Doubletree At Universal Studio?

[wideeyes]

Hi, I am planing for Easter 2008, and thinking of 4 nights at Doubletree At Universal studios, followed by 10 nights at All Stars Movies.

Has anybody stayed here, is it convenient for US, IOA and Sea World with out a car?
Is it in a safe area?

What to make sure I make the right choices for this holiday, especially with a budget.

we could also consider Port Royal Hotel, though obviously its a bit more expensive.

Thank you for any help.

 

[Miffy2003]

BUMP!

From anywhere on I Drive you can always get the trolley to reach other parts of I Drive

I've never heard of the Port Royal so can't help you there

 

[wideeyes]

lol sorry I meant Royal Pacific, I was thinking of something else while I was typing.

 

[Miffy2003]

See, I wondered if you meant the Royal Pacific or the Portofino Bay as you had a mixture of the two there

I've not stayed at the RP but I have visited and eaten there and it is very nice. I'm bound to say, that having stayed onsite at HRH at Universal this year it was the highlight of our holiday. If you can afford it, I would definitely go with RP.

The boat ride to the parks from RP is lovely and the pool superb, if that is important to you

 

[Lisash]

We stayed there last Christmas. It is a very nice hotel that I can't really fault. Having said that the position does feel a little isolated as there is not that much there within walking distance. There are a few restaurants near the hotel there's a big TGI Fridays and a Denny's opposite and just down the hotel parking lot there is a couple more small eating places (sorry can't remember names of them) and a Walgreens. The hotel itself has a Starbucks in the lobby and a food court which also serves Pizza Hut Pizza.
You can walk to Universal in about 15 minutes & it doesn't seem a particularly unsafe area but as our American friends tend not to walk anywhere the route is probably not the most pedestrian friendly. We did it once but you have to cross Kirkman Road which is 8 lanes wide & didn't have a working crossing and once across there the sidewalk is only on one side of the road so to stay safe from the traffic you have to walk further than you really need to get into Universal safely. We did it once but decided to drive after that as it just seemed easier to pay the $9 parking than brave the traffic again. If I remember correctly the hotel offers a shuttle across to Universal & you can always get a taxi as it's so close it's probably dirt cheap. I'm not sure it would be a good option without a car for a longer stay but for a few nights I'm sure you could manage fine. If you need any more info feel free to pm me.

 

[Hilary]

We've stayed in both the Doubletree Universal and the Royal Pacific Resort.

Doubletree was absolutely fine although, as has been said, it's not especially in the midst of much. We stayed only one night and it suited our needs more than adequately, but I think three or four nights would be enough there In fact, DH and I are booked in again for one night when we arrive in two weeks' time.

RPR, on the other hand, was fabulous! The location and Universal on-site perks of the RPR just added the icing on the cake. We had previously stayed in the Hard Rock Hotel, but we preferred RPR.

If you can stretch to RPR, you'll be getting much more than just a 'nicer' hotel.

 

[ColUK]

Staye din this hotel about 10 times now and love its close location to Universal. The road crossing is a bit daunting at first but have never found it not working just that the cycle time can seem forever, especially on a morning when they give priority to the traffic going along Kirkman Road. if you miss the walk light it can be nearly 10 mins sometimes. You can usually get the hotel at £40 per room per night or less which is a bargain.
My brother stayed there last month and said it was excellent but a few changes have been made.
- Scuba Joes the onsite bar is now closed (to become fitness centre and spa) but there is a large new lobby bar. The prices are quite high though (about $5 a beer I think he said)
- the cheap buffet breakfast (less than $10) is now finished and is about $13 inc tax.
- there appears to be more staff! anyone who has stayed there will know that the reception wait can be painful (Only critisism) but aparently 6 staff were on some days.
- the I ride has now changed route and the Doubletree is on the Green line. In my view this is fantastic as it basically goes to Idrive, seaworld and premium outlets the exact same way I would drive in the car. ie. down Universal Boulavard.

Any thing else just ask.

 

[gavvy]

Kirkman Road is Very very busy, and you need to cross 8 lanes of traffic to get to universal.

Last year a Brit was knocked down and killed on the crossing at major blvd/ kirkman, so please be very carefull if you plan on walking.

If you have a car your better off taking that anyway, you do so much walking in the parks- it saves on your feet.- this area really isnet set up for pedestrains.

 

[wideeyes]

I don't drive so we will not have a car, hence why I posted a question to see if the hotel is suitable for people with out a car.

Thanks for your input, I think we will go for the RPH as it seems more convenient.