1rst trip! Please tell me allllll about PB?

[jacksmom]

We are just begining to plan a trip to Vero Beach then US for this summer! We have been to WDW many times, but never to Universal! We are thinking about PB?? It will be me, dh and ds(7). We would love to know as much about this resort as possible! I would love info on pools, cabanas, restaurants, room views, balconies? I have seen pictures on the universal site, but any pictures elsewhere? Would love to hear some reviews! Thanks for any info!!!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Here are some photos.
http://www.usoinfo.com/PhotoGallery/Portofino/PortofinoBayHotel/index.html

Here is a start on room info.
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=669284

 

[jacksmom]

Thanks sooo much! Those pictures are great!

 

[Staceysmom2004]

We just returned from our first trip to Universal and we stayed at the PBH. The PBH was wonderful. We stayed Club Level and we really loved it. The breakfast was terrific, the service was great. Everyone at the hotel was super friendly. It is probably not that great for small children, but we had two 17 year olds with us and they loved it. It was quiet and relaxing. My only disappointment was not with the hotel but with Universal and IOA. We had been to Disney two times and we were definitely disappointed with the Universal theme parks. After hearing all of the positive comments about Universal before we went, we were very surprised when we got there. The rides are not the caliber of Disney's, with some of them being way too short. My DD was so disappointed, that she wondered if all the positive Universal and IOA comments on the internet were made by employees of Universal just to make Disney look bad. We really preferred the Disney atmosphere. We saw very few characters at Universal or IOA and there just wasn't the same feel and City Walk (to use my daughter's discription) sucked compared to DD Disney.

All in all we would definitely stay at PBH again, but we would not waste our money on Universal or IOA again. Disney is far superior.

 

[Antonia]

We stayed at RPR, but took an afternoon to swim at PB. There is a fun pool with a great slide that your son will love. There is the villa pool that I think your son will like, but that probably you and DH will love. It is so elegant and peaceful. Tall towering palm trees lining the pool area. I can't wait to go back to that pool!

Also, I beg to differ with the poster who was disappointed with the US parks. No, they are not Disney. But they are great parks with great rides. We have always felt so relaxed with our vacations at US, because we get FOTL we can take our time in the parks and not waste time standing in lines. The you have so much more time to relax at your resort and enjoy the pool, etc. US provides for a much more relaxing vacation than does WDW and I did both for one week each this past summer.

 

[dash]

The first time DH and I stayed at PBH, we loved it!!!! The rooms are very large, especially compared to Disney hotels, and we had a view of the waterway. The bathroom has its own speaker system, so you can listen to italian music while getting ready. At this time, the hotel was relatively new. The second time we returned to US, we split our stay between club level at RPR (soon after it opened) and a room at PBH (again facing the waterway). We weren't as enamored with PBH this visit, in part because we loved our stay at RPR, but still enjoyed our stay. The pools at PBH are fantastic- I love the hot tubs (both the one that is hot and the one that is tepid). We also enjoyed bringing a pizza back to our room from Sal's and going for ice cream at the shop on site. PBH furthest from the parks, but it is a nice walk if you enjoy walking or you can take the bus or boat. Also, you can't beat the FOTL perk!

As for the US parks...
True, they are not Disney and are not as immaculate as Disney parks, but the theming of IOA is incredible! For example, Jurassic Park is like being in the movie! Also, Universal Studios is interesting- walking through Central Park, San Francisco, Amityville etc.

Have a great trip!!!!