Ever Taken Your Dog(s) to Universal Hotel With You?

[disneyrun]

We are considering a week long vacation at a Universal Hotel and bring along the pooches so we can relax more! Sounds crazy I know but the thought of them being with us is much more relaxing than boarding them. So can two 60 lb labs stay at the Universal Hotels? Is it worth it to bring them with us or does it turn in to an awful experience? Tell me all about it! I will add that they are extremely well behaved and we are typically half day park goers with naps in the middle of the day so they wouldn't be alone for long stretches. I just read an article in Fido Friendly that Lowes was great with animals has that been your experience?

 

[Motherfletcher]

We have taken our 2 labs to RPR. The pet wing does not have the best view. We were there for a week and it was pretty tight but our 60 lb. chocalate lab is the little dog. Our big 100 lb. black lab that we rescued from the pound is a big baby when it comes to storms and we had a hurricane going across the state so he was a pain.
The maids won't come in when the dogs are there but the hotel staff loves dogs.

 

[disneyrun]

Did you find the rooms "subpar" since they were dog rooms or were they on the same level as other rooms? What is the fee for two dogs - do you know? Thanks so much!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Did you find the rooms "subpar" since they were dog rooms or were they on the same level as other rooms? What is the fee for two dogs - do you know? Thanks so much!

Just a little more info for you that I noticed on the website.

Loews Loves Pets; Restrictions apply
Cleaning fee of $25 will be charged per room (once during the stay)
There is not a restriction on size
No more than two pets may occupy any one guestroom
A health certificate for each pet, obtained from a veterinarian within 10 days of the pet’s arrival must be presented upon check-in at the hotel
Guests arriving with pets will be placed in pet friendly rooms
Arrangements must be made with housekeeping for daily room cleaning
Dogs may be walked in designated areas only
If the dog’s behavior results in complaints by other guests, the owner may be asked to board the dog in an outside shelter
Pets are not allowed in the pool/lounge or restaurant areas
Pet friendly rooms include:
Portofino Bay Hotel: Non-smoking Garden, Non-smoking Bay, Deluxe, Club Level and Kids Suite.
Hard Rock Hotel: Non-smoking Garden and Non-smoking Pool view only.
Royal Pacific Resort: NON-smoking standard rooms only.
Club rooms do not participate in the program

 

[Rags]

I'm allergic to dogs. Should I put that on my reservation??? What floors are the pet rooms on at the RPH? TIA!!!

 

[vatmark]

I love my dog but it wouldn't be a vacation if we had to take him. He would be more of a nuisance then anything. In new places he always pee's...not sure if he's marking his territory or what. We'd have to make sure to be back in the every 4 hours to walk him.

Plus I would be worried about fleas in those pet rooms. My dog has had fleas one time in his 13 1/2 years and it was when we went into an apartment. Sure the place looked all nice and clean but you can't see the creepy crawlies hidden in the carpet. My dog ended up with fleas. I spent so much time and money de-fleaing the dog and the apartment. From the rug to the couch etc. Who knows where those little buggers got into. It was so nasty.

Annie

 

[huskies90]

I'm allergic to dogs. Should I put that on my reservation??? What floors are the pet rooms on at the RPH? TIA!!!

I have the same question. I am allergic, too. Also, I don't mean to offend anyone but as a "non dog lover" (I hope I said that OK) will I be near, in contact or even see/hear somebody's dog while I am at RPR? Seriously, this is a show stopper for me and I'd like to know if there is any chance of that happening. If they stay in their own wing and I can't see or hear them I'll be fine but if not I am canceling.

 

[lookingforward]

My son has pet allergies as well and whenever we make reservations we request a room "away" from pet areas. They will note this on your reservation if you tell them you have allergies.

 

[goofy!]

I have the same question. I am allergic, too. Also, I don't mean to offend anyone but as a "non dog lover" (I hope I said that OK) will I be near, in contact or even see/hear somebody's dog while I am at RPR? Seriously, this is a show stopper for me and I'd like to know if there is any chance of that happening. If they stay in their own wing and I can't see or hear them I'll be fine but if not I am canceling.

Yes, there is a possibility you may see one being walked on the grounds. It wouldn't be any different than if you go walking down your street and somebody else is walking their dog on the street.

Just request a room away from the pet rooms and you should be fine.

 

[disneyrun]

Well to each their own as they say. For me I relax better having them with me so that's why I'd prefer to bring them. Lowes is heralded as a great pet friendly hotel. For our park touring schedule it works fine to have the dogs at the hotel and I wouldn't worry at all honestly. As for the fleas if your dog is being treated with something like frontline you shouldn't really need to worry no matter where you bring them - at least that's been my experience. I haven't had any flea issues after taking them somewhere. Thanks for all of the information from the Lowes site - I looked at it several times and knew it had to be there but I couldn't find it!

 

[huskies90]

Yes, there is a possibility you may see one being walked on the grounds. It wouldn't be any different than if you go walking down your street and somebody else is walking their dog on the street.

Well, unfortunately, I didn't have as much time to research the USO part of our trip and I am trying to catch up now. If I had know this, I never would have booked at RPR. I would have just extended my stay at the Disney resort and commuted to USO but now the dates I am staying at RPR are no longer available at Disney. Having swollen eyes and sneezing all day is not worth FOTL. Add in that I just found out about the outrageous parking fees and I am afraid to research anything else!! I haven't arrived to Universal yet and I already have a bad taste.

As for dogs, probably 'cause I never had one and I know that I am in the minority here as most people love dogs but I never warmed up to them. That dog you mention walking down my street ALWAYS finds it necessary to jump on me and slobber on me when I am out trying to jog and 9 times out of 10 the owner laughs and says "oh look he wants to play" disregarding any leash laws. And at the town parks where it is posted all over the place that there are no dogs allowed, the owners look at the signs and laugh "that doesn't apply to MY baby," bring the dog in and let him run amuck. And don't even get me started about barking when I am trying to sleep...ugh!

Sorry if I offended anyone, like I said most people love dogs and I am in the minority. I am calling RPR right now to make sure we at least request a non pet room. After that, I guess I'll just suck it up. But I am starting to regret my decision to give USO a try this trip...

 

[disneyrun]

Well, unfortunately, I didn't have as much time to research the USO part of our trip and I am trying to catch up now. If I had know this, I never would have booked at RPR. I would have just extended my stay at the Disney resort and commuted to USO but now the dates I am staying at RPR are no longer available at Disney. Having swollen eyes and sneezing all day is not worth FOTL. Add in that I just found out about the outrageous parking fees and I am afraid to research anything else!! I haven't arrived to Universal yet and I already have a bad taste.

As for dogs, probably 'cause I never had one and I know that I am in the minority here as most people love dogs but I never warmed up to them. That dog you mention walking down my street ALWAYS finds it necessary to jump on me and slobber on me when I am out trying to jog and 9 times out of 10 the owner laughs and says "oh look he wants to play" disregarding any leash laws. And at the town parks where it is posted all over the place that there are no dogs allowed, the owners look at the signs and laugh "that doesn't apply to MY baby," bring the dog in and let him run amuck. And don't even get me started about barking when I am trying to sleep...ugh!

Sorry if I offended anyone, like I said most people love dogs and I am in the minority. I am calling RPR right now to make sure we at least request a non pet room. After that, I guess I'll just suck it up. But I am starting to regret my decision to give USO a try this trip...

I'm sorry you have had such bad experiences with dogs but try not to paint all dog owners with the same BROAD brush. Not all of us behave in this way. I, for instance, can say my dogs have never done the things that you mentioned. If it says no dogs allowed at a park - we don't go. My dogs don't jump on people when they are out for their walk or sit outside and bark. There's a good chance you'd never see a dog at US so just go with a positive attitude and hope for the best!

 

[Nana Annie]

Well, unfortunately, I didn't have as much time to research the USO part of our trip and I am trying to catch up now. If I had know this, I never would have booked at RPR. I would have just extended my stay at the Disney resort and commuted to USO but now the dates I am staying at RPR are no longer available at Disney. Having swollen eyes and sneezing all day is not worth FOTL. Add in that I just found out about the outrageous parking fees and I am afraid to research anything else!! I haven't arrived to Universal yet and I already have a bad taste.

As for dogs, probably 'cause I never had one and I know that I am in the minority here as most people love dogs but I never warmed up to them. That dog you mention walking down my street ALWAYS finds it necessary to jump on me and slobber on me when I am out trying to jog and 9 times out of 10 the owner laughs and says "oh look he wants to play" disregarding any leash laws. And at the town parks where it is posted all over the place that there are no dogs allowed, the owners look at the signs and laugh "that doesn't apply to MY baby," bring the dog in and let him run amuck. And don't even get me started about barking when I am trying to sleep...ugh!

Sorry if I offended anyone, like I said most people love dogs and I am in the minority. I am calling RPR right now to make sure we at least request a non pet room. After that, I guess I'll just suck it up. But I am starting to regret my decision to give USO a try this trip...

Hope this won't be taken the wrong way, but I would suggest that you just cancel your Universal trip altogether. You are already determined to not like it, so there is no way it is going to satisfy your expectations.

You do realize that most 4* hotels charge a parking fee? And that at Disney, the fee is just hidden in their much higher room prices.

I have been to Universal twice now and I have never had a dog accost me. Nor have I ever seen one but from afar. Unless you are determined to take a walk in the area reserved for pottying your dogs, I doubt you will run into many.

And dogs are not allowed in every room. There are certain particular rooms that are dog designated. So your fear of sneezing and wheezing in a dog room is unfounded as long as you tell the front desk you are allergic and cannot be in pet friendly room.

But if $12.00 and the possibility of seeing a dog has already ruined your vacation - I think it is time to re-think your decision to even visit Universal.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

We take our little yorkie, but she does very well. She has NEVER had an accident (we travel with her a lot) or chewed on been a barking problem. We don't leave her more than 4 hours, I guess you have to know your dog but we come back, take her out and walk her, etc. We also spend time with her, we enjoy taking walks with her on our down time etc. so she really enjoys it. I have to mention also BOTH myself and my husband have allergies to many dogs (she is one that is hypoallergenic) and we have never had a problem in Universal with allergy problems, nor are the rooms below par, no dog smell, etc. I also like to mention that if your dog is a barker or you think you'll leave her long, you can day board her at the kennel right there at the park. When we go to the disney parks and are staying in Universal, since we farther away we board her at the parks, she does just fine, then we just do the same thing, come back and walk her, etc. We really don't find it a pain at all, some might we don't.

 

[huskies90]

Hope this won't be taken the wrong way, but I would suggest that you just cancel your Universal trip altogether. You are already determined to not like it, so there is no way it is going to satisfy your expectations.

If $12.00 and the possibility of seeing a dog has already ruined your vacation - I think it is time to re-think your decision to even visit Universal.

Nana - This is a good suggestion and I have seriously considered it. I was sooooo looking forward to visiting Universal and you are right, they are underwhelming me so far. But at this point it is a little too late to cancel. If I could have booked Coronado Springs for the 4 nights I would have been at RPR, I would have done it but they are booked now and the family is really looking forward to staying there so I can't switch on the Disney side. So I am either finding a place offsite or sucking it up. Everyone is REALLY looking forward to USO so I can't cancel 'cause of this plus we already have our USO tix.

The hotel industry is all about customer service. I work in a service industry too and I know in a business like this is all about customer expectations and customer perceptions. I am not an idiot. Yes, I know that alot of 4 star hotels charge for parking but most of those places are in cities where parking space is a premium. You wouldn't EXPECT that from a hotel in central FL. As discussed in another thread, I understand now that in this case, there is no space (which I still find hard to believe but it is what it is). But USO should be aware of what their customer is expecting ESPECIALLY since many are coming from Disney. A smaller fee would make more sense and bake part of it into the room fee if you have to. And make it clear when booking. I was well aware of my FOTL benefit. I can afford the $12 that is not the issue, it is the perception of this being a "hidden cost" (in my mind anyway) and that rubbed me (the customer) the wrong way.

As for the pets I think it is great they they offer a pet friendly option. That is an awesome idea. But do they need to do it in all three hotels? I would switch to Hard Rock if they had no pets. I read another post that someone found a chew toy in a "non pet" room as well as another post where someone's dog kept them up all night and when they called down, the manager did nothing, so these are real concerns.

At this point, I would say USO has two strikes against them but I have an open mind and service recovery goes a lonnnnnng way. Two strikes still means they are at bat. I called them and made it VERY clear about my concerns and my allergies. Let's see how they respond.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Nana - This is a good suggestion and I have seriously considered it. I was sooooo looking forward to visiting Universal and you are right, they are underwhelming me so far. But at this point it is a little too late to cancel. If I could have booked Coronado Springs for the 4 nights I would have been at RPR, I would have done it but they are booked now and the family is really looking forward to staying there so I can't switch on the Disney side. So I am either finding a place offsite or sucking it up. Everyone is REALLY looking forward to USO so I can't cancel 'cause of this plus we already have our USO tix.

The hotel industry is all about customer service. I work in a service industry too and I know in a business like this is all about customer expectations and customer perceptions. I am not an idiot. Yes, I know that alot of 4 star hotels charge for parking but most of those places are in cities where parking space is a premium. You wouldn't EXPECT that from a hotel in central FL. As discussed in another thread, I understand now that in this case, there is no space (which I still find hard to believe but it is what it is). But USO should be aware of what their customer is expecting ESPECIALLY since many are coming from Disney. A smaller fee would make more sense and bake part of it into the room fee if you have to. And make it clear when booking. I was well aware of my FOTL benefit. I can afford the $12 that is not the issue, it is the perception of this being a "hidden cost" (in my mind anyway) and that rubbed me (the customer) the wrong way.

As for the pets I think it is great they they offer a pet friendly option. That is an awesome idea. But do they need to do it in all three hotels? I would switch to Hard Rock if they had no pets. I read another post that someone found a chew toy in a "non pet" room as well as another post where someone's dog kept them up all night and when they called down, the manager did nothing, so these are real concerns.

At this point, I would say USO has two strikes against them but I have an open mind and service recovery goes a lonnnnnng way. Two strikes still means they are at bat. I called them and made it VERY clear about my concerns and my allergies. Let's see how they respond.

All three hotels on-site are Loews and since all Loews properties worldwide take part in Loews Loves Pets they dont pick and choose the hotels that participate.

When booking online the parking fee is located on each of the on-sites location and info page.
"Self and valet parking fees apply."
Aside from that prior to booking the fee comes up on the reservation form before it is submitted. If you call and book you will be told by reservations about the parking fee.
I don't think they can be anymore upfront then that. It seems very clear to me.

Its a shame that your preconceived notions of what Universal will be are based on a hotel parking fee and a dog crossing your path. The level of service, atmosphere and quality of these three hotels is above average and average is about where I place a disney moderate.

A phone call to the front desk to tell them you have pet allergies will assure you a room far away from the pet rooms and in a different tower to boot. I really do hope you enjoy the Universal part of your trip!

 

[Ariel07]

Well being a "dogmother", I am THRILLED that I have the option of bringing mine with me if I stay at Universal. I never board my dogs - I am lucky enough to have a brother that is always more than willing to house and dog sit for me. BUT there may be times when I do not want to impose on him, or I just may want to take them with me.
So, my question is this - where exactly do you walk the dogs? I am sure they have certain areas just for walking them. I was hoping that when we come back during the day and/or at the end of the evening, that there will be a place to take a nice walk (for all of us).

 

[huskies90]

If you call and book you will be told by reservations about the parking fee.

Nope, it was never mentioned or if it was it was done so fast and in passing that we didn't catch it

I don't think they can be anymore upfront then that. It seems very clear to me.

Again, you guys must think I am pretty dumb. It was not clear to me at booking and I didn't find out until I started perusing these boards. That is all that matters.

Its a shame that your preconceived notions of what Universal will be are based on a hotel parking fee and a dog crossing your path.

No, these are concerns about what it will be. The parking is an annoyance, more of a proverbial staw than anything. The pet thing just gives me something to be worried about. Nobody wants their vacation to be stressful. I actually love animals and won't mind one crossing my path while I am there. But yes my vacation will be ruined if I'm kept up all night by a barking dog or if I am up sneezing because I am in a room that had a pet in it. If I knew about this I would have taking that concern out of the equation and booked somewhere else.

The level of service, atmosphere and quality of these three hotels is above average and average is about where I place a disney moderate.

I hope you are right. We'll see if they take care of their customers' needs

A phone call to the front desk to tell them you have pet allergies will assure you a room far away from the pet rooms and in a different tower to boot. I really do hope you enjoy the Universal part of your trip!

I have done that already and made it clear. I hope I report back in August that the service was great and they took care of me.

 

[Nana Annie]

Well, unfortunately, I didn't have as much time to research the USO part of our trip

Nope, it was never mentioned or if it was it was done so fast and in passing that we didn't catch it

Again, you guys must think I am pretty dumb. It was not clear to me at booking and I didn't find out until I started perusing these boards. That is all that matters.

From the Loewshotels.com site. Just click on the Royal Pacific and then click on hotel info. Don't know how much clearer their policies can get. I think your first statement - that you did not research your Universal trip says it all. Now you are trying to blame the hotels for your lack of research.

The parking fees are in large letters on the main info page. It was not at all hidden nor hard to find.

http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Royal-Pacific-Resort/LocationInfo/ProvidedServices.aspx

1,000 guest rooms, including 51 suites
Lagoon-style swimming pool with interactive water play area
The Mariner's Club supervised children's activity center
The Gymnasium - a 5,000-square-foot fitness center featuring cardio theatre
Croquet lawn and sand volleyball court
Spectacular luaus featuring authentic food and entertainment in the Wantilan Luau Pavilion
85,000 square feet of meeting & function space
Business Center
Access to the area's finest golf courses, including special benefits through the Golf Universal Orlando program
Royal Pacific Resort guests receive exclusive benefits including:
Universal ExpressSM Ride Access* allowing them to bypass the regular lines at most rides and attractions
Complimentary on-site transportation via water taxis or shuttle bus service
Priority seating at select Universal Orlando® theme park restaurants
Complimentary delivery of purchases to your room
On-site charging privileges with your room key card

Self or valet parking:
Self parking is $12 a day Valet parking is $18 a day
* Rates subject to change without prior notice.

*Bolding mine.

I hope you are right. We'll see if they take care of their customers' needs

I have done that already and made it clear. I hope I report back in August that the service was great and they took care of me.

My guess is that since you are already defensive you will not have a good time and by your tone "We'll see if they take care of their customer's needs" you are already primed for war. Maybe I am reading it wrong, but it sounds like you are going in looking for something to go wrong.

I hope I am wrong and that you spend the next month on this board asking questions. I lurked here for my first trip and the people on this board are incredible. You couldn't find kinder and more helpful people. Take advantage of them.

 

[huskies90]

The people on this board are incredible. You couldn't find kinder and more helpful people. Take advantage of them.

If you notice I have almost 400 posts on this board going back to 2004.
Yes, we booked RPR without much research. If I had researched first we wouldn't be talking so I am more upset with myself than anything. My work was real busy over the last few months (there are posts on this board about having to cancel our April trip due to work) so, actually, I asked my wife to handle the USO part and she booked the hotel. She called. She did not go to the website. Not everyone is 'connected' online like us dis'ers!! Now that I have some more time, I am trying to catch up.

Why are you already making excuses for RPR/USO before I even get there?? Should I NOT expect great service?? Should I NOT expect them to take care of me?? Shouldn't we all always expect great customer service??