Hard Rock VS Portifino Bay & More Info

[markv]

We are planning a trip to Universal w/ my 6 yer old daughter in mid to late September. Probably 5 nites. Last year we stayed at RPH and plan to stay at either the HR or PB. This time, we may be bringing Grandma & Granda and an aunt that would stay in another room. We are "Loews First Gold" members which should allow us to upgrade to a suite (if available), I think - for an extra $35. I couldn't pay full price for a suite upgrade, but for $35 it would be well worth it.

If the rates are not that much different between the HR ($137.) and PB ($149) then price wouldn't factor much in our decision.
While never staying at the Hard Rock, I've read lots of good things about it. One major selling point for us staying at the HR is that (from what I understand) it's the closest Hotel to both parks and City Walk. How much closer than the other two properties? For us, a quick walk to the parks is preferred over waiting for the boat or shuttle.

Now, the luxury of the Portofino is something we find very appealing. I did see the show about PB on the Travel Channel. Since it's the five star resort that is more expensive than the other two, is it less crowded? If so, that's another plus for this property.

But, no matter where we stay - we are going to Orlando for the parks. We'll stay on-site to have the Universal Express privledges. I'm not sure how much time we'll actually be spending at the hotel. Maybe one day at the pool, breakfasts or relaxing after a day at the park. We do plan to get over the the Disney area once or twice for a few character meals and maybe Epcot (this time).

What's most important to us when making our choice between HR & PB:

1) The Loews First Gold ability to upgrade to a suite (if available), nothing like having two baths and a little extra space.

Has anyone been able to do a suite upgrade at either of these properties? If so, which hotel & how did it work you? Anyone try to and was unsucessful when they thought it should have been doable?


2) Location - How much different is it getting to the attractions from the HR vs PB?

3) Kids things to do at the Hotel - which is MORE "Kid Friendly" ? ( I do understand that this is Orlando and both would be kid friendly <g>)

4) Dining options (for kids and adults) PB or HR?

Even though both properties are excellent, any other differences that you feel would make one hotel a better choice than the other?

Any other comments?

Thanks so much for your help !!!!
Mark

 

[Beckles]

1) Yes, I've used this benefit once before on a one-night stay at the PBH. I faxed the PBH ahead of time requesting it and they had it all set up for me when I arrived, though they mis-billed my credit card in the end.

2) The biggest advantage of the HRH is it's location. It's a five minute walk to USF or City Walk and maybe 10 minutes to IOA, no need to mess with the boats unless you want to spend more time getting there. The PBH is a boat-ride or a 15-25 minute walk to the parks along the waterway.

Note, another adavantage to the location is that if you have your own car you can park in the self-park lot at HRH and your car is only a five minute walk from the parks or City Walk (if you use the lot to the right of the main drive as you're coming into HRH). This is great for running out for lunch or to the store to pick something up! The HRH's self-park lot is the best parking lot at Universal for guests!

3) Don't know, they're probably about the same I'd say ... might depend a little on how old the kids are (older kids are more likely to prefer the HRH).

4) PBH has more dining options on-site, but that is highly offset by the short walk to Citywalk anyway ...

Another big difference between the two is the standard rooms at PBH are much larger than the standard rooms at the HRH. The standard room at the HRH with two queen beds is very "cozy" to put it nicely ...

If you upgrade to a suite that's somewhat of a moot point ... though I'm guessing the suites at the PBH are probably larger than those at the HRH.

 

[PartyofSix]

Mark book the PBH and just trust me on this one. I finally talked my self into trying the HRh after 25 stays at PBH and have been kicking myself since. Luxury PBH, more likely to upgrade (yes many times we have to a suite), great food resonable prices, Service that will blow your mind, Great fun for your 6 yo and your wife and family it's all there Mark you'll find it at PBH. Now if getting to the parks by walking is inportant to you well HRH is your only choice. If your willing to wait a few minutes for a boat to pick you up and stoll you down the water way pass beautiful lush landscapeing and drop you off at citywalk about 5 minutes later definetly PBH is for you. If you'd like to see my suite pic's of PBH i'd be happy to share them pm me an email. Please if luxury and service are your target don't fool yourself with HRH it was a joke. The rooms were small the staff was inadequate to say the least the pool was crowded and noisy. My 10 dd was upset with the HRH after being spoiled at the PBH she wanted me to promise not to make our rooms there ever again.LOL

 

[floridafam]

PartyofSix,

I PM"d you

 

[Lola1]

Just back from HRH deluxe club level and loved it. There are five of us, myself, dh and our 3 boys 9, 12, 15. The pool was great, kids didn't want to leave, great water slide. I found myself going to the parks in the evening with the short walk it takes to get there. Longer waiting for a boat. Seems there aren't as many boats going back and forth because the walk is so short. There is a gate near the pool that leads to a short walking path to US gates. The Portofino looked beautiful, we walked there for Easter dinner at Mama Dellas. For us, the choice was clear, I am happy we stayed at the more relaxed HRH.

 

[Muushka]

HRH it was a joke. The rooms were small the staff was inadequate to say the least the pool was crowded and noisy. My 10 dd was upset with the HRH after being spoiled at the PBH she wanted me to promise not to make our rooms there ever again.LOL

Sheesh PartyofSix, tell us how you really feel .

Well, this is what makes the world go around, right? If everyone liked the same thing, it would be a pretty boring place to live!

We have stayed at all 3 resorts at Universal, but just once each. So far, our favorite is HRH. The reason we preferred it is that it is a more lively resort. Yes, the rooms are smaller than PBH, but we are only 2 of us, so it does not matter. We felt that PBH was a little on the dead/stuffy side. It is indeed a beautiful resort, and we enjoy staying there, but we prefer HRH.

RPR was our least favorite. Rooms even smaller, lobby people not too friendly, and a long walk to the parks (which is another reason why we prefer HRH)