Final decision

[Goseethemouse]

Okay, I have narrowed it down a bit. Getting the meal deal is off as I realized that te other special offer (free child ticket) will save us quite a bit more money - never thought to check that one and still not sure why it is a better deal but there it is.

So now I have three alternatives:

a) Three nights at Hilton Grand Vacation Club & four nights at Universal
b) Three nights at Residence Inn Seaworld & four nights at Universal
c) All seven nights at Universal

B) is the cheapest option, a) is slightly less than c)

The Residence Inn is a new possibility as it wasn't offered for the other discount but is with this one.

Advantages for a) and b) is the proximity to Seaworld (quick queue probably won't help much as we aren't thrill riders), more space, kitchen, and free breakfast (Residence Inn) or laundry facilities (HGVC).

Advantage for c) is that we wouldn't have to move and overall RPR might be a nicer hotel. Also we could mix and match better between Seaworld and Universal.

Some last minute help would be appreciated - I have a Travelocity coupon that is good today only and would probably the best option if I want to rebook Universal!

Thanks so much for all the help - I really, really appreciate it

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Me personally, I would go with B.

Best price, and the best of both worlds when it comes to getting onsite benefits for both sets of parks.

I have stayed at both the Residence Inn SeaWorld and Universal's Royal Pacific Resort and had great experiences at both.

Let us know what you decide .

 

[Goseethemouse]

Me personally, I would go with B.

Best price, and the best of both worlds when it comes to getting onsite benefits for both sets of parks.

I have stayed at both the Residence Inn SeaWorld and Universal's Royal Pacific Resort and had great experiences at both.

Let us know what you decide .

Gina, I really appreciate all your help with this (and of course also from others). I guess I only have to decide today on whether to stay 4 or 7 days at Universal (as I have to cancel existing booking and rebook for 4 days). I just wish RPR wasn't so much more if you stay less. Four nights will cost almost as much as seven would. I know I will save overall but it is hard to give up the "good deal".

I really like the look of HGVC and have read a lot of positive stuff about it. Still, I did see the Residence Inn pictures in your trip report and that looked nice too. Also, we will only be there two days so really won't have a lot of time to enjoy the resort / participate in resort activities. Not sure how much nicer the HGVC pool is? Probably shouldn't worry about that as we can always go to Aquatica, right?

 

[rowan555]

We're doing something very similar - 4 nights at Royal Pacific, then 5 nights at Springhill Suites (was the same price/similar amenities as Residence Inn). We're doing the free dining promotion for Sea World.

The things that bothered me about Hilton were that it lacks a free breakfast and parking is $18 a night. I'd definitely choose Residence Inn, Springhill, or Fairfield rather than Hilton.

 

[Goseethemouse]

We're doing something very similar - 4 nights at Royal Pacific, then 5 nights at Springhill Suites (was the same price/similar amenities as Residence Inn). We're doing the free dining promotion for Sea World.

The things that bothered me about Hilton were that it lacks a free breakfast and parking is $18 a night. I'd definitely choose Residence Inn, Springhill, or Fairfield rather than Hilton.

Well, I am looking at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club - while it lacks breakfast I do think parking is free? It does look really nice and I like that there is a washer/dryer in the unit and it seems to have a very relaxing vacation vibe. But it does cost a bit more...

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well, I am looking at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club - while it lacks breakfast I do think parking is free? It does look really nice and I like that there is a washer/dryer in the unit and it seems to have a very relaxing vacation vibe. But it does cost a bit more...

The HGVC is a much more upscale property than the RI, that's absolutely certain. And I also believe that parking is free . The washer and dryer in the room is a nice perk, particularly if your SW portion falls AFTER your Universal portion (when you are sure to have accumulated lots of dirty clothes).

Isn't decision making fun?

If you are looking for something to be 'on par" with the Universal hotels as far as quality goes (to make the "feel" of your stay a little more consistent), then the HGVC will be what you want over the RI.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We're doing something very similar - 4 nights at Royal Pacific, then 5 nights at Springhill Suites (was the same price/similar amenities as Residence Inn). We're doing the free dining promotion for Sea World.

The things that bothered me about Hilton were that it lacks a free breakfast and parking is $18 a night. I'd definitely choose Residence Inn, Springhill, or Fairfield rather than Hilton.

There is this Hilton near SeaWorld:

http://www.thehiltonorlando.com/

And then there's the Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld:

http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...cations-suites-at-seaworld-ORLSWGV/index.html

I think its the first one you were looking at, and the second that the OP is considering booking.

The HGVC is an official hotel of SeaWorld, while the Hilton Orlando is only considered a "partner".

 

[rowan555]

Well, I am looking at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club - while it lacks breakfast I do think parking is free? It does look really nice and I like that there is a washer/dryer in the unit and it seems to have a very relaxing vacation vibe. But it does cost a bit more...

Sorry about that, I went back to check, and it was Renaissance that I originally looked at that had the $18 parking (and the really adorable kids' pool area).

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sorry about that, I went back to check, and it was Renaissance that I originally looked at that had the $18 parking (and the really adorable kids' pool area).

Isn't there kids area amazing? We saw it from the overflow parking area on our Christmas trip, and it made me wish I had little ones still!!

 

[Goseethemouse]

Okay, I have made some decisions but am still uncertain about other aspects (I really don't know why I am having such a difficult time with this):

I have cancelled our Discovery Cove visit - while I am sure it is amazing it just didn't fit that well in with our plans and given that we are going on a cruise at the end of the trip I think we will wait until a future visit to do DC.

I have changed our reservation at Royal Pacific from 7 nights to 4 nights so there are only 3 nights left to decide.

I actually have now changed my mind (again) and we will spend the first of these three nights outside of Orlando so am only looking to stay for 2 nights near Seaworld.

For us the kids go free deal is definitely better than the free meal deal.

We waited too long so the Residence Inn is out.

Basically, I am trying to decide between Hilton Grand Vacations at Seaworld and Springhill Suites.

Advantages of HGVC: Nice tub, nicer pool area, much more space, washer/dryer

Advantages of SS: About $70 cheaper, free breakfast included

I am leaning to SS - while HGVC seems nicer I am not sure we would even be able to use many of the facilities as we will only have about 1.5 days there. Does anyone know whether Springhill Suites has a laundry room?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Okay, I have made some decisions but am still uncertain about other aspects (I really don't know why I am having such a difficult time with this):

I have cancelled our Discovery Cove visit - while I am sure it is amazing it just didn't fit that well in with our plans and given that we are going on a cruise at the end of the trip I think we will wait until a future visit to do DC.

I have changed our reservation at Royal Pacific from 7 nights to 4 nights so there are only 3 nights left to decide.

I actually have now changed my mind (again) and we will spend the first of these three nights outside of Orlando so am only looking to stay for 2 nights near Seaworld.

For us the kids go free deal is definitely better than the free meal deal.

We waited too long so the Residence Inn is out.

Basically, I am trying to decide between Hilton Grand Vacations at Seaworld and Springhill Suites.

Advantages of HGVC: Nice tub, nicer pool area, much more space, washer/dryer

Advantages of SS: About $70 cheaper, free breakfast included

I am leaning to SS - while HGVC seems nicer I am not sure we would even be able to use many of the facilities as we will only have about 1.5 days there. Does anyone know whether Springhill Suites has a laundry room?

This link says they do:

http://www.hotels.com/ho311289/spri...tt-orlando-at-seaworld-orlando-united-states/

Scroll down and its listed under "services".

Just something to keep in mind.....if you are planning on doing quite a bit of laundry, it may get rather pricey. It cost me $6 per load ($2 to wash, and two $2 cycles to dry) at the Residence Inn at Christmas. If you have 3 or 4 loads to do, that's going to eat up a significant portion of your $70 savings.

I was actually kind of surprised at how expensive laundry was at the RI.

They had lots of facilities (14 washers and 18 dryers) but they were all on the first floor in one single laundry room. Not very convenient for us up on the far end of the 4th floor. The Springhill Suites isn't as large of a property as the RI, so hopefully it won't be an issue there.

Anyway, just some laundry feedback to add to your decision .

 

[Goseethemouse]

This link says they do:

http://www.hotels.com/ho311289/spri...tt-orlando-at-seaworld-orlando-united-states/

Scroll down and its listed under "services".

Just something to keep in mind.....if you are planning on doing quite a bit of laundry, it may get rather pricey. It cost me $6 per load ($2 to wash, and two $2 cycles to dry) at the Residence Inn at Christmas. If you have 3 or 4 loads to do, that's going to eat up a significant portion of your $70 savings.

I was actually kind of surprised at how expensive laundry was at the RI.

They had lots of facilities (14 washers and 18 dryers) but they were all on the first floor in one single laundry room. Not very convenient for us up on the far end of the 4th floor. The Springhill Suites isn't as large of a property as the RI, so hopefully it won't be an issue there.

Anyway, just some laundry feedback to add to your decision .

Thanks so much - I really appreciate all your help with this (and I do realize all that back and forth is rather annoying). The entire vacation is actually 6 weeks long and this is the only part causing me so much trouble...

I don't think we will have that much laundry - but the laundry cost is definitely something I forgot to figure in my calculation. I am kind of hoping one of the hotels will sell out so I won't have to make a decision

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks so much - I really appreciate all your help with this (and I do realize all that back and forth is rather annoying). The entire vacation is actually 6 weeks long and this is the only part causing me so much trouble...

I don't think we will have that much laundry - but the laundry cost is definitely something I forgot to figure in my calculation. I am kind of hoping one of the hotels will sell out so I won't have to make a decision

Just don't wait too long and have BOTH of them sell out!!!

 

[kathy884]

Both are good choices. I wouldn't sweat it. For longer stays (love the kitchen, space, laundry) or with a big group where we would be taking advantage of the common area for family visiting (love place to visit / hang out with extended family), I really like a condo like HGVC. For just two nights (a quick in and out), I'd probably just go with Springhill Suites. // What I can't really give you advice on is your whole trip and how that might influence where you would like to stay and if that influences you decision in any way. Wow! I can't even imagine six weeks. Sounds like quite an adventure. // My Orlando stays usually range from three to seven nights. For three nights, I almost always go hotel. For seven nights I almost always go condo, get some groceries and do some meals in, etc. and have some relaxing days at the condo -- But I've been to Orlando a ton, so am not trying to pack all that much in on a longer trip.// We are doing a mini stay at SeaWorld in October (three nights) and are doing one of the SeaWorld hotel packages too and opting for hotel rather than HGVC as much as I love that place, as it just seems like overkill for such a short stay, where we will just be doing a little relaxing there an hour or two before bed for two nights, sleeping there, and eating lunch there and taking a one hour swim one day. // I'm guessing your short SeaWorld stay is similar.

 

[MondaysChild]

Both get great reviews! I don't think you can go wrong with either! If one saves you $70 plus breakfast and you are only there two nights, I would lean towards the cheaper hotel. You will still have all you need plus about $100 extra bucks in your pocket to use on vacation if you factor in grabbing some breakfast each day. That's plenty of quarters to do your laundry for a night or even get a few $7 fish trays to feed the dolphin at Sea World. Good luck. You are in a win win situation