HRH or PBH

[mep319]

Can you tell me which resort for the first time family to Universal nd why? Has anyone stayed at both and which was their favorite? Thanks!

 

[antmaril]

I have stayed at both and perfer Portofino Bay. It is a lovely hotel and our room was beautiful (deluxe pool view). I liked that is quiet and relaxing after a day at the parks.

I know you didn't ask about Royal Pcific, but I just returned Wednesday from a visit to Royal Pacific and I loved that hotel also. I really liked the tropical feel of this resort and it was very easy to navigate. Our room was quite nice and we had a dead center view of The Hulk and the nightly fireworks.

If you are looking for a large, luxurious room with a big bathroom, then stay at Portofino. The Hard Rock Hotel is very nice, but not as relaxing as the others.

My recommendation is either Portofino or Royal Pacific.

 

[JessicaR]

I have stayed at both and our family prefers Portofino Bay. I think you should read as much as you can on both and make a decision based on the features that appeal to you most. As you will find everyone has a different opinion and a different favorite. I dont think you would be dissapointed with either but they are quite different atmospheres.

You will find HRH to be busier, louder more of a party atmosphere. We get that at the parks and its nice to go back at the end of a theme park day to Portofino and relax. Some find Portofino to be too quiet. Its a large property and you never really get the impression of crowds. We have even stayed at full occupancy and found it to be quiet. But thats what we like.

Portofino has more pools and one more hot tub (3) than HRH. It also has more dining options. The rooms on average are larger. Comparing deluxe rooms they are about the same. Portofino is also further from the parks and most wont walk it like you can from the other 2. If you have teenagers no doubt they would prefer HRH. When my boys get older I'm sure we will be staying there again. Its just so cool!

If you decide by picking the atmosphere that best suits your family you should be very happy. You can always visit the other and even pool hop while there. Price wise HRH should be a little less.

Like antmaril, we also loved RPR and I would pick that over HRH also but thats just my opinion.

 

[bethinks2]

"I know you didn't ask about Royal Pacific, but I just returned Wednesday from a visit to Royal Pacific and I loved that hotel also. I really liked the tropical feel of this resort and it was very easy to navigate. Our room was quite nice and we had a dead center view of The Hulk and the nightly fireworks. "



What room did you stay in on which floor?

 

[antmaril]

mep319:

We were in room 1533 (Tower 1, Fifth Floor) at the RPR.

 

[UKDEB]

I've stayed at both and I find it really hard to say which I prefer. I voted for HRH in your poll for a 'first time family' on the assumption that you've got children. For kids or teens I think HRH just takes it. The pool is superb for families, but cool enough for teens. My teenage daughters LOVE staying at HRH. It's also within easy walking distance of everything else. PBH is walkable, but it's more of a 'decision' if that makes sense. PBH maybe slightly has the edge when it's just dh and me, but when we've got our daughters with us, I can't see us getting away with anything other than HRH. We've visited RPR several times and I'd love to stay there too.