Just Returned From HRH. Hilights. Questions?

[Paul Samanant]

Just returned from a week at HRH. Following are highlights:

1) $112 rate for standard view. Upgraded to $200 for club level. Not sure if this was worth it though.
2) Otherwise, great service. Great resort. Very conventient to US Parks.
3) Pool is great for kids due to zero entry, and lots of shallow areas.
4) Visited RPH and PBH. Those hotels have beautiful grounds, although PBH was very quiet. If you like serenity PBH is for you, otherwise we like the hustle and bustle of HRH.
5) VERY disappointed in Tchoup Chop (see separate thread).
6) Used AP rate. Arrived without card in hand. The official policy (if you ask), is that you actually need to go inside the park, get processed for a photo ID, otherwise, you will be charged rack. They never did ask us for our ID upon check in though.

Any questions?


Paul

 

[wdwphanatic]

I know you said you'd been to Disney part of the week, so I just wondered how HRH compared to wherever you stayed at Disney. We'll be going on our first trip to USO in less than 3 weeks and will be staying at HRH... Hope we like it! I'm getting a bit nervous about the loud music they have in all the common areas of the hotel -- was it nerve-wracking or did you stop noticing it after a few days??!!?? Did you go to a dive-in movie at the hotel? Do you know which night they offer it??

Thanks for your restaurant reviews... I found them extremely helpful. My favorite Orlando restaurant by far is California Grill, which I noticed you rate highly as well. We had considered trying Tchoup Chop, but given your review of it, I think we'll skip that one! I'd love to try Delfino, though I think we'll probably save that for our next trip (perhaps sans kids!). We are seriously considering Mythos, and from what I remember, you said you enjoyed that... Did you try any of the CityWalk places for lunch during your trip?? Any other info. would be appreciated!

Thanks again for the reviews of the HRH and restaurants... Can't wait to give my own when we return!

Take care,
Sarah

 

[kellymonaghan]

Originally posted by wdwphanatic
I'm getting a bit nervous about the loud music they have in all the common areas of the hotel

I wouldn't worry about it. The music level seemed just right to me -- loud enough to be heard but not so loud as to interfere with conversation. Even my wife, who is VERY sensitive to "loud" rock, thought it was just fine.

Dive in Movie nights vary with the seasons, but are usually on Friday or Saturday.

I think you'll find HRH on a par with every "moderate" resort at WDW and maybe even with most "deluxe" resorts.

 

[damo]

I never really noticed the music being loud. We've been there abou 5 times now. I don't even categorize the music as "rock". It is Eagles, Elton John, etc. Very easy listening.

 

[Paul Samanant]

The are people that like the Tchop Chop so you really should judge it for yourself. I think that for that can't miss romantic meal (with exceptional food), Delfino is tops. Especially if you stay at the HRH, it is a very nice walk to the PBH (along the waterfront - or boat ride - can't top that for post meal atmosphere.

Mythos is good, except that it is in the park (so if you are planning to be there anyhow in the evenings - and IOA is beautiful in the evening), then Mythos is your best bet. For us, we eat out at a lot of fine dining, and prefer (after touring parks during day) to go back swim, shower, and go out clean in the evening. We had childcare, so we were able to go out on our own.

I would not worry about the Hard Rock music. It is not excessively loud. It is part of the theming. We like the hustle/bustle and activity at the Hard Rock. The PBH is very beautiful, but it was quiet. To each his own. Stick with the HRH. You won't be dissapointed.

As far as CityWalk restaurants, we went to Margaritaville. That was on a night where our emphasis was to bar-hop and catch the live music rather than on a 2 hour dining experience. The food was just OK, but it was cheaper and that is not what we went for. The music, booze, and the ability to bounce over to catch Reggae or whatever was the goal and the highlight.

 

[Lunanh]

Last time my family stayed at HRH we loved it!! The music is perfect, not to loud not to soft. We loved being able to walk to citywalk and eat and hit happy hour..
The only complaint I would have with HRH is that you have to pay to park your car!!
Kristy

 

[damo]

Kristy, one of the things we love about HRH is that we never bring a car and it is so nice to not have to pay for parking. At least the Universal Hotels are upfront about their charges and don't hide things like parking into the bill so that you have to pay for things you aren't using.

You have to look at the parking charge from both sides. Would you rather they hid the charge in everyone's bills or only charge those who are using the service?

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you had a great time. Great rate by the way!