First time to Universal... Resort recommendations?

[Scubadaddy32]

Currently thinking of changing our Disney/Universal trip in Sept. or Oct. to just a short Universal trip of 4 or 5 days. Resort recommendations?
We've stayed at WDW many times and we typically stay in deluxe resorts. AKL and WL are our two favorite deluxe resorts at WDW, but we have been staying at the new Gran Destino Tower on our last two trips.
Just my wife and I, we are active 40 year olds and spend most of our time in the parks, but still prefer higher end accommodations.

 

[glocon]

I would say that you would like one of the original 3 resorts. PBH, RPR or HRH. Not sure if all are open tho. HRH is closest to US and RPR is closest to IoA. PBH is nice and has really good food options but is furthest from the parks, maybe a 15 minute brisk walk. Look at those three and see which appeals to you most. You also get unlimited EP with those three resorts. We’ve stayed at all three and prefer HRH, then RPR then PBH I’m third place. We just had better customer service at the first two, may have been a one off but PBH just wasn’t as customer friendly as the other two in our experience. PBH is the flagship hotel tho, like GF is WDW. Too bad you can’t stay at GDT, we did last summer and absolutely loved it. It’s amazingly beautiful! Maybe next time.

 

[macraven]

Take a look at the hotel stickies for the 3 premier onsite hotels
You will learn the basics for each hotel and be able to see pictures of the hotel which may help you decide.

 

[GoingSince1990]

We've stayed at the the Portofino, Hard Rock and Royal Pacific, and have always gravitated lately to the Hard Rock. The very short walk from the Hard Rock to Universal Studios (and the entrance to Citywalk) is just a joy, similar to the walk to Epcot when staying at the Beach Club. Portofino is a great hotel but we find ourselves always taking the pedicabs because of the significantly longer walk. Royal Pacific is a notch down from the other two but still very nice.

 

[e_yerger]

Hard Rock is above and beyond my favorite resort at UOR. It’s a quick walk to the parks, the pool is top notch, and the dining is great. They will have live music play in the lobby bar frequently too.

I also really enjoy Cabana Bay. I would argue the themeing at that resort is on par with Disney deluxe resorts. The beds arent as comfy, but there is nothing like walking in that lobby and seeing the vintage cars out front!

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

Currently thinking of changing our Disney/Universal trip in Sept. or Oct. to just a short Universal trip of 4 or 5 days. Resort recommendations?
We've stayed at WDW many times and we typically stay in deluxe resorts. AKL and WL are our two favorite deluxe resorts at WDW, but we have been staying at the new Gran Destino Tower during our last two trips.
Just my wife and I, we are active 40 year olds and spend most of our time in the parks, but still prefer higher end accommodations.

Hard Rock

 

[Scubadaddy32]

Too bad you can’t stay at GDT, we did last summer and absolutely loved it. It’s amazingly beautiful! Maybe next time.

Appreciate all the insight guys, very helpful!
WDW is just seems to be an entirely different beast than Universal, which is one reason we are thinking about just going there only.
Our initial thoughts were HRH being that it was the closest to the US, but we are the type that like to get as much hands on information as possible. I'm glad to hear so many people are impressed with HRH.
We still haven't ruled out a stay at WDW and GDT in Oct. We may end up staying at Universal and then move right over to WDW for a while, if the restrictions loosen up and they bring back more events. Ha
Thanks again for everyone's input, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[macraven]

Scubadaddy
If you have any free time and want more personal details about the 3 premier hotels at the Darkside, read some of the trip reports forum.

Even if a trip report is a year old, the basics are still similar still.
RP was remodeled last year and HR not that long ago.
PB has renovations going on this year
I find those that post about their trips, usually included their personal pictures and what worked for them to make the decision to book their hotel.

pool hopping is allowed when you stay onsite
All you need is your hotel room key to verify you are a registered guest at one of the onsite Loews hotels.

 

[nkereina]

I agree that you should choose Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific, or Hard Rock Hotel. These will be most on par with WDW deluxe resorts, closest to the parks, and of course include unlimited Express Pass.

We're two adults in our 30s and like Hard Rock Hotel best. The Kitchen has my favorite breakfast on property, and the pool area is usually relaxed with space to spread out and good music. The staff at this resort are intentionally chill and laid back. Visible tattoos and piercings. They provide great service, buts its not at all meant to be "pinky's up" tuxedo butler style service. We really like the casual vibe. Its also closest of the three resorts for walking distance. None of the three resorts are a terribly far walk, but we don't even consider using the boat service when we stay at Hard Rock.

We've stayed at Royal Pacific several times because it tends to be the cheapest of the three. Beautiful resort, closer walk to Islands of Adventure if that park piques your interest more. We tend to spend more time at Universal, which is closer to Hard Rock and Portofino Bay.

Portofino Bay is also a great resort, with probably the most immersive theme of the three. I believe they have the largest rooms and they were in the midst of refurbishments when everything shut down. We've not stayed here (yet), only visited, and that's because it's the furthest walking distance of the three and often is the most expensive. But, we got a great AP rate for the Fall so will hopefully be trying it for the first time then.

You really can't go wrong with any of the three. Just depends on your theme preferences and what amenities are most important to you.

 

[Fellowship9798]

I have stayed at Cabana Bay, Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls, and Portofino Bay. Out of those, if you can afford it and find a decent price I like Portofino Bay best. There can be good annual pass holder rates that can make buying an annual pass worthwhile, similar to WDW hotels.

After that, I might choose Cabana Bay. I really like the theme and although it doesn’t have express pass included, the lower price can be worth it if you are not going at a peak time and don’t need it.

 

[hhoope01]

After that, I might choose Cabana Bay. I really like the theme and although it doesn’t have express pass included, the lower price can be worth it if you are not going at a peak time and don’t need it.

Totally agree with this. I really like the 50s theme at CBR. A family suite can be a lot less expensive than any rooms at the 3 Premier hotels, but is very nice and roomy. They have a couple of large pools to choose (including a lazy river). I like the food court and the fact there is a Starbucks there as well. The little diner next to the bowling alleys doesn't have a large selection, but it can be a nice place to eat and watch people bowl.

But I will admit the rooms are a bit more "spartan" than the Premier hotel's rooms and of course no EP, but I'll stay at CBR when traveling in late January or September (i.e. low crowded times.) I will also say that while I like that they have transfer buses virtually always waiting for you, it can be a pain sometimes coming in through the CityWalk entrance. The security screening at the Water Taxis or the walking trails are rarely, if ever, crowded.