Family Trip to RPH - March 7-10

[Bonnie40]

I've never done a trip report before, so bear with me!

We began our trip on March 5, leaving Ontario Canada and arriving at the RPH on March 7 before noon. All I can say is that we were totally blown away with how beautiful the hotel is and how helpful and friendly everyone was while we were there. I was able to get an unbelievable rate of $99/night (fan club) and with my Loews Blue card inquired about an upgrade. I was given an upgrade from Standard view to Waterview! WooHoo!

We stayed in Tower 1, room 1512. It was very close to the pool and the water taxi station. We had a beautiful view of the pool and the lagoon and could also see the Hulk coaster and Dr. Doom in the distance. The room is small, but the attention to detail was delightful! I have never stayed in a hotel with a granite countertop in the bathroom! The room was very clean and the staff was more than helpful if we needed extra towels, etc. We received our fruit basket (comes with the Loews card membership).

The pool was stunning and we used it alot. It was very warm (warmer than the pool at the HRH). They had a gentleman who played the steel drums by the pool and the atmosphere was magic!

Sidebar: I was questionning whether I should have gone to the HRH instead of RPH after hearing so many good things about HRH. For anyone who is feeling that way - DON'T WORRY! Our entire family (including 2 teenagers) preferred the RPH over the HRH. We visited it to experience the pool and even my son who has a band and who I thought would have loved it, was glad to go back and enjoy the RPH. The water was cold, the feeling around the pool area didn't seem as nice, and I wasn't that impressed with the lobby, etc. Just my humble opinion...

We loved the walk from the RPH to Citywalk. It was relaxing and we loved walking along in the evenings. Citywalk was fun - we ate at Marguirittaville once and loved the atmosphere but didn't find the food that great. We did leave the resort one night and went to Sweet Tomatoes which I would highly recommend! It was fantastic and affordable.

The parks were very busy, but we found that with FOTL, it was manageable. We had no problem with parking the car (I've seen on the boards that some have had a problem with parking) and we couldn't get over how many staff are around to help you with anything you need.

We made a point of being at the parks when they open, and heading out around noon to enjoy the pool and relax. It's a good strategy if the weather is good. We loved all the rides in both parks, especially Hulk, Spiderman and Ripsaw Falls.

Any questions about the resort, don't hesitate to ask! We certainly didn't want to leave!

 

[Bonnie40]

Duh! We in fact stayed in Tower 3, room 3512 which is the tower closest to the pool and the water taxi! Sorry!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Bonnie, thanks for your report! How far was it to Sweet Tomatoes and do you have any idea if it is open all day long or if it closes between lunch and dinner? We plan to go there and may end up wanting a late lunch/early dinner. That way we could eat a big meal during our mid-day break before heading back to the parks. I have their website bookmarked, but haven't checked to see if the hours are on it.

I'll probably think of more questions...

Thanks again, T&B

 

[Bonnie40]

The Sweet Tomatoes restaurant was easier to find than I realized. It is on the corner of Kirkman Drive and Universal Drive (I think Universal Drive). You can only get into it from Kirkman Drive though. I believe Kirkman Drive is parallel to International Drive - just one or two roads further over. I'm not sure about opening and closing times. We loved the fact that it was fresh and tasty. Freshly baked breads and great soups too!

 

[barbnbrian]

Any chance Sweet Tomatoes is walking distance from the HRH? We won't have a rental car.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Thanks Bonnie! I checked the Sweet Tomatoes website and, according to that, they are open straight through. If I remember from going to west coast locations last summer, it is a little cheaper to go during the lunchtime hours so if I hit it before the dinner hours start I can save a little $. Last summer I mapped out all the Sweet Tomatoes/Soup Plantation and Fresh Choice restaurants on our routes up and down the length of California and we hit several of the locations. We have a teen and a preteen so that place is great for big eaters and we have preschool and school-age picky eaters so it's good for that, too. To top it all off we are vegetarian and there are always vegie soup options, etc. A good place all around for us!

Barbnbrian, I don't know how far it is to walk, but maybe there is a shuttle that goes up to International Drive. For me it would be worth figuring out a way to get there, even if that way is a taxi. Check out their website if you aren't familiar with the place. http://www.sweettomatoes.com

 

[Cindy B]

Its not walkable from there, sorry!

It is a wonderful restaurant, but you may be able to get the IDrive trolley, but I am not sure.

 

[highlander447]

Nice report thanks for taking the time

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for the great review!!!!

 

[mamarobin24]

Hi. We're going to RPH in Oct. Did you try any of the restaurants at the hotel? are they any good or would we be better eating off property?