Differences between HRH and RPR

[Brander]

My two sons (13,15) and I are considering a stay at a Universal resort next July. Budgeting is certainly an important consideration, and I was wondering what the major differences are between the Hard rock Hotel and the less expensive Royal Pacific Resort.
Any of your suggestions/findings will be appreciated!

 

[Motherfletcher]

The biggest difference is that HRH is "cool" in the eyes of your teenagers.

 

[Ruth B]

i think the things that my son found cool were: the front of line pass, the boats to the resorts, movie and game console in room.
The RPR is a very nice resort and although it doesn'thave the 'hard rock' label, i am sure teenagers would enjoy.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

We've stayed at both. In fact, we just returned today from a 4 night stay at RPR. I definitely liked RPP better. I just liked the whole Polynesian feel. The lagoon pool is huge and every evening they do a show with a hula girl and a firethrower. My kids are 8 & 10 and they loved it. You could always pool hop over to the HRH so your kids could at least enjoy the pool aspect of the HardRock.

 

[hardrockinclub7]

looking for the best place for teenagers? most definently the hard rock. the hard rock is cooler, comfier and most of all closer to the parks. it is a two minute walk over to the parks whereas the RPR is a 12 minute walk. HRH is your best best. no questions

 

[klh999]

I agree that RPR is much futher from the parks and HRH is much closer!!! Did you check into any discounts?? Alot of times, they come down in price. I bought an AP to get discount room rates, and ended up a price of $179 a night at HRH. The room price started at $259. Plus I did flexplay so less out of pocket money for me!

Just be careful when booking. My TA booked me through Universal Vacations and when the room rate came down, I found out the hard way that they charge a $50 per person change fee, once the ressie booked. Book directly with loews hotel.

 

[gschmerl]

The Hard Rock's theme is more suited to a teenager. The pool has underwater music and a great slide. They used to have basketball games in the pool, but I don't know if they still do.
The RPR is more quiet and laid back.

 

[robvia]

The RPR is the fan favorite on these boards.
The HRH is in demand with the convention and rock/movie star crowd.
Many people report their reservation disappears (happened to me), their room isn't ready until 6pm, the carpet is a mess, and the room smells. This happens because people who stay at the HRH seem to have the rock star attitude of trashing their room, and house cleaning only has a few hours to get it ready for the next group.
These problems don't happen at the RPR. If you show up at 8am, your room might be ready. The rooms/hallway carpet is clean.
Yes, the walk from the HRH is shorter, about 5 minutes versus 7 for the RPR.

The pool at the HRH has the slide and underwater music. They have nerf footballs that everyone throws around the pool. The RPR has 2 basketball hoops and a volley ball net.

If you stay at the HRH, be prepared for a more "hip" kind of place, ignore the carpet in the hallway, and don't expect your room until 6pm. If all these things don't happen, then great, you got lucky.