Confused - can someone help

[jaff87]

We are planning on going to US next year - DH, myself, DS 11, DD 9. First time since 1994 so many things have changed.

For the special offer now 7 Days 2 Theme parks, you also have a choice of using a Mastercard and getting a discount coupon book with $150 in savings. Is there any DISADVANTAGE to doing that? I thought I read somewhere that if you do this, then any Loews perks you may get will not apply? Can someone verify?

Also, need help in chosing a hotel! My kids are happy whereever we are and I realize that everyone has their own opinion about what constitutes a clean hotel, fun hotel, nicely decorated, etc. Kids like to swim, so that is a definite priority in determining hotel. DH and I enjoy swimming too, but am happy just relaxing and enjoying good food and atmosphere.

Suggestions anyone?

 

[ky07]

Staying onsite at uso is a better way to go unless your on a budget and that was our case this year and prob next year too.
we stayed at the doubletree at the entrance to universal for the price plus it was a short walk to us even though you had to cross a major road but it had a crosswalk and the hotel had a nice pool that they constiantly checked the ph levels and it did get crowded at times but still nice pool and friendly bartendars at poolside bar.
the only thing is when you check in is to ask for tower 2 cause my oldest Ds made a friend and visited thier room in tower 2 and said it was much nicer.
a pluse is that your room key also saved on restaurants at citywalk and stores inside the parks which I found out a little too late but did save when it came to souviners and pluse the staff at doubletree are great and so helpful.
so this is an option for offsite hotel and far as master card goes i really don't know and the 7 day 2 park deal is way worth the money.
Hope this helps.

 

[Darcy03231]

We just got back and stayed for one night at the Sheraton Studio City. It was a great hotel and I would definitely book it again. Very clean and comfortable and the staff were great. It's one the trolley route so if you don't have a car you can take the trolley. While you can walk (its about ½ a mile away), the roads in the area are quite busy.

 

[rwdavis]

Try renting a vacation home, although it's down near Disney try All Star Vacation Homes (web site is same name). We're paying (after all the various fees and taxes) about $200 a night for a 3 Bed/3 Bath townhouse to house 3 adults and 2 kids. Full kitchen and washer/dryer.
Bob

 

[lborne]

I'm not sure, but don't you get free express pass when you stay at one of their hotels? Someone told me that even if you only stay 1 night, they will issue you the pass if you stop by in the AM on the day of your check in. Then you get to use it 2 days.

 

[bubba's mom]

Staying onsite at uso is a better way to go unless your on a budget and that was our case this year and prob next year too.
we stayed at the doubletree at the entrance to universal for the price plus it was a short walk to us even though you had to cross a major road but it had a crosswalk and the hotel had a nice pool that they constiantly checked the ph levels and it did get crowded at times but still nice pool and friendly bartendars at poolside bar.
the only thing is when you check in is to ask for tower 2 cause my oldest Ds made a friend and visited thier room in tower 2 and said it was much nicer.
a pluse is that your room key also saved on restaurants at citywalk and stores inside the parks which I found out a little too late but did save when it came to souviners and pluse the staff at doubletree are great and so helpful.
so this is an option for offsite hotel and far as master card goes i really don't know and the 7 day 2 park deal is way worth the money.
Hope this helps.

The only way to get discounts at the restaurants and shopping is your AAA card OR AP...your room key doesn't get you discounts. You can charge your purchases back to your room with it tho. If you stay one night, you get Express Pass entrance for the two days (check-in and check-out day). Also, I wouldn't request Tower 2...that's where they put all the "pets" and you may get near a dog..... That said, RPR has a huge pool, but no slide. The other 2 hotels have slides. HRH is closest to the parks, and PBH is usually most costly. There are sticky's above if you need more info....altho, we are happy to help answer any questions!

 

[ky07]

The Doubletree room key comes with a card holder that has printed on 10% discount on select shops and city walk restaurants because they are partner hotel with universal and you may be talking about onsite and I was talking about this offsite hotel.
sorry about the mix up.

 

[bubba's mom]

ah-ha.... I was talking ON, you were talkin' OFF....whoops! ....my bad...sorry

 

[jaff87]

Also, I wouldn't request Tower 2...that's where they put all the "pets" and you may get near a dog..... That said, RPR has a huge pool, but no slide. The other 2 hotels have slides. HRH is closest to the parks, and PBH is usually most costly. There are sticky's above if you need more info....altho, we are happy to help answer any questions!

Bubba's Mom:

Since I am the OP, we are trying to figure out which on site hotel to stay at. Never even thought about where they keep the pets. A couple of questions:

For each on site hotel, do you know where I should request for the "No pets" section. I love animals, but my son has a slight allergy and I would hate to take the chance. You indicated Tower 2 is where the pets are. Is that in RPH? Can you tell me about the other 2 hotels?

Also, when the time comes and I make my hotel ressies, should I call the hotel directly, or call Lowe's or do it all on line?

Out of the 3 hotels, which would you recommend? I am leaning toward the HRH only because of the slide. Any thoughts?

Thanks much for any info.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Tower 2 is the pet tower at RPR. Not sure where they usually confine the pets to in the other 2. Simply put a comment in the reservation field or with the reservationist that you have allergies and would not like to be in a pet room.

The Mastercard $150 offer has nothing to do with the Loews Perks. They are tied to your tickets, not your hotel stay.

You may like the HRH for the slide, but if you want to swim, swim, know that the HRH pool is the most shallow of all 3 hotel pools. The PBH also has a slide. The RPR has a very big pool, no slide. I would go with the HRH or PBH since you're a family of 4. Others disagree with me, but the RPR rooms are small and I can't imagine a family of 4 (heaven forbid 5) in there comfortably. I like my space though and we tend to spend a fair amount of time in the room. Others only shower and sleep in the room and don't care. We are not those people, and I'd often thought that even 2 in an RPR room is pushing it. Again, that's just me.

If you call Loews directly, they will transfer you to their Orlando reservations. Or, you can do it online. Either one. Unless you're Loews Gold or Platinum, you can make the ressies online. Look for my LF upgrade primer on the hotel board. That will give you the number and website. Also, if you want an AAA discount, that is something you have to call for. You used to be able to book that online, but now you can't.

 

[jaff87]

Thanks for the info! It has been a big help. Our family sounds like yours, we do like our space and enjoy time in the room as well. Is it too early to think about August 08 yet for rooms and AAA discounts - especially now that I know I have to call them to have any AAA discounts applied.

Also, when you say the pool is shallow - how shallow?

Thanks again!

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks Jodie....well said.... The pool is about 4 foot .... Also, AAA rates aren't released yet, however, you CAN book the room at rack rate (to be sure you get it) and when AAA releases the rates, call and have them switch your rate to AAA. They will do that, not a problem

 

[herbiesmomma]

I would not bother with the mastercard thing. I got it when I bought my tickets for next year, and it expires in December of this year! It's a good thing that I am also going in October!