Last Minute Trip - Limited Hotel Choice

[tommyjean]

Hello!! We have gone to Universal around the same time of year - January/February - for the last three years. We notoriously book everything a little last minute. I started looking at a trip for February 10-15 and the only hotel available is Cabana Bay. We typically stay at Hard Rock or Portofino in a club level room. Any ideas as to why all the hotels are booked up? And can anyone give me feedback about the differences with Cabana versus the premium hotels?

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

Can’t speak to Cabana, but I think with 2/15 you are butting up against Presidents Day weekend, which draws the big crowds. I just booked 2/8 through 2/11 and could have gotten any of RP, HRH or PBH. I did notice 2/7 was randomly sold out at least at RPH. Maybe revise your search and consider changing resorts around the 15th if you want the express pass for the week?

 

[PollyannaMom]

I agree that President's Day is the issue - we ran into the same thing last year, but ended up loving Cabana Bay! I really like retro-themed stuff, and having the new Volcano Bay water park right there was key to my family's good impression! (Of course, I know we got lucky with the weather in February. )


We stayed in a suite, and just bought our Express Passes as an add-on. We had plenty of space, and liked the room set-up. (The toilet and shower were behind separate doors, so it made getting ready in the morning that much easier.)

The thing you'll have to get used to coming off the premium resorts is not being able to walk quickly to the parks. (There is a longer path, but we didn't try it.) We took the shuttle bus, which means you go through security at Citywalk, as if you were a local parking in the garage.

I believe you can also walk across to Sapphire Falls and take the boat, but we didn't happen to try it. Also, while I've stayed at both Royal Pacific and Hard Rock, I've never stayed Club Level at either, so I don't know what I'm missing there.

 

[damo]

It is the Wed. and Thurs. nights that are the issue. Maybe you could consider a split stay between a deluxe and then the last couple of days at Cabana Bay?

 

[georgina]

I agree with damo that you could consider a split stay. If you start with the deluxe and move to CBBR, they will transport you and your luggage for free (should tip the driver!) in one of their black cars that hang out near the entrance.

Obviously the big difference is the lack of EP at CBBR. I really like the food court there, the pools are nice, and the short walk to Volcano Bay. The bus service to the parks is quick. I have walked back to CBBR, took maybe 20 minutes, I have also taken the boat to Sapphire Falls and crossed the street.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi we love Cabana Bay and have stayed there several times. We also this summer did PBH Club Level and loved it too. The big difference like pp said is the proximity to the parks and no express pass. I love the suite set up at Cabana the separate bathroom and shower are great! I think they have the best pool and lazy river on site. The bonus to being next to Volcano Bay was great!

Cabana has a really good food court for a quicker cheaper meal. There is no sit-down restaurant.

Even though there is only bus service from Cabana Bay it is very good. We were pleased with the time and frequency of the buses. We did once or twice take the boat from Sapphire Falls.

I agree with pp that consider a split stay if you can get a couple of nights at one of the deluxe resorts.