Hotel Help For Quick Trip

[rudetreehill]

I've gotten (and, I'd like to think, given) a lot of good advice on these boards over the years, but always with regards to Disney. Now, I DEFINITELY need help. I'm planning a trip to Universal Studios that came up at the last moment, arriving on October 9 and checking out on the 12th.

I've been to Universal once or twice, always for a day while staying for a week at Disney. (There, my favorite resort is Wilderness Lodge, though I've also stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and the cabins at Fort Wilderness, both of which I very much liked.)

So here's the mini-crisis: I don't know diddly about the Universal hotels!

I'll be traveling with one of my best friends, just the two of us. One room, two beds, three nights.

My first instinct is to spend the bucks and stay at Portofino Bay because, well, it just looks GORGEOUS. But should I consider Lowes Royal Pacific? (I've considered saving a bit of money by staying off property, but that just SOOO isn't me).

Is there a difference between the two, convenience wise? I'm a resort 'ho, as they say. I love, love, love hotels and everything that goes with them. I dont' find Universal's official page to be very helpful in making this decision so...

... well, where else would I turn but to y'all, the most helpful group of people on the net?

Thanks in advance...
Tralfie/Richard

 

[damo]

You should most definitely consider RPR. It is a beautiful resort and with just two people, the rooms are a great size. It is a closer walk, especially to IOA and if you are intending on spending a lot of time visiting Harry, then you should strongly consider it.

The differences with it and the PBH are mostly in the bathrooms. The bathrooms at PBH are HUGE and the bathrooms at RPR are tiny. Decor, of course, is also very different but both hotels are definitely deluxe.

 

[christophfam]

WL and AKL are my two favorite resorts at Disney (never stayed at any other deluxes, but many mods and values). That being said, I like RPR way more than WL and AKL!! It just feels like a higher class of hotel to me. Not to mention how totally spoiled you are when you can walk to the park and get in the express line all day. Love, love, love Universal hotels and their perks!!