Feb 22, 2015

Thank you all for your replies! I made the swtich to RPR. HRH was only about $200 more total, so not a significant difference. I feel much better about the location. Just told the TA that I really like the RPR pool and that is where we were staying so please switch us. She wasn't pleased and kept on about we probably wouldn't make our Harry Potter breakfast ressies staying elsewhere. :confused3

Yea, ok............ lol I am so excited! We are going the second week in June and can't wait to tell my son. pixiedust:

DPCummerbund · Feb 23, 2015

EllieH1970 said:
Just told the TA that I really like the RPR pool and that is where we were staying so please switch us. She wasn't pleased and kept on about we probably wouldn't make our Harry Potter breakfast ressies staying elsewhere. Yea, ok............ lol I am so excited! We are going the second week in June and can't wait to tell my son.

Add breakfast to the things your TA doesn't really understand... neither Three Broomsticks nor Leaky Cauldron really have reservations, as they're both Counter Service restaurants. Yes, you're guaranteed a place in line because of your package, but it's not really a reservation, so 5 minutes one way or the other makes no difference as long as you get there while they're still open for breakfast.

anniebean · Feb 26, 2015

I've stayed at HRH several times, and RPR once. Both are nice, but I like HRH much better. Staying there again in June.

phillymummer · Feb 28, 2015

What are YouFirst perks?

I am also debating between HR and RP. We are only staying one night and doing the parks both days, so the pool isn't even a concern. We're sleeping there and that's all. But it would be nice to be able top grab breakfast before we go on Sunday. We will be checking in very early, dropping off our bags, and heading to the park. I am wondering if the proximity to the parks really makes a difference (is worth the extra cost)? Have I read somewhere that RP has a breakfast cart or something?

anorman · Mar 2, 2015

We absolutely loved RP. We've stayed there twice with an upcoming third stay this August. You can't go wrong with this choice and the atmosphere of the resort is beautiful! The proximity to the parks is close to equal with RP nearest to IOA and HR closest to US. And, yes, the RP does have a quick breakfast offering your basic continental fair but is kind of pricey. You could always hit Burger King for breakfast in CW before hitting the parks.

macraven · Mar 2, 2015

at hrh, if the pool gate is locked, you would have to use the main walk way to the parks.
i'm talking about the gate that is near the food and bar area outside.
turn left from the outside door to go there.

the main walk way path that you take to get to the parks is around the pool.
turn left when you come out the back doors towards the gate.

if the shortcut path gate is locked, you won't be saving time or steps getting to the parks.

deciding on which hotel you stay at is different for everyone.
we all like something special about the places.

i go with rpr as i can get food after midnight without it being room service.
3 places open at late night besides tchoup chop.
a breakfast set up in the lobby each morning at orchid court lounge besides islands dining room.

i feel at home at rpr.
awesome lobby, never feel crowded as it is circular.
easy walk to city walk coming out at margaritaville.

i chose the hotel based on what it has to offer me.
the price is secondary, it doesn't do the make it or break it thought that some have due to budgets.

phillymummer · Mar 2, 2015

anorman said:
We absolutely loved RP. We've stayed there twice with an upcoming third stay this August. You can't go wrong with this choice and the atmosphere of the resort is beautiful! The proximity to the parks is close to equal with RP nearest to IOA and HR closest to US. And, yes, the RP does have a quick breakfast offering your basic continental fair but is kind of pricey. You could always hit Burger King for breakfast in CW before hitting the parks.

There's a BK in citywalk?! Oh yea.... that's probably where we will go! Here is another silly question.... do we HAVE to walk? Isn't there a bus or water taxi? Is walking actually faster? I have never stayed on-site and I have only been to IOA one time in the past 20 years and that was in 2010 (we drove from Disney and parked in the garage). So, I don't have a clear picture of anything in my mind.

macraven · Mar 2, 2015

good old standby burger king.
and Moes and Panda Express....

if you are staying onsite, it's a short walk to city walk from rpr.
you can take the water taxi from any of the hotels.
they all deposit the guests at the boat dock in city walk.

anorman · Mar 3, 2015

macraven said:
good old standby burger king.
and Moes and Panda Express....

if you are staying onsite, it's a short walk to city walk from rpr.
you can take the water taxi from any of the hotels.
they all deposit the guests at the boat dock in city walk.

We may have to check out Moes on our upcoming trip. We've eaten at Panda Express before but do they do breakfast?

macraven · Mar 3, 2015

from their site:

Burger King
Universal City Walk, Promenade Lev Orlando FL 32819
Hours (Opening & Closing Times):
6:00am - 11:00pm Weekdays, 6:00am - 1:00am Weekends

Phone Number: (407) 248-9769

Customer Service Email or Contact:
http://www.tellusaboutus.com/comments/commentform/burgerking.aspx

- See more at: http://www.hours-locations.com/burg...city-walk-promenade-lev/#sthash.W7pFpylj.dpuf

saskdw · Mar 3, 2015

We stayed at HRH in Dec. 2010 for 6 nights for the tail end of a 14 night split stay with WDW. Then we stayed at RPR for 10 nights in Dec. 2012 with no WDW that trip.

I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either place again.

Things that were better at HRH:

1) The rooms. The extra sq ft really makes a difference during an extended stay. The rooms at HRH felt Deluxe, where the RPR rooms were more of like a WDW Mod room.

2) The walk is shorter. Not a game changer, but its probably 5 mins where RPR is 8 mins. We like to go back and forth several times a day and it is a noticable difference on a 10 day trip doing the walk 6-8 times a day.

Things that were better at RPR:

1) I give the edge to RPR for lobby and overall appeal of the resort.

2) The pool. I felt more relaxed and like I was on vacation at the RPR pool. No real complaints about the HRH pool area, I just enjoyed RPR more.

3) The intangibles. I know on this forum RPR is more popular and has a stronger following than HRH. I think I understand why. It just has a better all-around vibe. We didn't get bad service at HRH, but I just felt more at home at RPR. It felt like the staff were friendlier.

The room size is really the only deterant for us at RPR. It probably wouldn't matter much for a short stay, but we are planning a minimum 10 night stay this Dec and right now leaning towards trying out the bigger and freshly refurbed rooms at HRH.

phillymummer · Mar 3, 2015

I went ahead and make a rezzie at RPR simply bc it is the cheapest. We won't be in the room or the resort long enough to really enjoy any of the amenities. Thanks everyone for the info!

bas71873 · Mar 4, 2015

saskdw said:
We stayed at HRH in Dec. 2010 for 6 nights for the tail end of a 14 night split stay with WDW. Then we stayed at RPR for 10 nights in Dec. 2012 with no WDW that trip.

I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either place again.

Things that were better at HRH:

1) The rooms. The extra sq ft really makes a difference during an extended stay. The rooms at HRH felt Deluxe, where the RPR rooms were more of like a WDW Mod room.

2) The walk is shorter. Not a game changer, but its probably 5 mins where RPR is 8 mins. We like to go back and forth several times a day and it is a noticable difference on a 10 day trip doing the walk 6-8 times a day.

Things that were better at RPR:

1) I give the edge to RPR for lobby and overall appeal of the resort.

2) The pool. I felt more relaxed and like I was on vacation at the RPR pool. No real complaints about the HRH pool area, I just enjoyed RPR more.

3) The intangibles. I know on this forum RPR is more popular and has a stronger following than HRH. I think I understand why. It just has a better all-around vibe. We didn't get bad service at HRH, but I just felt more at home at RPR. It felt like the staff were friendlier.

The room size is really the only deterant for us at RPR. It probably wouldn't matter much for a short stay, but we are planning a minimum 10 night stay this Dec and right now leaning towards trying out the bigger and freshly refurbed rooms at HRH.

I would add to your "HRH pros" list, the free in room fridge. We stop at the grocery store and get a few breakfast items (yogurts, bananas, power bars, etc), bottled water, maybe some OJ or other juice or drinks and some other snacks to save some time & money in the AM. Also, HRH's pool has a slide where RPR does not. For my DD, that's huge

saskdw · Mar 7, 2015

bas71873 said:
I would add to your "HRH pros" list, the free in room fridge. We stop at the grocery store and get a few breakfast items (yogurts, bananas, power bars, etc), bottled water, maybe some OJ or other juice or drinks and some other snacks to save some time & money in the AM. Also, HRH's pool has a slide where RPR does not. For my DD, that's huge

Our stay was in 2010, there wasn't a free fridge back then.

bas71873 · Mar 7, 2015

saskdw said:
Our stay was in 2010, there wasn't a free fridge back then.

Really? We were last there in 2009 and our room had one. We were concierge that time though? I have a queen delux booked for our June trip and it states that we will have a fridge.

DPCummerbund · Mar 7, 2015

HRH had its renovations last year, and all rooms now have a fridge instead of the paid mini-bar.

RPR is now in the middle of its renovations, and early reports state that the fridges are in place now there too, but the renovations won't be done for a while.

Hard Rock or Royal Pacific???

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