Entertainment rate

[icydog]

I have seen on these boards an Entertainment rate of $125 for one of the Universal Hotels. Is this possible and how do you get it? Are there any other bargains using this rate around WDW?

 

[Local_Girl]

Icy-dog,

Check out www.entertainment.com. You can check what hotels participate on the website, though I understand some hotels that do participate are not on the list (so if there's a particular hotel you're considering you might ask directly if they have an Entertainment rate). I think there are over 100 hotels listed in the Orlando area. Basically you buy the book of coupons/offers and get a card with it, which you are supposed to show upon check in to qualify for the Ent. rate. However, you do not need to have the card in hand when you make the reservations, so you could check availability at the Ent. rate and book the room, and then purchase the Ent. book/card. You have to ask for the rate when you make the reservation and it is subject to availability.

You could purchase the book for the Orlando area or for another city--the book contains coupons/offers specific to that city (and maybe some that can be used across the country?? but I'm not sure about that). You use the card to get the hotel discount rate. I haven't actually purchased the book yet--we planned to last year, but found another (better) deal instead.

Hope this helps--good luck!

 

[mad4themouse]

There is an Entertainment Card which you will receive along with the book when you purchase it.

You can book rooms at Lowes hotels (like Hard Rock, Portofino Bay and Royal Pacific Resort) for a substantial savings off of the rack rates. To do so, you need call the resort and ask if there are any Entertainment rates available for your dates. You are supposed to show your Entertainment Card when you check in.

Here's a recent thread about the Entertainment rate:
Entertainment Rate?

 

[Howling Howie]

Yes, I was able to book Royal Pacific last December for $99 using my LOCAL entertainment book. The resort was very nice and well worth that amount, especially when you have front of line access. To be honest, I'd pay double just because of that feature, and maybe even more if it was a holiday or vacation week.

 

[icydog]

Is the Royal Pacific a nice hotel??

 

[icydog]

How did you get this rate?? Did you call the hotel?

 

[mark & sandra]

Hi icy-dog- Sometimes the reps on the phone tell you that you need to book muliple nights, 3 or more, in order to receive the Entertainment rate. Othertimes they are more lenient on the amount of days you need. If you can't get the entertainment rate for you dates, try to add, delete or change your dates while on the phone, you'd be surprised how openings seemto pop up. Last year I wanted Jan. 18-20 but it was not available, but 23-26 was. I asked about the 19-26 and it was available, go figure. Also you can book with an Entertainment rate and after you get it then you can order the Entertainment book. Also join up for a Loews first card. You get a welcome gift when you arrive,(milk and cookies or fruit basket) and free morning newspaper. Joining is free too.

 

[icydog]

Thanks a lot for the great info. I will get the Loew's card right away.

If you don't mind I have a few questions:

If you find an Entertainment rate for say three days and you check out in two, it is a free country after all, do you think they can change the rate? I am asking because we are DVC members and we will be staying at Boardwalk Sun-Fri and checking out for the weekend to save the outrageous weekend points.
Do you call each hotel individually or do they have a central reservation office. Is the Pacific Rim the nicest of the Universal properties?

 

[michuori]

I have not yet stayed at a Universal hotel. Portofino is the most expensive followed by the Hard Rock Hotel with the Royal Pacific being the least expensive. The Royal Pacific is the newest of the group. With the Entertainment rate I am paying 124.65 with tax for the Royal Pacific. The other hotels were not that much more, I chose Royal Pacific for the theme. Whats nice about the Universal hotels is that you can use the pools at any other hotel. Apparently the Hard Rock has a fabulous pool and slide. Also you get front of the line access with your room key all day at the parks. It was a deal we could not pass up. We are splitting our stay between Disney and Universal for the first time ever.

 

[michuori]

Here is the reservations number for all three Universal hotels 1-888 837-2273. Imagine that a toll free number to reserve a room.

 

[icydog]

Originally posted by michuori
Here is the reservations number for all three Universal hotels 1-888 837-2273. Imagine that a toll free number to reserve a room.

I tried at 5:30 AM and found out they open at 9. I am so tired of not sleeping, if you will pardon the pun. Anyway, thanks for the info and I will call in a couple of minutes.
We are DVC members so don't have to go through CRO most of the time, however we wanted to make PS for a couple fo restaurants and the toll bills really mount up quickly while they ask you questions. also don't forget the music on hold time which makes me crazy. What makes me craziest is that you cannot select a prompt but MUST listen to their" New Options" and they all are picked up by the same reservation clerks. Options smopkins I think they get some sort of kick out of keeping you on the line for as long as they are able. Like I said, "Drives me Crazy"!!

 

[antmaril]

We have an Entertainment Rate of $180 for the Portofino Bay at the end of June. That is a deluxe poolview room. We stayed here last year and it is a lovely resort. The rooms are quite large (almost 500 sf), with huge bathrooms. I believe a standard room at Portofino Bay with the Entertainment Card is $155 and a Bayview Room is $170.

These great rates at such an awesome resort is why I'm struggling with paying $300 for a waterview room at the Yacht Club. We stayed at the BC two years ago and I know the room is not that big and the bathroom is miniscule - nothing compared to the deluxe room at Portofino Bay and at PB we get to go to the front of the line at the theme parks - that is really a fabulous perk - especially in the hot, crowded summer!

See if you can get the Entertainment Rate and then order a book for your area. Very simple.

Have fun!

 

[DorotheaJN]

I just got the entertainement rate for Royal Pacific Resort at the rate of $110/night for June 29-July 1. I just called the hotel and they were very helpful

Helle