Eight year old boy at PBH?

[Wolfelaw]

My eight year old son and I will be at PBH July 10-13th. This was the only Universal resort that had the $150 Entertainment rate available for these dates (which are the only dates we can do it). After reading these boards, I'm freaking a little because it sounds like PBH caters to a somewhat sedate, older crowd, and people on romantic vacations -- not little boys. Should I pay the extra $80 or so a night to stay at one of the other hotels, or should I just make the best of it? This is the only vacation my son and I take all year (we'll be at WDW earlier in the week), and I want him to have a good time. Since he doesn't have any siblings -- just an old mom -- I'm hoping that there will be other kids for him to hang out with at the pool -- is this likely at PBH? Also, is there a relatively kid-friendly place to eat at PBH?

The lady at reservations said that we can always go use the HRH pool -- do people actually do this (pool hop) and if so, how far is it between the two resorts (walking distance)?

Thanks in advance for any reassurance that you can offer.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

My DS (8) thought it was great. He has stayed at the HRH, visited RP and then PB. He could not decide which has the best slide or pool. I would just take an afternoon walk or boat ride to HRH and visit it. The PB will not disappoint anyone. My son thought Sal's Pizza was the best. He wanted to eat there over and over. We actually had three (8)'s with us and various other ages and they all thought it was great. Try Mama Melroses also.

The Loews hotels are all great. Take the best deal!!!

 

[nhrenee]

Don't worry! You'll enjoy Portofino. We've been there with our kids when they were 5+9 and 2 years later. They love the hotel. If you are looking for a sit down meal try Mama Della's. It's wonderful.

It's about a 5-10 minute walk from Portofino to Hard Rock using a pretty pathway that runs along the water. People are welcome to pool hop.

 

[laf0165]

Stay ot the PBH because it's a beautiful Hotel & it looks like you have a great rate. You can always visit the other hotels & use their pools if you want a change. Yes, people really do the pool hopping thing. It's a nice feature. Enjoy!

 

[webray]

There are plenty of kids at the portofino....don't change resorts. You got a great rate for an outstanding resort!

Enjoy!

 

[JessicaR]

My 2 boys 6 and 10 love staying at Portofino! Have a great trip!

 

[Paris]

Wolfe, don't fret the Portofino. Sure, it's in the "romantic" mode and it's the furthest walk to the parks (since you have to walk past Hard Rock -- though you're better off to take the boat) but it's still a family hotel like all Loew's Hotels.

If I were you, I would still call 1-800-BE-A-STAR every week or so to see if anything opened up at the Entertainment rate for Royal Pacific and especially Hard Rock. You never know and some reservationists are better than others at scouring for the best deals. I say this only because HRH has the better pool and is closer, but once you realize that Portofino is the most expensive of the three for its elegance and charm, you'll be fine with taking an 8-year-old. You can always wind down after a day at the park at the outdoor cafe as your child wolfs down some gelato and you your coffee drink of choice by the water. It's a very cool hotel and, since you'll be spending most of the time in the parks anyway, the FOTL option can't be beat.

 

[Wolfelaw]

Thanks, everyone, for your reassurance! We will be spending a lot of time in the amusement parks, but I know I'll love the hotel and the pool and I am sure that my son will too. These boards are so great to help alleviate anxiety -- you are all so nice.