'09/'10 Universal hotels

[passporterfan13]

I'm looking into a trip to Universal in late 2009/early 2010 for the opening of the HP park/area. Does anyone know of any affordable hotels in the area? Preferably with a shuttle to Universal because I would like to keep this as low-budget as possible as I will be in my final year of college.

I tried doing the internet search thing, but the hotel websites are so fancy that it's impossible to find what Im looking for, mainly rates in general. Most wont let me "book" anything farther out than March 09 so I can't even find out that way.

 

[damo]

check out the universal partner hotels. They have transportation but aren't onsite.


http://www.univacations.com/hotels/uph.asp

 

[passporterfan13]

Thanks

And unless Im mistaken you're a fan to. Good to know I'm not alone on here

 

[Bobo912]

I've stayed at the Doubletree at the entrance to Universal. It was a nice hotel and very convenient. There is a shuttle that comes two times in the morning and two times in the evening. I think there is also another shuttle late at night for people coming back from City Walk, but I'm not positive. The hotel is actually within walking distance. At high crowd volume times of the year, I think it's worth it to fork over the extra dough and stay on site for the FOTL access. To save money, I've done a three day/2 night trip, spending the first night at the Doubletree and then moving to the Hard Rock. That gave me two days FOTL access at the parks.

 

[damo]

Thanks

And unless Im mistaken you're a fan to. Good to know I'm not alone on here

AND a Canadian with kids in university!!!

 

[spiceycat]

if you are going during the opening of the HP area - definitely stay onsite.

there are going to be bunches of people.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I've stayed at the Doubletree at the entrance to Universal. It was a nice hotel and very convenient. There is a shuttle that comes two times in the morning and two times in the evening. I think there is also another shuttle late at night for people coming back from City Walk, but I'm not positive. The hotel is actually within walking distance. At high crowd volume times of the year, I think it's worth it to fork over the extra dough and stay on site for the FOTL access. To save money, I've done a three day/2 night trip, spending the first night at the Doubletree and then moving to the Hard Rock. That gave me two days FOTL access at the parks.

I couldn't agree more. I know it's not cheap but staying onsite is soooo nice and you can't beat the FOTL. It really changes the whole flavor of our park visits. I know it's hard to save money while still in school but if there's any way you could work a little extra here or there, you do have lots of time to save.

I also agree with the pp that the new HP area is going to bring in LOTS of huge crowds, just another reason to stay onsite. Even a 1 nt. stay will give you 2 full days of FOTL.

If you know for certain there's no way you can stay onsite, maybe try Hotwire in the Universal area. I personally wouldn't go below 2.5* or it may be really skanky.

 

[passporterfan13]

Thanks for the tips. Now I have another question for you. Which Universal hotel would you recomend? I've stayed at Royal Pacific, and loved it. I also understand it's the cheapest, but I think it'd be cool to stay at the Hard Rock.

 

[NurseW2Kiddies]

We have stayed at all three Universal Hotels on site. Didn't seem like the extra $$ we paid for Hard Rock or Portifino was worth it. Royal Pacific was great. Agree with everyone else about FOTL and on site. Will never stay off site again. We do stay somewhere else our arrival night since we get in a little later. We always bid on Priceline in the Universal area. We have never gotten a nasty place. Always bid 3* or above. Early the next AM we check in. Room may not be ready but you get your key with your FOTL passes. One night on sight gives you 2 days FOTL access. SWEET!!!

 

[Darcy03231]

We stayed at the Sheraton Studio City a couple of years ago which is half a mile away and very nice. I don't know about the shuttle as we rented a car. I paid $52/night on Hotwire.

We just got back from a 5 day stay at the Hard Rock! I will say that now we've stayed on-site I don't think I'll ever go back to off-site again. Loved the hotel, having the FOTL access and the easy walk over to the parks.