First Time at PBH--Tell me about the hotel!

[boxer]

We got a 40% PIN code in email--and after getting SICK of the constant price hikes at Disney, we decided to stay at the PBH for the first time ever. I actually got the resort for cheaper than our reservation at the Riverside--and will get the deluxe amenitites!

Anyhow, just a few questions about the resort:

1. What is a good room choice (Garden View, 2 Queen Beds) for being close to the pool? We will spend alot of time at the pool, so I figured to try to get somewhat near it. And I guess an even better question would be if they even take room requests like Disney?

2. Is there a Kids Club for my 5yr old? What is the cost?

3. How is the Italian resturant in the hotel, and how expensive (no prices are listed)? Is there another Italian place at City Walk that is better or less expensive?

4. Parking is ROUGH to deal with that price ($18/day)--is there any off site places to park that we can walk to the hotel?

5. Any jogging paths or workout gyms at the hotel?

And finally (lol), and advice for our upcoming stay? It has been years since we have been to Universal, so we are excited to give it another try. We usually stay at the Beach Club, so I think/hope this should be kinda close in comparison. I couldn't even think about the $600/night Disney wanted this year to stay there!!!!!

Thanks

 

[Cinderella822]

I don't think you'll be disappointed. PBH is a really nice hotel. We've stayed there 3 times and loved it each time. I would suggest you stay in the west wing if you want to be near the pool. The east wing is a little far, but still not that bad. There is a smaller, less crowded pool by that wing, but kids will love the beach pool with the slide.

There are two Italian restaurants at PBH, Mama Della's and Bice. I've been to Mama Della's twice and it was very good. There is also Pastamore at City Walk.

I believe there is a gym at the hotel, but I have never used it. There is a really nice tree-lined path that goes around the hotel and also past the other hotels and parks.

I hope you enjoy your stay!

 

[RMulieri]

You won't bee disappointed..We leave soon for our next trip there!!!
1) west wing rooms are a good choice as are Villa Wing( but the Villa Wing is generally where they put the Club level guests)
2)Yes there is a kids club.We haven't used it yet and are this week.Each onsite resort has one and in less busy times they rotate which one is open so the one at PBH may not be open at the time and date of your visit, but one of the others will be.Hours are 5pmish-1130ish.It is around $12 per hr per child.This does not include a meal, that is extra
3)There are a few onsite restaurants...WE have eaten at Mama Dellas before and LOVED it.It is pricey but fantastic.Sals Marketplace is great Pizza and Sandwiches for counter service.Bice and the Trattoria Del Porto we haven't eaten at yet but will this visit.
I haven't eaten at Pastamore on Citywalk.Heard it was not that good and we picked Mama Dellas instead.
4)Parking is what it is.There is no way to park elsewhere and get free or cheaper parking that I am aware of.The Universal resorts are NOT owned and operated by Universal they are owned by Loews so they do not build the parking into the resort rates like Disney does.Loews charges ala carte for many things.$18 is high, but considering what I pay in areas like NYC or Washington DC it is a bargain..LOL
5) there is a great fitness center.For Club level guests it is free, not sure of the charge for non-club guests.We are runners and simply ran the waterfront walking path most days ( very pretty and quiet early in the am) .That goes from the resort to Citywalk and back again
6)We were Beach Club/Beach Club villas diehards till we stayed at Portofino Bay..We now stay onsite at Universal and either drive to Disney or skip it altogether.The prices at Disney deluxes have become too steep for us as well without a good discount.We have not been disappointed and are excited for our upcoming trip

 

[boxer]

You won't bee disappointed..We leave soon for our next trip there!!!
1) west wing rooms are a good choice as are Villa Wing( but the Villa Wing is generally where they put the Club level guests)
2)Yes there is a kids club.We haven't used it yet and are this week.Each onsite resort has one and in less busy times they rotate which one is open so the one at PBH may not be open at the time and date of your visit, but one of the others will be.Hours are 5pmish-1130ish.It is around $12 per hr per child.This does not include a meal, that is extra
3)There are a few onsite restaurants...WE have eaten at Mama Dellas before and LOVED it.It is pricey but fantastic.Sals Marketplace is great Pizza and Sandwiches for counter service.Bice and the Trattoria Del Porto we haven't eaten at yet but will this visit.
I haven't eaten at Pastamore on Citywalk.Heard it was not that good and we picked Mama Dellas instead.
4)Parking is what it is.There is no way to park elsewhere and get free or cheaper parking that I am aware of.The Universal resorts are NOT owned and operated by Universal they are owned by Loews so they do not build the parking into the resort rates like Disney does.Loews charges ala carte for many things.$18 is high, but considering what I pay in areas like NYC or Washington DC it is a bargain..LOL
5) there is a great fitness center.For Club level guests it is free, not sure of the charge for non-club guests.We are runners and simply ran the waterfront walking path most days ( very pretty and quiet early in the am) .That goes from the resort to Citywalk and back again
6)We were Beach Club/Beach Club villas diehards till we stayed at Portofino Bay..We now stay onsite at Universal and either drive to Disney or skip it altogether.The prices at Disney deluxes have become too steep for us as well without a good discount.We have not been disappointed and are excited for our upcoming trip

Thank you--especially coming from someone that stayed at BC, and knows what we are going to be looking for in terms of the resort.

With the constant price increases, we have thought about renting DVC points, or even buying-into the DVC----BUT, if this stay at PBH is as good as I think it will be, we may just opt to stay at Universal Resorts from now on.

I had a POR with Free Dining booked--but I couldn't get away from the fact we would not be staying at the BC, or a deluxe-level hotel. Not that we are hotel snobs, but we spend alot of time at the resort, and need something more than a Disney moderate. I am SO disgusted with some of Disneys recent pricing on the hotels, that I don't know if it will ever be like it once was (BC for under $300/night).

I think we will still get a season pass for Disney while down there, but we will also spend 4-days at Universal, which will be great with the FOL pass. It really sucks not staying at Disney, but there is no allure when they were wanting to charge me $600/night with damn Free Dining promo.

 

[macraven]

the rates are the same for all 3 kid camps.


Kids will enjoy play mats, an arts & crafts table, storybook corner, computer desks, a movie room, and more.

Counselors are trained to supervise toilet-trained children ages 4-14 only. One counselor for every 8-10 children.

COST: $15 per hour, per child / $15 per meal

HOURS: Open from 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday and from 5:00 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. *Times are subject to change.

RESERVATIONS: Please call 407-503-1200 for reservations and more information.

 

[damo]

Here are a few menu pictures I took last year at Mama Della's....hope these help

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5108/5809362146_d322630108_b.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2024/5809360716_3bac0cf99a_b.jpg

and the Trattoria breakfast

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2292/5808796371_84b0f6980d_b.jpg

and dinner (not the greatest picture)
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2071/5808794811_bc9405d0de_b.jpg

 

[boxer]

Thank you for the replies!!