Help me choose a Universal Resort

[tx2tn]

My wife and I will be traveling to Orlando next year for our annual pilgrimage to WDW, but we are going to add in 3 nights at Universal for the first time. We need help on choosing the resort. Can you help? Here is some additional info that might help you.

We are DVC Owners so we are used to staying in Deluxe Resorts.

We love good food and good drinks.

We are empty nesters.

Our dates are September 12-14, 2014

We like to be onsite and within walking distance to the parks if possible.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

Chuck

 

[bumbershoot]

All three are walking distance. Hard rock is closest though. Not sure if portofino or royal pacific is closer than the other. Portofino's walk puts you closer to Studios while Royal's walk outs you closer to IOA. If you take the boat from any of them you end up at the same dock so they are equal in that way.

Hard rock is exciting and energetic, at least at the pool*, but our room didn't feel luxurious to me.

Royal's rooms are smallest but felt lovely. Portofino, however, felt romantic even though we've got our kiddo with us. I'd go for portofino for you, I think.

*In case you don't know, you can pool hop, so don't let a pool sway your decision.

 

[RMulieri]

Agree.I would go with Portofino.It is the furthest, but still walkable .It is also quite romantic.At dusk they have the opera singers out on a balcony over the piazza( great to sit and have a drink).The rooms are the largest of the 3 and are gorgeous too.there are plenty of kids ( there are at all 3) but not as many as at the other 2 resorts ( at least on our last 2 visits)We loved our meals at Mama Dellas and Trattoria del Porto ( we ate there 2x each and loved both meals).Pool Hopping is allowed and encouraged too.

 

[wen8jr]

I have stayed at both Royal Pacific and Portofino.
I would choose Portofino as it is a great resort. Very adult and laid back feel. Beautiful and romantic. 10 minute walk to the parks, but much quicker by boat.

We like RPH as well but it just didn't have the same feel to us that Portofino does. In Dec. we are going back to Portofino.

Enjoy your trip - we love US...it just has that adult vibe that can be nice sometimes and a break from Disney. You will love express pass if you like the park rides. You didn't ask - but Discovery Cove (even without dolphin swim) is nice for couples as well and affordable for what is included in the package. We've done that before during US trip and it worked out well as both SW and DC are not far from the resorts.

 

[macraven]

Pick the lowest priced onsite priced hotel

 

[glocon]

They are all deluxe by Disney standards (pretty deluxe anyway) they are all close to parks (you can park your car when you get there and never look at it again until you leave- even if you visit both parks and all three resorts) and all three had some very good places to eat at (The Kitchen at the HRH is quite good).

Many families with small children seem to prefer the RPR since the pool is very "small child friendly". Many families with teens/young adults prefer the HRH since it has a "cool" vibe with a "cool" pool (underwater speakers in pool). Many adults on their own prefer PBH because it is more adult themed and farthest from the parks so fewer families with younger kids pick this resort.

All three are quite beautiful properties with numerous places to eat, none are farther than a 5 minute boat/rickshaw ride or a 10-15 minute walk thru beautiful grounds to the parks. Whichever you choose, try to fit in the time to visit all three just to know what is available if you ever do come back!

You will love the early entry and especially love the express passes you get with staying on property. You will also love the fact of never driving anywhere or having to wait for boats if you don't want to because it is all easily walkable. Hope you have a great time no matter which you choose!

 

[lovin'fl]

We stayed at the Hard Rock and it was fabulous. I'd recommend it. We got a AAA package deal. We only did 2 nights and while that was enough to do all the stuff in the parks, we could have used more time at the hotel. The pool area with bar/bistro is awesome. It was a quick shot to City Walk and the parks.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

We have stayed at all three. Portofino is the clear favorite for our family (adults and kids). We like Royal Pacific, and it has good food choices. None of us liked Hard Rock (including my teenager).

The walk is the farthest from Portofino, but it is an easy walk if you don't have any mobility issues. You can also take the boat or catch a ride from the rickshaw guys (they work for tips).

 

[tx2tn]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your insight. I think I will look into Portofino more.