Well, first go to www.betterbidding.com and kind of study-up on the info. there.
I also tried to get a Universal hotel by Hotwire. The only people I see that have gotten one so far, are people that have stuck with the 5 star and have gotten Portofino Bay. My dates around Christmas, a 5* wasn't even offered, so that wasn't an option for me.
I haven't seen anyone get Hard Rock or Royal Pacific. I have read about one person that thought they were getting a 4.5 star that they thought was Hard Rock. It turned out to be the Peabody. I GUESS the thing that's supposed to identify the Universal hotels is the amenity of "Children's Programs". But I do not know for sure.
I gave up, because I have not seen anyone get Hard Rock or Royal Pacific. I just wasn't willing to take a chance. Be sure you know what you're doing, or you could be in for a world of disappointment!
Pomcoach