Isn't It A Little Depressing?

[debbie655]

We weren't planning a trip to Orlando this summer, but at the last minute changed our minds. We just can't seem to stay away! After reading through the boards I see that there are no more Entertainment rates at the Universal hotels . We have stayed at the Royal Pacific Resort every year since it opened and wanted to stay there again this year but gee, I checked the rates and it is $210 a night and that is with AAA discount. I guess we will have to just cut our stay short there and find somewhere else less expensive for part of the week because the RPR is a must for us. I was just wondering, there are lots of old timers here, (by that I mean lots of names I recognize from year to year) are you all still staying at the Universal Hotels even with the increased rates?

 

[RyGuy]

Nobody likes the rate increases. I try and go during off-peak times to get good FLO and APH rates. Just had RPR for $139 and was upgraded to club and HRH for $159 and was upgraded to a kid's suite. They always seem to release better discounts as the time gets nearer. Just keep checking. Sun.-Thurs. are usually cheaper than Fri. and Sat. If you want to book early but don't want to give a deposit try booking on the Universal website. I have never been charged a deposit in advance. If discounts become available you can just apply them to your ressie.

 

[Sleepy]

It has been 4 years since we had a vacation. Even with the increase in rates, I would still have to stay onsite....just for the FOTL access and the short walk to the parks. You never know when one member of the family wants to go back to the room midday. It's just too darn convenient to stay onsite.

 

[gschmerl]

I just got an e-mail from Entertainment.com offering a $100 discount for Universal stays of 4 or more nights. I posted it here.

 

[theterms]

that you have to book through Entertainment to get a discount, not through the hotels. I don't know if it's true or not, but if you already have the card, you can check easily. I didn't buy one this year because I had heard there are no ENT rates at all, so who knows?
Let us know if you find out!

 

[debbie655]

If you want to book early but don't want to give a deposit try booking on the Universal website. I have never been charged a deposit in advance. If discounts become available you can just apply them to your ressie.

Thanks RyGuy for this information. I was a little concerned about this as I need 3 rooms and a $600 plus deposit right now is a little hard for me to swing.

 

[mslclark]

I agree, the resorts are expensive now. In the past we have stayed offsite the first night. The next morning, we arrive at our Universal resort. The room isn't ready, but you can get your room key and head over to the parks.

Then our last day at the parks we check out. Our room keys for FOTL were good until 3 or 4 pm that day. Then we head back to the cheaper off-site hotel.

Hope that helps!

 

[JessicaR]

I agree, the resorts are expensive now. In the past we have stayed offsite the first night. The next morning, we arrive at our Universal resort. The room isn't ready, but you can get your room key and head over to the parks.

Then our last day at the parks we check out. Our room keys for FOTL were good until 3 or 4 pm that day. Then we head back to the cheaper off-site hotel.

Hope that helps!

Actually the room keys are good for FOTL and restaurant priority seating until midnight the day you check out. A great perk!

 

[Foladar]

that you have to book through Entertainment to get a discount, not through the hotels. I don't know if it's true or not, but if you already have the card, you can check easily. I didn't buy one this year because I had heard there are no ENT rates at all, so who knows?
Let us know if you find out!

I know it said you have to sign up at rack rate is what I was informed of, otherwise it would have been great.
I'm seeing $149 for HRH on my week, $179 for Saturday .. and $129 / $159 for RPR. No reason why I will spend $224 at their Entertainment "discounts" for RPR to save $100 when if I booked the RPR, I would normally save $100 per night already with the APH/FLO

 

[damo]

Thanks RyGuy for this information. I was a little concerned about this as I need 3 rooms and a $600 plus deposit right now is a little hard for me to swing.

Debbie it is probably worth your white to purchase an annual pass to get the discounted rates for hotels. You also get huge discounts on food and merchandise in the parks as well. We have saved a ton with the pass.

 

[robvia]

We're staying 2 nights in July as a splurge and bringing our dawg, otherwise, we'd stay offsite across the street and go during a non busy time.