Best/cheapest way to book Universal on-site hotel?

[AlexJB]

Morning Everyone,

At the moment I'm just getting a trip booked up for summer; we are staying 4 nights at Universal, and 6 at Disney. I'm planning on booking Disney through their website as we are getting a good deal with the dining plan and the passes included; so now I'm just wondering where the best place is to book Universal accommodation? We're hoping to stay in the Royal Pacific, and I know it's not the cheapest hotel around, so would like to try and get the best deal possible on it.

At the moment I've considered expedia, or the hotels website directly (but this involves paying the majority on check out, which could work out as more expensive depending on what the exchange rate does). I'm not sure if any packages are available including park tickets, at the moment it seems better to purchase these separately on the Universal website?

Any help/advice would be gratefully appreciated!

 

[fuse04]

Universal are doing a stay for more offer which will probably be the best rate just checked for 01/08 to 05/08 which works out at $714 inlcuding tax.

When booking direct with universal the other benefit is that if you see they have a cheaper rate you can which to that rate without penalty.

Other options include annual passholder discount and if going for 4 night might be wrth getting one AP to get redcued rate which for same dates is $516 (plus the copst of a AP). AP also gives you a number of other discounts on food and gifts

 

[rpbert1]

Never found it cheaper than booking direct, and like PP said if they bring out deals cheaper than what you have booked [ as long as its not a Pkg with them i.e B&B or WWHP ] you can change to the cheaper rate.
AP would be way to go , especially with discounts on buying tickets for others in your group and Food and merchandise discounts, also would be worth trying an extra day at Universal as can work out as cheap as 4 nights with the extra discount.
Once you book ,just keep checking prices.

 

[wayneg]

Expedia are a bit expensive for Universal, just checked our 4 days in August (4th-8th) £760, direct with Universal its $990(£650) or with AP $760(£500) AP rate is only £15/night more to stay at Portofino Bay, that would cost £560.
At £150 AP saving its worth buying one, unlimited admission for a year with free parking and discounts.
Thankfully I booked when they had a glitch on the system at $152+ tax, so costing me $684(£450) unless a better AP rate comes out, checking every day.

 

[AlexJB]

Thanks everyone. When you say direct, do you mean through universals website, or on the site of the royal pacific? Also, how does the AP discount work? Should I purchase the AP first and then book?

Thanks again

 

[rpbert1]

Does not matter , i usually call the Loews number 001-866-563-9792
Just book with AP discount, you will not need it till you get there, you can collect it after you checkin and just show it later . And if you see a better rate dont bother ordering one.
Do not order AP until just before departure, in case you see a better rate

 

[wayneg]

To find AP rates goto their site http://www.loewshotels.com/en/booking/newbooking.aspx?h=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR&sk=uo
Drop box to Promotion and in Code type APH this will give you AP rates.