Best off-sites for Universal/IOA stay?

[kellymarch]

We have so far stayed on-site at Disney properties with our 2 kids. Just got back & enjoy the immersion experience. We will probably stay at least one night at a Loews hotel at Universal mostly for the early-entry to Hogwarts. What do you recommend for a great off-site stay over there? Nearby restaurants, shopping, etc? Totally new to this as we have not been to Universal since 1992--long before we were doing family vacations!

 

[Robbi]

Do you mean a Universal onsite but offsite from WDW? I'm confused.

If you want onsite, the Royal Pacific is considered their value resort and it's super nice, on par with a Disney deluxe.
The mid range if the Hard Rock and the top of the line of the Portofino. All are excellent and all are w/in walking distance to the parks. The Royal Pacific is the closest to Islands of Adventure which is the park where you'll find Harry Potter. They are expanding the Harry Potter into Universal Studios. It should be finished by Summer 2014.

 

[kellymarch]

Do you mean a Universal onsite but offsite from WDW? I'm confused.

If you want onsite, the Royal Pacific is considered their value resort and it's super nice, on par with a Disney deluxe.
The mid range if the Hard Rock and the top of the line of the Portofino. All are excellent and all are w/in walking distance to the parks. The Royal Pacific is the closest to Islands of Adventure which is the park where you'll find Harry Potter. They are expanding the Harry Potter into Universal Studios. It should be finished by Summer 2014.

I mean off-site from the 3 Loew's choices at Universal. I think we will stay 1night at either Hard Rock or Royal Pacific, but want to know the best nearby off-site choices as well (were thinking this trip will not include Disney).

 

[Metro West]

I mean off-site from the 3 Loew's choices at Universal. I think we will stay 1night at either Hard Rock or Royal Pacific, but want to know the best nearby off-site choices as well (were thinking this trip will not include Disney).

There are plenty of choices for offsite hotels near Universal. Doubletree is right across Kirkman Road and there are several hotels right up Kirkman on Windhover Road. You should check one of the travel sites and then Trip Advisor to see what people thought of them.

 

[Robbi]

I mean off-site from the 3 Loew's choices at Universal. I think we will stay 1night at either Hard Rock or Royal Pacific, but want to know the best nearby off-site choices as well (were thinking this trip will not include Disney).

I would suggest buying one Preferred AP. It will give you a nice discount on the room + Front of the Line Access. This won't apply to Harry Potter but you will get into the park 1 hour-1.5 hours ahead of non resort guests. This makes it very easy to see Harry Potter w/out much of a wait. The other ride it won't work with is the flying pterodactyl ride in Jurassic Park but it's good for everything else. May I suggest too that you go to Universal at the end of your trip? It's so relaxing with FOTL not having to run all over the parks to get FPs. You leave Florida more relaxed-at least we do.

 

[floridaminnie]

Doubletree is within walking distance and usually has good rates. If you have a car, I like the Hilton Garden.

 

[kellymarch]

I would suggest buying one Preferred AP. It will give you a nice discount on the room + Front of the Line Access.

Is this recommended even if we only plan on staying one night on property? Or does the AP discount bring down the price of on-property rooms enough to make it nearly on par with off-site hotels?

Thanks for the tips! Keep them coming!

 

[Robbi]

Is this recommended even if we only plan on staying one night on property? Or does the AP discount bring down the price of on-property rooms enough to make it nearly on par with off-site hotels?

Thanks for the tips! Keep them coming!

I'd look at the regular room prices and then compare it with the AP.
Call and ask would be my advice.

 

[Herbie]

We had a great stay at the 4 points Sheraton. Very convenient to US/IOA. We got it on priceline for $60.