Is Portofino worth $100 more than the RPH?

[wintermom]

We are two families with one DD age7 each. We are spending
two nights at US befor Disney land and Sea vacation. I am trying
to figure out where to stay. ( Dec.28-30 high season).
I can get a waterview room for $339.00 per night at the
Portofino (can not seem to find any discounts) or a AAA discounted waterview room at the RPH for
$249.00 per night. I stayed at the hard Rock hotel when it first
opened several years ago and loved the beds but I read that they don't have the luxurious beds anymore and the Lowes site is showing it full, altho Expedia and Orbitz list it. At Disney we always stay at a Delux hotel and I read on these boards that the
RPH would be like a Disney Delux, so should I opt for it or pay the
$$$ for the Portofino. At Disney we stay at the Swan, AKL and
have also stayed once at the Poly.

What do you experts say??

Wintermom

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Save your money and stay at RP. I am sure you will be delighted with RP.

 

[Lewisc]

The standard rooms are much bigger at PBH (335 sq ft vs 485) but for 3 people I'd save the money.

 

[wintermom]

Are the beds ok at the Royal Pacific? I am a big big fan of those
heavenly beds they have at the Swan and use to have (I have
not been in 3 years) at the HRH?

Wintermom

 

[gschmerl]

The beds at the RPR are GREAT. I always have trouble sleeping while I'm on vacation. I slept VERY well at the Royal Pacific.

 

[lovetheparks]

If you have AAA- I just checked the AAA rate for those days at the RPR is $215. I know it's no much of a difference but every little bit helps right?

 

[damo]

Although I've never stayed at the PBH, our family loves the RPR. We've never had any problems.

 

[wintermom]

I do have AAA !!!
Thanks so much, every little bit I save buys me another
goodie somewhere where else. (Can you believe I was an ecconomics major? Ha HA).

Wintermom

 

[lovebuzz]

Here is my 2 cents. I have stayed at the HRH and PBR.With that said I just loved the PBR it was very nice, better than any hotels that I've stayed at WDW. The bathrooms are huge and the beds are very cozy. 2 thumbs up in my book.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Truthfully, I would not spend that much for either. I've stayed at both RPR and PBH for much less. The most I've shelled out was PBH deluxe with Bed & Breakfast for $250 peak season. I would call and ask for Annual Passholder rates. It would/should be close to $80-100 less. It might be worthwhile for one member in the party to buy the pass to get those rates.
I'm staying at HRH one week earlier for $149. I don't think HRH changed their beds but they aren't replacing the white (duvet?). PBH is closer to GF in star rating with a little bit bigger rooms.
I've stayed at WL & AKL for less than $150 and Poly for less than $200 during the same week. What a difference a couple days make?
My MIL from Brownsville visited us and we took her to WL and PBH which was her first time staying at any hotel. She liked WL better.

 

[wintermom]

Thanks for the ideas Motherfletcher but
I guess because it is holiday season Dec.28-30th at Portofino, there are almost no discounts to be had, I have checked everything I can think of and continue to check daily. No AP rate, entertainment club, AAA, FAN, checked hotelkingdom, expedia, travelzoo and the Portofino doesn 't seem to be offered cheeper anywhere anyway for those days. I did find the RPR with a AAA, its shaves about $20 off the rate, but the other couple we are going with would prefer the portofino and so unless I can find
a Universal hotel at a fantastic rate (which I can't) I guess thats
where we will stay.
If you are anyone has any other suggestions for discounts I would appreciate them!

We do want to stay at a Universal hotel for the front of the line perk. Then we are moving to Disney for 5 nights (where the rooms are $300+ for a delux too until after New Years)

Lovebuzz I am glad to hear you liked the portofino altho I hate
spending 300+ anywhere its nice to know I am getting a great
hotel.

Wintermom

 

[gschmerl]

The RPR is also a great hotel. It is beautiful. The rooms are somewhat smaller than the Portofino, but with only three people you'll be fine. Your seven year olds will love the pool with the water play area. You can walk to the parks and City Walk from the RPR. We love it there.

 

[dash]

I agree with gscmerl! RPR rooms are smaller, but you should be fine with 3 people (I think they are still larger than some I've stayed in at Disney) and it is much closer to the parks than PBH, so walking to the parks is relaxing. I would save money and stay at RPR - I really enjoy the exotic theming!