Just got back from HRH - loved it!

[Beccabooey]

All I can say is WOW! Unbelievably nice hotel, staff was great, and our room was simply beautiful (can you tell we liked it?) We had a pool view, on the 6th floor, that was right in the center of the hotel. We could see the Hulk roller coaster, the big guitar lit up by the pool, and even the Dr. Doom ride at IOA. And, no, we heard no pool music whatsoever. It was quiet as could be. The beds were just as comfortable as everyone said, but be warned if you're an allergy sufferer like myself...the pillows are down! So, I had to ask for regular pillows, which unfortunately, were extremely uncomfortable. This would be my only complaint, which in the big scheme of things, was very minor.

The food at the Beach Club was great -- good selection of sandwiches (turkey club was outstanding). We really enjoyed the breakfast buffet at the Sunset Grill and ate there every morning. They had quite an assortment and very friendly wait staff. We really enjoyed dinner at the Grill one night, too.

If anybody has any questions, let me know! All in all, we loved it!

 

[madthemouse]

We have been to USF a few times, but this May will be our first staying on site, also staying at HRH. How long did it take to walk to US and IOA? Using FOTL how long would the waite be for some of the more popular rides? One last question, how long was the pool slide open?

Thanks

 

[NCRedding]

It took our family about 5 minutes to US (leisurely stroll pace) and about 8 minutes to get to IOA. I can't remember when the pool slide closed (we were there in October),

 

[madthemouse]

Thanks, for the info.

 

[Beccabooey]

The pool was open until 11 p.m. every night, but I'm not sure about the slide. Probably the same. The walk was very quick -- we used the water taxi only once as it did take considerably longer from where our room was (pool view). If you had a garden view room, then the water taxi might be a possibility for you since it's on that side of the hotel.

When walking, we used the gate by the pool, over by the Beach Club, and it really was the quickest way to go. I'd agree it was less than 5 minutes, and maybe 7-8 minutes to IOA. City Walk is right in the middle of USO and IOA. Have a wonderful time -- you'll love it!

 

[nicolep91]

Thanks, Beccabooey for all the info!

Did you happen to walk to any of the other resorts and check them out? We have ressies at RPR in November and I'm still debating on trying to switch them to HRH - I can't decide which I'd like better!

 

[Nursetogo]

Hello,

This will be our first time at US/IOA and we are staying at HRH in August. Any suggestions for best room/view/close to elevators?
I posted on another thread and no one has responded!?!
Please Help!!!!

Thanks!!!!

 

[Beccabooey]

The only other resort we saw was the Portofino as we had dinner at Mama Della's (very nice and romantic, too). It looked like a beautiful resort, but we actually liked our hotel a little bit better, mainly because of the location. Don't know about the RP, but if you can get a fan club rate at the HRH or even the Ent. Rate, I'd recommend the HRH. It was lively and fun, not at all as "noisy" and "loud" as some have described it here on the boards, and believe me, I'm picky! ;-)

I forgot to mention there were NO LINES for FOTL access. Most of the lines for the big rides were about 30-45 minutes, but with FOTL, we literally walked RIGHT ON. I mean, you walk under the sign that says "Universal Express" and we winded around the ropes and would walk right on to the ride. We'd see the guy and he'd look at us and say, "Two?" and we were shocked we were next! Doesn't give you much time to "prepare" if you know what I mean! But, WOW, I wouldn't have imagined how great and valuable the FOTL was -- we went on the Hulk three times in a row... right off, and right back on!

Our room was 6092 -- it was PERFECT. Pool view, right in the middle of the hallway, so it was close to the elevators, without being too close, if you know what I mean. It was also right smack in the middle of the hotel -- we had an unbelievable view since we were right in the center. Just ask at check-in for a 6th floor room (I heard the 5th and below are blocked a bit by the plants). You can't go wrong! Have a great time!

 

[Nursetogo]

Thanks Beccabooey!

I'll be sure to ask for the 6th floor. Don't know if we'll get it, but it doesn't hurt to ask!!!!

 

[BarbaraMB]

Glad you had a good time. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. If you had a car - How was the parking? Did they charge you for parking? Did you have the Loews card and get to get the Loew's benefits?

 

[shpedly]

I was there 4/5-4/12 and had no trouble with parking. We usually parked in the smaller lot to the left when you go in because our room was on that side. The hotel was sold out too. Sometimes we had to park to the right, but there was always a spot. Self park was $6/day. I had a loews first card and had the ent rate. They asked at check in what we wanted for the welcome gift and we chose the milk and cookies. It was there when we got back after dinner that night. A carafe of milk, 2 glasses, and three very large cookies. One choc chip, one m&m, and one toffee. They were great. We also got a daily usa today, except sun when we got the orlando paper. Never got a chance to use the health club. Got plenty of exercise walking the parks.