Hotel Pools

[bigbear]

Haven't stayed at any of the Universal hotels before and I was wondering what the differences are between teh pools. We will be a party aged 19, 24, 52 and 55.

 

[minnie4me]

Have only stayed at the RPR, the pool is beautiful !! quite large, and the deepest part is probably around 5 feet. There was a mother duck and 3 or 4 ducklings residing there last year when we were there, it was cute to watch them line up and swim around the pool.

 

[bigbear]

Have only stayed at the RPR, the pool is beautiful !! quite large, and the deepest part is probably around 5 feet. There was a mother duck and 3 or 4 ducklings residing there last year when we were there, it was cute to watch them line up and swim around the pool.

That sounds lovely!

 

[PrincessOp]

We stayed at RPR last weekend, and I've always thought the pool there was lovely. It was this time, too - but definitely a bit crowded (there was really nowhere you could go to get a bit of pool to yourself - people and kids everywhere). We also pool-hopped to Portofino Bay and Hard Rock. First, I'll tell you about Hard Rock. It was...eh. Just ok, definitely seemed the most dated and least luxurious. Also relatively crowded. On the plus side, it does have a waterslide and you can hear the music being played underwater. Lastly, Portofino --- wow. Just wow. We went over there for dinner and to check out the pool just out of curiosity (not really expecting much). OMG. It is awesome - not crowded, BEAUTIFUL, and huge - has a really neat Italian castle/waterslide structure in the middle. Also, a cave/waterfall/grotto thing to walk through in the pool that's really fun. Seriously, the nicest hotel pool I've ever seen, and I've stayed at the Beach Club. Can't reccomend highly enough -- I'm staying THERE next time!

 

[mjohnson96]

We stayed at RPR last weekend, and I've always thought the pool there was lovely. It was this time, too - but definitely a bit crowded (there was really nowhere you could go to get a bit of pool to yourself - people and kids everywhere). We also pool-hopped to Portofino Bay and Hard Rock. First, I'll tell you about Hard Rock. It was...eh. Just ok, definitely seemed the most dated and least luxurious. Also relatively crowded. On the plus side, it does have a waterslide and you can hear the music being played underwater. Lastly, Portofino --- wow. Just wow. We went over there for dinner and to check out the pool just out of curiosity (not really expecting much). OMG. It is awesome - not crowded, BEAUTIFUL, and huge - has a really neat Italian castle/waterslide structure in the middle. Also, a cave/waterfall/grotto thing to walk through in the pool that's really fun. Seriously, the nicest hotel pool I've ever seen, and I've stayed at the Beach Club. Can't reccomend highly enough -- I'm staying THERE next time!

We are going to be checking out the PBH pool next week at least once. I love the PBR pool and DD (7) loves the boat. Last trip we went over to the HRH pool and I really like the pool bar there and DD loved the slide. I tried to hear the music under water and I must not have the underwater hearing

 

[PrincessOp]

We are going to be checking out the PBH pool next week at least once. I love the PBR pool and DD (7) loves the boat. Last trip we went over to the HRH pool and I really like the pool bar there and DD loved the slide. I tried to hear the music under water and I must not have the underwater hearing

You know, the same thing happened when we went to the HRH pool, we could not hear the underwater music. The lifeguard told me that sometimes the speakers are turned off and that she would tell someone. She must've because a little while later - voila - music! I did not check out the pool bar - that was probably where I went wrong! lol

Oh, and one more thing - my kids seemed to think the HRH and PBR have the exact same slide. Now, can't verify - but this is what they believe... lol

 

[bigbear]

Thanks for replies, really, really helpful

 

[ThemeParkGuy]

Been to all three. Kids LOVED the vibe and fun of HRH over the other two.

 

[Reagan&Co.]

A great variety of responses! Now we will have to try all three out!!!

 

[acc82]

Been to all three. Kids LOVED the vibe and fun of HRH over the other two.

I agree! maybe the HRH pool is more crowded but it's fun!! there were people at the pool but i like it when there are folks at the pool because it makes for a fun atmosphere. i did hear the underwater music when i was there in march of this year. there was pool service for drinks and food which was awesome! they have cabanas if you want to rent them and I didn't have trouble finding a chair in the middle of the day. the pool was big enough that even though there were people using the pool, the pool itself wasn't super crowded. there was enough room to swim. i've attached some pictures from march of this year to this message.

general view of the pool

Drink Menu

view of the waterslide

 

[bigbear]

Great photos, thanks for posting

 

[Reagan&Co.]

I hated to start a new thread, so hope you don't mind my adding a few pool- related questions...

How are the pool towels? Do you use the towels from the room, or are they down at the pool? Are they decent? I am not a towel snob or anything, but you know, sometimes they are just awful, and I am sorry I did not bring my own....we are flying this time, carry on only, and I prefer not to have to bring my own towels....but I will if you all think so

 

[PrincessOp]

I would definitely not bother to pack pool towels in your carry-on -- it's not necessary. The pool towels are the same at all three resorts and very nice. Much thicker and larger than pool towels I've seen at other resorts. Each pool has it's own pool towel station when you come in - you show your room key and they give you as many towels as you need. They're very similar to the bath towels in the room, and very clean, so I don't think you should have any problems. Enjoy!

 

[TheWog]

There's a waterslide in that picture?????

 

[MJmom94]

Actually there are three pools (I think the small quiet one is still open) at the PBH. There is larger pool with a slide, waterfall and beachy area and a large rectangular pool (the Villa pool) set in a garden courtyard area surrounded by tall Palm trees. There is drink service and cabanas at this pool.

 

[mickeyluv]

Someone told me this but I want to know if this can actually be done. We are meeting up at US/IOA with friends who are going to be staying at HRH but I don't think our budget for this trip is going to allow us to stay there so we are thinking about staying off-site.... I was told by someone who has been before that even if we stayed off-site that we could go and use the pool at HRH with our friends as "guests" of our friends. Is this true? Really wouldn't hate to get there and get embarrassed by them telling us we had to leave. TIA