Help picking a hotel - a few questions about atmosphere...

[holly2005]

Hi,

I am traveling down to Orlando for Memorial Day weekend with my 8 year old son. We have stayed at many Disney hotels and most recently the Nick hotel. Of course he wants to go back to Nick but it's going to be a few years before I endure that nightmare again - great for him - but not for me.

So......I though either the Hardrock or the Portifino would be a good choice for us. This is suppossed to be a relaxing trip to FL so we won't be spending 12 hour days in parks - we want to just hang out at the pool, ect...

Which hotel is better? We really like a lively atmosphere. He like hotels that have games and activities going on during the day. I was thinking of trying to rent a cabana. I would most likely be in it the whole time (irish skin) - so is one of the hotels preferable as to me being able to see him running around from the cabana. I like a hotel that doesn't shut down too early at night. Does either hotel have night time entertainment? I like to sit around and drink while he can do some fun things. Can kids go in the lounges at night - are their arcades or anything around the lounges open late. It's we just plan to chill out rather than go by my usualy schedules of events and food reservations, lol.

I'm going to go through some more threads, but anything you can tell me would be much appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[morningstar]

I'll try and help you out with HRH, but we have never stayed at Portofino. We were at Hard Rock over last Memorial Day. There are activites planned at the pool for kids - they had dance contests, hula-hoop, cannonball contest, and other games. My kids won free temp tattoos that they do right at the pool. Hard Rock also has ping pong tables for use and an arcade (need money!). They also have a volleyball net and sand to build sand castles. The kids have plenty to do. Plus, there are always kids at the pool and at that age they just play around with each other. Also, can't forget the slide.
We never rented a cabana, but they look great and have a tv. I would wait until you got there so you can pick out which one would have the best viewing of the pool so you can keep tabs on your son. We didn't hang out that much at the pool at night, so I'm not sure what goes on then. I know they offer dive-in movies a few times a week. They also have Camp Lil Rock which you can sign your son up for. I would love to try Portofino one of these times, but my kids insist on the Hard Rock and always have a great time there.

 

[Dagny]

Hey there!

I would suggest the Hard Rock Hotel over Portofino for you and an 8 year old. I just returned from a wondeful stay at the Hard Rock and it is definitely very kid oriented.

You indicated that you want a lively atmosphere and I will guarantee that you will get that at the Hard Rock. Portofino, while a beautiful resort, is not really "lively" compared to the HRH in my opinion

You will find great food and entertainment at both resorts

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Check availability before you pick one. HRH was sold out for my dates over that same weekend.

 

[cvjw]

Last week at the HRH, there was entertainment every night that we were out by the pool. One night they had a DJ who was playing records, doing trivia with the adults and doing contests with the kids. The kids in the pool were having a blast. Another night, there was a live band playing in front of the Beach Club. I have stayed at the Portofino also, and can not remember seeing any live entertainment when we were out at their pool - we were there in Sept., so that might have made a difference.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Last week at the HRH, there was entertainment every night that we were out by the pool. One night they had a DJ who was playing records, doing trivia with the adults and doing contests with the kids. The kids in the pool were having a blast. Another night, there was a live band playing in front of the Beach Club. I have stayed at the Portofino also, and can not remember seeing any live entertainment when we were out at their pool - we were there in Sept., so that might have made a difference.

I just love the HRH pool area. Its my favorite and they always have something great going on! I havent seen that at PBH's pools either. When we stayed at HRH last May they had the same stuff going on that you experienced. I do wonder if RPR has anything like this?

 

[holly2005]

Thanks guys. I booked the Hard Rock. The rate on the internet was a delux room for $389 so I called and got a delux room for $249. The lady was really nice. She told me she couldn't tell me what kind of view if any - but I don't care about that. I joined Lowes so maybe we'll get an upgrade to a room with a view.

I have to say I do feel guilty because my son really wants to stay at the Nick hotel. I told him I didn't think there were any rooms. We stayed there for a week last year and I couldn't take it again so soon. I also swore we weren't going to FL again but here we are!

Thanks for the info. I've got to read up on the hotel now.

 

[goofy!]

I think you made the right choice.

We LOVE the Portofino. It is our hotel of choice. We stay there pretty exclusively.

But....., if it tells you anything, we always spend at least one day in a cabana at the Hard Rock because my kids love the energy there. It usually is our best day, because I can veg in the cabana, while watching the kids. And if we feel like hitting a couple of rides, you are just 5 minutes away. Go ride a few rides, then back to the pool.

The downside - our bar bill seems to escalate at the HRH. Something about vegging in the cabana and the pool boy/girl continually bringing drinks, food, sodas, etc. Just can't figure it out how it happens

 

[micksterlee]

We are staying at the HRH last week of June and my 9 year old grandson is going and all he can talk about is how he is going to "kick it" like a rock star.