I think I might be in trouble... Expedia room reservation

[crackermom]

Do y'all think I just made a bad move? I called the Universal reservations number to make reservations for Oct 18-21 at RPR. The agent said that the only availability for 2 adults and 2 children would be in a pool view (I think) for $199. She said that there would have been additional rooms available if not for the kids, so I'm assuming that means that King rooms were available but Queen rooms were all booked up. I had just seen a rate of $129 for a standard view on Expedia so I told her I'd try that instead. It's important to me to try to get the lowest rate possible. (Nothing at all available for Entertainment or Fan Club rate.)

I booked on Expedia and it asked me for my room options "preference", 1 king or 2 queen beds. Expedia says they'll forward my preference to the hotel but can't guarantee it. Does this mean that we'll most likely check in and be told that all 4 of us have to sleep in a King sized bed? It states clearly on my reservation that there are 2 adults and 2 children. Will Universal contact me if this is a problem? Or perhaps we'll be automatically upgraded to the better view if that's the only kind available with 2 Queens?

Thanks,

Melissa

 

[PartyofSix]

Okay if it were me i'd be on the phone to RP and with confirmation # in hand have them pull up your ressies' and they will gladly note your request! It's okay they'll be happy to help you anyway they can. I'm sure they'll make you feel comfy and happy and I'm sure you got a great rate to boot. Relax, call them, enjoy!

 

[crackermom]

Thanks for your response!

 

[jtopicz1]

I'm sure getting a room with two beds won't be a problem. The earlier you check-in the better, of course! That being said, here's something most people don't realize. There is not a single hotel/ hotel chain that will guarantee bedding preferences. All bedding requests are just that, requests. 9 times out of 10 you'll get your request. I was actually suprised to find this out, but I've had it confirmed by many chains. Hotels commonly overbook their rooms by as much as 5%, this is why people often get "walked" to other hotels. Obviously when occupancy rates are very high, bedding requests don't always get granted. Just something to think about, but like I said earlier I'm sure you'll be fine


Jim

 

[PartyofSix]

I for the most part agree with you Jtopicz1. But there are exceptions. I hold right now for our labor day trip rooms 2677 and rooms 2665 at PBH. On our trip in July I called and made special requests: two ajoining queen rooms and the closest avail king room. I was given rooms 2674/2676 and 2665. I called the hotel each time after booking and make requests for the pref and he gave me my room numbers again! Maybe, it's just a thing with PBH. I like you have NEVER known of this type of guarantee before either. I called on the July and told them that my 2yo triplets would have one of the connecting rooms for there play/sleep area and i would need to baby proof that room. He told me that they actually start assigning rooms to guest 30-60 days out and he was about to do that for my dates so he went in while i waited and gave me the "best rooms" he said. I even requested a balcony for one queen room and no balcony for my kids room and a balcony for our king room. Man was i shocked when I believe we did get THE best del villa rooms at PBH> The queen rooms were dead center the Villa pool and the balconies where as requested. Also, are king room was five doors down dead center the beach pool! I though maybe it was because of the kids he did this but this coming trip I got a different person and he gave me "my" 2665 and the next closest king with a balcony 2677! So this has to be an exception to the "request rule".

 

[jtopicz1]

Hmmm.....well that throws of my "request" theory. Like you said though, it probably is the rare exception. Being that Universal's Hotels are "resort" quality hotels, they probably do whatever they can to accomodate requests.

I think my "request" statement still holds true 99% of the time though. If you can find a good deal through Expedia, travelocity, or another discounter grab it. Just be persistent on following up with your requests directly through the hotel.

Jim

 

[crackermom]

Interesting points. I'm going to be sure to check in as early as possible on that day (thankfully we're moving over from a Disney resort so we can arrive whenever we get packed up) to be sure there will be enough flexibility to get the room we need. Thanks everyone!

Melissa