Booking Universal resort hotels - Who do you book through?

[PoppyAnna]

...and how long in advance do you book?

With only our flights booked for Easter time next year, I need to start looking into hotels and/or villas. I'm unable to discuss the plans with DH at the mo as I've booked a suprprise cruise in the middle of the trip, which I plan to tell him about at christmas.

We fly into Miami on Weds 6th April, where we will stay overnight. I think it would be wise to then spend the next night or two at a Universal resort to get FOL passes before the school holidays start and the crowds build more.

Who do you book your Universal resorts through, which is the cheapest of the three (?) and which is your preference?

Thanks

 

[rpbert1]

I book mine direct with Loews, phone 0018665639792, they will put you through to reservations.
Just booked mine about 1 hour ago, would not book as early only i get free suite upgrade with my YouFirst status, so like to make sure i get it.

When you book ask for an email confirmation, as they do not always send one , got mine straight away, although sometimes can take upto 24 hrs

 

[kevin harrison]

I book mine direct with Loews, phone 0018665639792, they will put you through to reservations.
Just booked mine about 1 hour ago, would not book as early only i get free suite upgrade with my YouFirst status, so like to make sure i get it.

When you book ask for an email confirmation, as they do not always send one , got mine straight away, although sometimes can take upto 24 hrs

I have been given a smashing rate for October 2011 from my friend at the HRH, a kids suite for $274 with free valet parking once again. When the rate drops I will get the new rate also. Very happy.

Direct is normally best, I agree, unless you get a miss-price. Last year we got 14 nights at the HRH for £68 a night.

 

[scottishgirl87]

We also booked directly with Loews and benefited from the fact that if the rate goes down they'll happily change it to the lower rate for you!

We booked in January for May this year, would have booked a little earlier but our dates were constantly sold out (International Travel Pow Wow was taking place partly at our hotel during our stay) so when they finally were showing as available again I jumped on them.

We absolutely LOVED RPR and if/when we go back to Florida I don't think we could go without staying there, at least partially. I quite fancy HRH as well but we loved RPR so much I don't know if we'd bother paying the extra for HRH. Portofino for some reason just doesn't appeal to me!