I kinda feel inferior responding here...(I rarely say "money is not an issue", even on those rare occasions when it really isn't...),
BUT...The convenience that staying onsite offers makes the pricing well worth it, (IMHO!)The Hard Rock Hotel is so close to the Universal Studios, you can hear a Minion sneeze! (Well, if the loud music wasn't on, you probably could.
...) And pretty much the same for Royal Pacific. Portofino is absolutely beautiful! There is no bad choice...they are all awesome. They all have super restaurants...The staff at Royal Pacific has spoiled us in so many ways.
Pamper yourselves if you can and go for Concierge Level..even a suite/villa if you want, but the proximity to the parks-(and City Walk) is what keeps us coming back year-after-year!
..AND...I guess I gotta throw this out there too...We had a flat tire on our rental a few weeks ago, and the flippin' manager at HRH came out, rolled up his sleeves, and helped me change the tire...(said he didn't want me to hafta lose "park time" going back to the room to cleanup and change!..). I'm too spoiled!