Hotwire help

[tripplanner2]

So I am trying really hard to get an onsite room at Universal but the rate is way higher than I was planning on. We are already staying in a time share resort but I am scared to death of being there in July and trying to get on rides with 3 kids. So I am looking at Hotwire and a room is coming up with 4 stars and the regular rate is $279. I would love to assume that the hotel is Royal Pacific but it states that free parking is included. Does anyone have a clue as to which hotel this could be?

 

[damo]

When the Universal hotels come to hotwire, they are usually no cheaper than the AAA discount.

Maybe the one you are looking at it is the Peabody?

 

[tripplanner2]

I think the Peabody shows at $189 per night. Can't find another room rate at $279 per night but I guess the free parking icon is the key to knowing it is not an onsite hotel.

I used the conference rate that someone had posted about. Came to $239 inclusive of taxes and fees. Today was the last day to book. Still not sure we will keep it as we are only taking the room for the FOTL access. Is it really necessary? My girls want to do HP and know nothing else of the Universal side of things. I hate to spend the extra money but at the same time I would hate to spend all we did on tickets only to be miserable.

 

[pixeegrl]

If you are going in the summer then YES! It will be so worth it for 2 days of Express not to mention a relaxing vacation ....you will get spoiled

 

[damo]

Not only 2 days of unlimited express, but two days of early admission as well. It is very much worth it!!!

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I think the Peabody shows at $189 per night. Can't find another room rate at $279 per night but I guess the free parking icon is the key to knowing it is not an onsite hotel.

I used the conference rate that someone had posted about. Came to $239 inclusive of taxes and fees. Today was the last day to book. Still not sure we will keep it as we are only taking the room for the FOTL access. Is it really necessary? My girls want to do HP and know nothing else of the Universal side of things. I hate to spend the extra money but at the same time I would hate to spend all we did on tickets only to be miserable.

I was going to use that rate, also, but the OP mentioned that they would be matching up names with the reservations and the conference attendees. I don't want to get stuck then paying rack rate since the conference is over on your date...

 

[bumbershoot]

Universal resorts don't have free parking, that's for sure.

When using something like hotwire, thoroughly study sites like betterbidding dot com (there's another one but I can't recall the name) to get the best idea of what hotel you are being offered! Don't do it blind!


That said....

Have you checked this site to get rates for all three hotels at once?

While on that site you can put APH into the code box, to see if there are any AP rates at the time you are staying. If so, do the math to figure out if one person upgrading to an AP (preferred or the next one above it) would make it worth it vs the next lower hotel room price.

 

[glocon]

Another way to maybe feel better about $279 is to price out buying express passes for your family for 2 days. July will be a busy time, and express passes would make your family's trip much more fun. How much would ep be purchased for your family (they are good for one time per ride only) vs the price of a room (which is unlimited express plus early entry to WWoHP). I know it is a big expense when you are already on an expensive vacation, but if it is in your budget, it will definitly make the difference between a vacation of standing in long lines and one where you don't.

 

[glocon]

I just looked on the UO website and a one park express pass for most of July is $69.99 per person. And it is only good for one time per ride. So for a family of four it would cost $280 and you would only get to use it one time per ride with no early entry. Staying onsite for one nite is the same price with early entry and unlimited express for TWO days, basically half price!

Whatever you choose to do have fun, and just saying- unlimited express for two parks for two days is fun!

 

[tripplanner2]

Thanks so much for all the input. I did not hear anything about them matching names to conference attendees but I did book our room through group sales and she said nothing about only coming in for one night. I may cancel and just go on a Sunday and get there early. My daughter got hurt and is still recovering. Had a doctor appt yesterday and it did not go as well as planned. Not sure we will even be able to go to the park. Another appointment on Monday, we shall see.