HRH or RPR for ages 6 and 8?

[mommytara89]

I'm deciding between HRH and RPR. Will be traveling with two kids ages (mature) 6 girl and 8 boy. The rates for the time we are looking are the same for a queen room. Which hotel is nicer?

Can you comment on the differences between the pools?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[IdesOmarch]

I strongly prefer the RP, the pacific tropical theme is one of my favorite themes, it is a great resort. To me Hard Rock is just kind of blah in the theme and decorating department, kind of sterile looking like a hospital. But that's just my opinion. I am thinking the RP pool is going to be a lot better suited to younger kids as well, it has a cool splash playground area at the RP pool and I do not think there is anything like that at the Hard Rock pool. I also prefer the restaurants at the RP over Hard Rock.

Now out of the sense of fairness I have never stayed at the Hard Rock, only walked around the resort, so I know nothing of the rooms other than what I've seen in pics people have posted here, and my opinion is derived from that. But I have checked out the pool and other parts of the hotel. Don't get me wrong, its not a bad place at all, it is nice, just not on the same level as the RP IMO.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Just wanted to add that the HRH pool has a slide, while RPR does not. This was a big draw for DD7 who went down the slide many times. I haven't been to RPR, but it looks lovely.

 

[bumbershoot]

We stayed at RPR, DS liked it. Didn't look at Hard Rock, though!

Remember, Universal hotels *encourage* pool hopping, so don't let the pool be your decision-maker, as long as you're willing to do the hopping.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Remember, Universal hotels *encourage* pool hopping, so don't let the pool be your decision-maker, as long as you're willing to do the hopping.

Very true! We spent a couple hours at PBH pool on our trip even though we were staying at HRH.

 

[chimo2u]

Very true! We spent a couple hours at PBH pool on our trip even though we were staying at HRH.

And what where your thoughts on the HRH rooms? /ambience?? was it sterile or lacking as I've often read from others??
I gave up my room at PBH CL to stay at HRH CL in 3 weeks with my 14 yo son....the switch was a surprise for him!
I hope I won't regret the decision!!!

 

[chimo2u]

double post

 

[pixeegrl]

We haven't stayed at the HRH just the RPR, but we did walk around HRH and use the pool. The kids loved the slide at HRH and have requested we stay there this coming August. The rooms are also larger at HRH if that makes a difference You can find tons of pictures here of the HRH and here of the RPR. Hope that helps!

 

[blackjack68]

THe wife and I stayed at Hard Rock alone several years ago and then went to RPR two years ago with the kids. The kids were 7 and 9 then and really enjoyed the tropical atmosphere of RPR and the pool area.

We did not take them to the pool at HRH as it was a little cool that trip. We are going again in two weeks and staying at RPR again. In a few years, we will stay at Hard Rock them as the hotel as a whole has a little more grown-up feel to it compared to RPR. Then when they are older and/or have left home...Portofino Bay.

As mentioned, guests can hop from pool to pool, but overall, I think RPR is best suited for families/kids.

 

[vakamalua]

Have stayed at both and the winner is--Royal Pacific hands down!

The rooms at HRH are very plain with very little to appeal to young kids. The theming at RPR is very well done and the rooms are nicely decorated but not kitschy tropical. They have a great pool area including a wet play area for kids and a little sandy beach on which kids can dig and play.

We love the RPR and will be there again in March.

Wherever you stay, have fun!

 

[Pygmypuff07]

I have only been to the HRH and I really enjoyed it. I have been there 2 times now and it really is a neat experience. The pool has underwater music and a slide as mentioned. The rooms are great and the atmosphere was upbeat and exciting. The customer service was incredible. The front desk manager is amazing and the first time we went in Jan 2011, even had gone to every single room in the hotel and took a pic of all the room views. He gave us a room that had a view of Hogwarts castle and it was incredible!!! At night the castle would light up and you could watch it from your window!! You can also call ahead and reserve the room# you want the ones with the castle veins are up on the sixth floor facing the pool. We already have a room reserved for our upcoming trip and the front desk manager had our last room on record and had the room# so we get to stay in the same room as the last 2 times