Dilemma, help me with options, please

[AlexandNessa]

We (hubby and I) are going to Universal 5/1 to 5/5. My cousin and his wife live in FL and want to meet us for Saturday, 5/3 & since it's a 3 hour drive for them, they'll spend the night.

I didn't realize what an ordeal finding a standard room onsite for them for one night on a Saturday night would be. (Maybe the Nelly concert?)

They are both teachers and obviously both FL residents. Anyone know of special codes for these? Any last minute booking sites you've had luck with? (Must be onsite, not Cabana Bay, as unlimited express is a must, and we may want to use the pool.)

Right now we have two reservations for us for four nights, RPR King Suite at APH rate and HRH Garden View, SMSM.

We were leaning towards the RPR King Suite, but .... Worst case is we keep the HRH 2Q, and add them to our reservation for just the one night. Can we do this for only one night of a 4 night reservation? What is the cost per extra adult these days? This isn't ideal, but I want us all to be able to enjoy the same amenities.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[bumbershoot]

Too book directly, I use this site.

FL residents can try the code FLO in the code field on the above page. If there's a rate, it will show it. And they will have to show ID at checkin.

I assume others will add the extra adult question and if they could be added just for the night, but you could also call Loews directly and chat with them.


Make sure they know to get there as early as possible, to really max out the hotel perks!

 

[kmc]

Yes you can add them for just one night, but you have to do it at check in. We did it for my brother who lived in Orlando and the extra charge was $25 per extra adult.

 

[macraven]

king suite at rph only allows 3 in the room.


you can have 4 in a room in a standard room at hrh.
additional charge would be for the extra adults at $25 each.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Yeah, I know the King Suite @ RPR only holds 3, which is why our worse case is sticking the 4 of us in one room at HRH (just one night, I keep repeating, only one night!). It would seem if I make reservations for them for 2 nights, it's no problem getting them a standard room.

Which may lead me to my third option ... booking them for two nights and then just having them check out early. We were able to do this once when we had room issues at RPR, but once I started the checkout process, they were magically able to move me to another room. This was after I confirmed with 3 people that there were no early checkout penalties (as long as it's room only, and you didn't book a package). This was a bit ago though. Don't know if anyone has any recent reports?

Thanks for letting me know that if we go the HRH option, that we'd have to add them at check-in.

 

[bumbershoot]

I didn't realize what an ordeal finding a standard room onsite for them for one night on a Saturday night would be. (Maybe the Nelly concert?)

Looking at that date with the FLO rate, it seems that the *standard* room is the problem, yes? Definitely don't see those! But right now I see a King Suite at RPR for that night; it might be fun for you to both have the same type of room.

But it sounds like it's the money that's the issue. Hate when that happens.

 

[AlexandNessa]

I think they plan to just stay in our room (they've done it before), but obviously this isn't a possibility if we keep the king suite. So, we're paying ... which is why I was just going for a standard room for one night.

 

[bumbershoot]

So, we're paying ... which is why I was just going for a standard room for one night.

Aha! Now I understand more. I can totally see why you want to keep the costs down. You are also very nice to your friends!

 

[damo]

I guess you don't want to switch to Cabana Bay for that one night? You'd still have the unlimited exprss access if you were at a deluxe the day before and the day after. It would be a hassle but it would be cheaper.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Nah, thanks for that option, but I'm not going to switch on night three of a four night stay. Besides, I cannot stand the look of that place. Yikes!

I'm really hoping that if they aren't sold out, they'll allow a one night standard room reservation at HRH, as it gets closer.

And this is why we usually vacation alone, lol....

 

[damo]

Orbitz has a standard room for $314 for one night plus taxes at the HRH.

They also have an RPR room for $309 plus taxes.

I'm sure they've got some promo code floating around you could use.

 

[kmc]

Maybe you could put them up for the one night at cabana bay and still just add them to your reservation at hard rock for the one day so they still have unlimited express. I think a standard room there (if available)+ $50 for adding them to hardrock still might come out cheaper for you guys than booking them at your hotel. If that's not available maybe even try the doubletree that's just across the street.

 

[sadossey]

Enter code "discover" on orbitz for 20% off. $288 tax and all at RP, a tad more at HR. Don't know when that code expires though. I used it to book 5 nights at RP in June for $905 tax included,

 

[AlexandNessa]

Thanks everyone.

Remember the days of the Entertainment Rates of 99$ for RPR? 125$ for HRH garden, 135$ for pool view?? Can someone dial me back to 2003?

 

[kmc]

Thanks everyone.

Remember the days of the Entertainment Rates of 99$ for RPR? 125$ for HRH garden, 135$ for pool view?? Can someone dial me back to 2003?

YESand the power pass was only $99...so great

 

[macraven]

Thanks everyone.

Remember the days of the Entertainment Rates of 99$ for RPR? 125$ for HRH garden, 135$ for pool view?? Can someone dial me back to 2003?

i remember the days that rph at regular rates were $79 a night.........
and you could book a room onsite the day you were in the parks in case you decided to spend the night that day.....