The kids really had their heart set on HRH but there are no more deluxe rooms available for our family of 5. We just watched PBH on Great Hotels and I can get a deluxe room there. Can anyone tell me how these two hotels compare? For the kids they were most interested in the water slide at HRH. Does PBH have a slide? What would you do?
HRH or PBH
- Thread starter Lisa3
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Yes, PBH has a great slide. My kids love it.
Get the deluxe room at PBH and then reserve a cabana for a day at HRH. That is what we do. You get the best of both worlds.
And the walk between the two resorts is easy and very pretty. My elderly mother with major back problems made the walk between the resorts very easily. And I made several trips back and forth for things the kids forgot, etc.
Get the deluxe room at PBH and then reserve a cabana for a day at HRH. That is what we do. You get the best of both worlds.
And the walk between the two resorts is easy and very pretty. My elderly mother with major back problems made the walk between the resorts very easily. And I made several trips back and forth for things the kids forgot, etc.
The kids are almost 13, 11 & 10. I was all set to book the standard room at HRH and bring the aero bed (can't see paying $25 per night for a cot) but with the kids getting bigger the extra square footage makes a difference in just not tripping over one another. We will be coming from an 8 night stay at the Polynesian so we will be used to the bigger room. I just didn't want the kids to be disappointed with the choice. I didn't realize you could pool hop or that the two are within walking distance. We will not be there long enough to rent a cabana and the kids want to spend most of the time in the parks so swimming will be done after the parks close.
Fan2CSkr
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OK so then I would absolutely book a deluxe at Portofino! The kids ages help in that decision too. My kids sames ages love the pool at Portofino and the slide is great! They also have 3 pools total so they wont be bored.
Not only is pool hopping allowed, it is encouraged.
The nice thing about having a cabana at the Hard Rock is that you can use it as "home base" for your park day. Since the Hard Rock is such an easy walk to the parks (about 5 minutes), you can go to the parks, come back and swim, go to the parks, swim, parks, swim, etc.
I see you are going in August, so you will probably not want to be in the parks during the hottest part of the day. With FOTL, you are not going to have to worry about lines, so you can ride at your leisure. When we go in the summer, we get the cabana, check in early morning, leave and go do the parks for a few hours. Come back at lunch time and have lunch in the cabana by the pool and swim during the hottest part of the day. Then change again in the cabana and head off to the parks for the afternoon. Then come back and finish out the night again in the cabana. It works really well during those hot, sweltering days in August. Especially since the Hard Rock is so close to the parks that going back and forth is very easy.
Also, be advised that you will still need the Aero bed for your 5th person in the deluxe room at the PBH.
Have a great vacation!
The nice thing about having a cabana at the Hard Rock is that you can use it as "home base" for your park day. Since the Hard Rock is such an easy walk to the parks (about 5 minutes), you can go to the parks, come back and swim, go to the parks, swim, parks, swim, etc.
I see you are going in August, so you will probably not want to be in the parks during the hottest part of the day. With FOTL, you are not going to have to worry about lines, so you can ride at your leisure. When we go in the summer, we get the cabana, check in early morning, leave and go do the parks for a few hours. Come back at lunch time and have lunch in the cabana by the pool and swim during the hottest part of the day. Then change again in the cabana and head off to the parks for the afternoon. Then come back and finish out the night again in the cabana. It works really well during those hot, sweltering days in August. Especially since the Hard Rock is so close to the parks that going back and forth is very easy.
Also, be advised that you will still need the Aero bed for your 5th person in the deluxe room at the PBH.
Have a great vacation!
tarheelmjfan
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My DH & I prefer PBH to the other resorts. Our DS(14) is a huge HRH fan. Our upcoming trip was his choice. He requested a stay @ HRH this summer. "Oh yeah, we can go to the parks too." 
You can't go wrong with either resort, although they do have different atmospheres. As Goofy mentioned, it's much easier to get to the parks from HRH. It's an easy 5 to 10 min. walk. Some people walk from PBH, but we've always taken the boat, because of the distance. PBH provides a more relaxing, escape from the parks. You can easily forget they're there, when immersed in the ambiance. 
Since you're planning a short stay, you may want to decide if it's more important to have a larger room or shorter commute to the parks. We like to stay 4 to 5 nights to get the true on property, UO experience. Have you considered cutting your Poly stay short by a night or 2 to lengthen your UO stay? Just a thought. 
You can't go wrong with either resort, although they do have different atmospheres. As Goofy mentioned, it's much easier to get to the parks from HRH. It's an easy 5 to 10 min. walk. Some people walk from PBH, but we've always taken the boat, because of the distance. PBH provides a more relaxing, escape from the parks. You can easily forget they're there, when immersed in the ambiance. Since you're planning a short stay, you may want to decide if it's more important to have a larger room or shorter commute to the parks. We like to stay 4 to 5 nights to get the true on property, UO experience. Have you considered cutting your Poly stay short by a night or 2 to lengthen your UO stay? Just a thought. 
robvia
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Agree, you'll need at least 3 nights at the PBH if you want to take in the atmosphere. We stayed 2 nights checking in early the first day. Most of our time was at the parks, and the pool with the slide. We barely had time to walk around and explore the resort. Walk from the PBH to USF is 13-15 minutes along a pretty path. Walk from the HRH is only 5 minutes, that's the big advantage to staying there.
I've now been to all 3 resorts, staying in regular rooms. The PBH is the best, even if it is farther away. The staff is friendly, the resort is beautiful, and you could easily stay there for 4 or 5 nights and not get bored. The rooms at the PBH are larger. Not sure about deluxe rooms, but for a regular room, you can fit an air mattress next to one of the beds, or even in the bathroom.
The bathroom at the PBH is huge, with two sinks, and plenty of room. It's a true walk in bathroom, versus the HRH/RPR which are more like stalls.
I've now been to all 3 resorts, staying in regular rooms. The PBH is the best, even if it is farther away. The staff is friendly, the resort is beautiful, and you could easily stay there for 4 or 5 nights and not get bored. The rooms at the PBH are larger. Not sure about deluxe rooms, but for a regular room, you can fit an air mattress next to one of the beds, or even in the bathroom.
The bathroom at the PBH is huge, with two sinks, and plenty of room. It's a true walk in bathroom, versus the HRH/RPR which are more like stalls.
goNDmay9
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We just got back from PBH. Last time we stayed at HRH. I think that there is a significant difference in size. I am not sure what a deluxe room is, but at PBH we had a villa room (well 2 actually) on club and a club on HRH the year before.
To compare the two - PBH was significantly larger than HRH. We had the cot and it BARELY fit in the HRH room. With PBH, one of the rooms came with a small pull out couch so you may not even need to worry about the aero bed. The other PBH room just had a chair so i am not sure if you would need to request the couch. Like one of the posters said - you could fit the aero bed in the bathroom! LOL.
We loved the pool at PBH. The slide was a big hit with everyone. Plus - at PBH there are three pools to choose from. PBH has a completely different atmosphere though. IMO, it is much more serene and peaceful and you can completely forget that you are at a themepark!
The resort is beautiful, but it does not sound like you will be spending much time at the resort. If the difference in price is significant and you just plan on sleeping in the room, you may just want to stay at HRH. We did it with five people and it was fine. A little tight, but it was still fine - and we were coming from a three bedroom timeshare! HRH is definitely the closest to the parks. I guess it just depends on the focus of your stay. We spend a ton of time at the resort, but if you just need FOTL and a place to sleep HRH may be the better choice.
Ok - so it is official. I was no help what so ever!
To compare the two - PBH was significantly larger than HRH. We had the cot and it BARELY fit in the HRH room. With PBH, one of the rooms came with a small pull out couch so you may not even need to worry about the aero bed. The other PBH room just had a chair so i am not sure if you would need to request the couch. Like one of the posters said - you could fit the aero bed in the bathroom! LOL.
We loved the pool at PBH. The slide was a big hit with everyone. Plus - at PBH there are three pools to choose from. PBH has a completely different atmosphere though. IMO, it is much more serene and peaceful and you can completely forget that you are at a themepark!
The resort is beautiful, but it does not sound like you will be spending much time at the resort. If the difference in price is significant and you just plan on sleeping in the room, you may just want to stay at HRH. We did it with five people and it was fine. A little tight, but it was still fine - and we were coming from a three bedroom timeshare! HRH is definitely the closest to the parks. I guess it just depends on the focus of your stay. We spend a ton of time at the resort, but if you just need FOTL and a place to sleep HRH may be the better choice.
Ok - so it is official. I was no help what so ever!
Never think you are not a help. It is great that this board is here where we can actually ask people who have been there questions. I showed the kids PBH on the Travel Channel Great Hotels and they are sold. We have actually decided to stay 4 nights at PBH just to give us a little extra time at the end of our Disney vacation. This will give us plenty of time at the parks and time for some swimming and relaxing. I am looking forward to the boat ride to the parks. We will be bringing an aerobed anyway since we drive from NJ so that is not a problem and the bigger bathroom will definately be a bonus. Now that the decision is made I can't wait! Thanks to everyone!
goNDmay9
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you will thoroughly enjoy it! The bathroom is awesome and has two sinks so more than one can get ready at a time. As long as no one is actually "using the bathroom" a few of you can use it to get ready at once!
One piece of advice, if you crave pizza while you are there, do not get it at the splend something or other pizza place. It is just off of the beach pool. The food is ok but they do charge an 18% surcharge. (why? - it is not a sit down type of restaurant either) Go to the plaza and get it at sal's deli. I think that they make their dough fresh, there is no surcharge, and the price is really close if not the same. Plus, their staff is friendly.
You are going to have to keep us updated as to how your family likes it.
One piece of advice, if you crave pizza while you are there, do not get it at the splend something or other pizza place. It is just off of the beach pool. The food is ok but they do charge an 18% surcharge. (why? - it is not a sit down type of restaurant either) Go to the plaza and get it at sal's deli. I think that they make their dough fresh, there is no surcharge, and the price is really close if not the same. Plus, their staff is friendly.
You are going to have to keep us updated as to how your family likes it.
goNDmay9
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Ok - i knew that i liked you! i just posted a reply to another one of your posts. Anyway - we tried the same exact thing! Did not work for us either! LOL. That is hysterical. Great minds think alike.
They get you with the cabana as well. To begin with, there is an automatic 20% (i think - if not it was 18%) surcharge on the cabana itself. Then, if you order any food, you get the 18% surcharge again! YIKES! Cabana was totally worth it though. This was our first time and we will definitely do it again.
Another thing too - the cabana person gets that automatic cabana surcharge so remember that when you are tipping them in the end. I am not sure if they get the 18% food surcharge though. No clue who that goes to.
tarheelmjfan
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Great choice! You will love PBH. The whole resort is very nice. If you're not very tall, take a step stool with you. You'll understand, when you enter your room. 
I don't know if anyone mentioned it already, but you can hear the tv through speakers in the bathroom. The rooms are pure luxury. The plaza is a great place to hang out. You'll be glad you decided to stay 4 nights. The boats are a pleasant ride, & there's no need to rush to the parks with FOTL.
I don't know if anyone mentioned it already, but you can hear the tv through speakers in the bathroom. The rooms are pure luxury. The plaza is a great place to hang out. You'll be glad you decided to stay 4 nights. The boats are a pleasant ride, & there's no need to rush to the parks with FOTL.i probably did this in the wrong order. after staying twice at rp, i should have booked this trip at hard rock and saved the best, pbh, for last. i don't know when we'll be back, maybe next fall, but i will be asking you guys what wing to request for hrh. i want the one closest to the park! i requested the west wing for pbh because of what i read on these boards and loved the location. we also had the huge walkout balcony which i will miss if i don't have one at hrh. the only bad thing was with all the rain, it poured into those french doors and the carpet was wet about a foot inside the room the whole time....and we had a roll a way close to those doors. there were five of us in the room so even with 2 sinks, someone was still having to brush their teeth and wait in line for a sink when we were getting ready in the morning. i don't want anyone to think i'm complaining, even with the water, surcharges and slow boats, i thought pbh was absolutely gorgeous.
just curious, goNDmay9, what does the nd stand for???
just curious, goNDmay9, what does the nd stand for???
robvia
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I ordered pizza and a couple salads from Flippers, went and got it myself since we had our truck in the garage. If you don't have a vehicle, you can order from Flippers and they'll meet you out front of the lobby. Flippers costs about the same as what you would get from the hotel, but there are no surcharges, and the pizza is really good, especially the specialty pizzas. Of coarse, you'll need to tip the driver if you order in. Write down their phone number, and look at the menu before your arrive.
http://www.nogodforme.com/IOA072905.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/IOA072905.htm
You know how some say all things happen for a reason? Well, I hope there is reason behind this one. After agonizing long and hard over booking PBH instead of HRH because I cannot get a Deluxe Queen room at HRH, I finally got everyone to agree to stay at PBH and made our reservations. Everyone's happy, we are all set to go in August.
Today we attend a party where one of the families just returned yesterday from Universal and stayed at HRH. Well, after their kids talked to my kids about how great that hotel and pool were, you can guess what my kids had to say to me tonight. I must say that after talking to this family the idea of being closer to the parks where we will spend most of our time is really pulling me to change our reservations and just get a regular room at HRH before they are all gone.
We really could have used that Deluxe Queen room with 5 in our family but we really will not be in the room all that much. Do you think that if I book a standard room there is a chance a deluxe room may open up? Do they normally put some rooms on reserve so they do not show up as available on the web site? Can I request to be upgraded if the room we want becomes available (we would pay for this of course)? I can't believe I was all set and now am back to square one. Oh well, maybe it is better now than when we get there to have everyone wishing we were at HRH. PBH looks wonderful but the time it takes to get to and from the parks is a concern for me especially with 3 tired kids.
Today we attend a party where one of the families just returned yesterday from Universal and stayed at HRH. Well, after their kids talked to my kids about how great that hotel and pool were, you can guess what my kids had to say to me tonight. I must say that after talking to this family the idea of being closer to the parks where we will spend most of our time is really pulling me to change our reservations and just get a regular room at HRH before they are all gone.
We really could have used that Deluxe Queen room with 5 in our family but we really will not be in the room all that much. Do you think that if I book a standard room there is a chance a deluxe room may open up? Do they normally put some rooms on reserve so they do not show up as available on the web site? Can I request to be upgraded if the room we want becomes available (we would pay for this of course)? I can't believe I was all set and now am back to square one. Oh well, maybe it is better now than when we get there to have everyone wishing we were at HRH. PBH looks wonderful but the time it takes to get to and from the parks is a concern for me especially with 3 tired kids.
tarheelmjfan
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Keep checking for a deluxe room. People cancel all the time. Maybe, you'll get lucky. 
You & your DH would probably have liked PBH better. I'm pretty sure your kids will like HRH better. I know ours does. We figure we'll stay at PBH again, when he's grown & no longer going with us. I'm definitely not looking forward to that day. 
HRH is very convenient & the pool is loud, but lots of fun. You'll have a great time! 
You & your DH would probably have liked PBH better. I'm pretty sure your kids will like HRH better. I know ours does. We figure we'll stay at PBH again, when he's grown & no longer going with us. I'm definitely not looking forward to that day. HRH is very convenient & the pool is loud, but lots of fun. You'll have a great time!
goNDmay9
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Hey hannymom - just noticed where you are located! And to answer your question, the nd stands for Notre Dame! LOL!
And to the OP - NO WORRIES! All the hotels are awesome. I have been trying to poll my family on ranking the hotels and it is really hard! We like all of them for different reasons. You will have a blast where ever you end up b/c at the end of the day (well actually ALL day to be precise) you are at Universal on vacation!
I think that teens like HRH the best b/c it is upbeat and lively and there always seems to be something going on. My parents would put HRH on the bottom if forced to choose b.c they prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. But that does not mean they did not enjoy thier HRH experience by any means! Like i said - you are going to have a great time no matter which hotel you end up at. Hakuna Matata!
However, you must keep us updated on how it goes and what the final decision is!
And to the OP - NO WORRIES! All the hotels are awesome. I have been trying to poll my family on ranking the hotels and it is really hard! We like all of them for different reasons. You will have a blast where ever you end up b/c at the end of the day (well actually ALL day to be precise) you are at Universal on vacation!
I think that teens like HRH the best b/c it is upbeat and lively and there always seems to be something going on. My parents would put HRH on the bottom if forced to choose b.c they prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. But that does not mean they did not enjoy thier HRH experience by any means! Like i said - you are going to have a great time no matter which hotel you end up at. Hakuna Matata!
However, you must keep us updated on how it goes and what the final decision is!
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