DVC'er opinions of Universal Hotels?

[Synonymous]

I'm debating whether or not to add a night's stay at one of the Universal hotels to our February vacation at WLV or just to travel from WDW for a day at those parks. I was wondering if any DVC members had stayed at either Portofino or Hard Rock and could compare them to DVC or other WDW hotels. We'd hate to go from a great room at WLV to something not so great at Universal.

Thanks!

Tom

 

[Peggy Sue]

We haven't stayed there yet, but have 2 nights booked at the end of our Nov/Dec trip this year at the Portifino Bay. We did this to take advantage of their no wait/front of the line access for on-site guests. We will be going to the Portifino after 10 nights in a one bedroom at OKW. I've heard wonderful things about this hotel, and I'm looking forward to checking it out and the different dining options available. Check out the Universal/Sea World board..there are some great reviews of both hotels. Good luck with your decision!

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

The Portofino is absolutely gorgeous. Spent 3 nights there last November, before heading to the Beach Club for 7. We always loved the Beach Club, but we love the Portofino. Can't beat the Front of the Line access either...it was wonderful.

We'll be doing 3 days there again this November, then 7 days at Disney (OKW and BWV, as it stands now). I wouldn't want to do Disney first, then Universal, since I wouldn't want to go from a 2-bedroom to a regular hotel room. And going down on Thanksgiving Day, Portifino is where I want to be that day anyway.

BTW, my niece is down there now at the Hard Rock Hotel...she won a trip! I can't wait to hear what she has to say about it.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We stayed at Portofino for three days before going back to Disney this past April. It is top of the line without a doubt. You will not feel that you have stepped down at all. MaryAnnDVC is on target when she says the front of line access is great. It really makes going to the parks a lot more fun when you go to the front of line all of the time. We are staying for three nights at the Hard Rock next February.

 

[babylisa4]

We really liked staying here and did it for the front of the line access too. I don't think Universal moves people through lines as well as Disney so that is an advantage. If you go to the Universal section on this board you'll see lots of people's opinions about the Portofino. It was one of the things to convince me. Also join Lowe's First Club(I found this out too on that board)(its free) and you can have milk and cookies or wine and cheese delivered to your room your first night. You have to do that ahead of time.

 

[Synonymous]

Thank you for your replies. It helps alot to hear from people who I know to have similar experiences at DVC, so I can compare. I think we probably will stay at Portofino for a night, provided they still offer front-of-the-line.

Thanks again!

Tom