Looking for decent and affordable hotel close to Universal

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Hi all! It's been a while since I've been here, but we booked another cruise a few months back! Sailing the Wonder again on February 19th! Anyone else? This time I am sailing with my husband and my 11 and 14 year old step children. I traveled in December solo with my 1 and 3 year old and it was to say the least, exhausting, and an experience I never want to repeat. Don't get me wrong, I ADORE my children, but it was hard to do it alone. I'm looking forward to a more retreatful vacation this time around.

Anyway, we are considering going to Universal for a day. We never have the opportunity because it seems the park is not 'little kid' friendly- and we usually have the little ones with us. I'm looking for a reasonably priced place to sleep that is close to Universal, easy to find and has decent sleeping quarters.

Thanks in advance!

 

[December99]

Perhaps asking over on the Universal Board would get some great responses. Are you also looking for transportation from port to Universal or vice versa?

I can't answer any of these questions for you because we haven't stayed over by Universal but just wanted to offer a suggestion.

 

[paulmc80]

Try the Sheraton Studio City. Its a small, but very ncie place. We stayed there for one night back in February 2001 for about $55 a night. Very secure, need your key to use the elevator. Nearby restaurants and 7-11. Red Lobster right accross the street if you like that. Probably can walk to Universal if you wanted, but a taxi is $5 with tip and just a few mnutes.

Sheraton Studio City has a Hollywood theme which to me is very well done. They have fresh movie popcorn popping like in a theatre and offer you a bag of it when you check-in. Gal there practically forced me to take it - in a very, very well meaning way. She was very nice!

Here's their website: www.sheratonstudiocity.com

 

[AnnMorin]

We got the Wyndham orlando on I drive for only $30.00 the place goes for over a hundred a night retail!

 

[Mjasp]

We stayed at the Hawthorne Suites Universal in March. For a 1 bedroom suite with 2 queen beds in bedroom and full kitchen and a living room with a sofa bed, 2 TV's and a full free hot buffet breakfast for $74 per night. Happy hour every evening from 5:30-7:30, free drinks and snacks. Very very nice place. They have free shuttles going to all the parks. Hope that helps.

Joanna

 

[hilltopfamily]

We, too, are planning on 1 day @ USF after the cruise. With all my searching & lurking on their forums, I came to the conclusion that on a weekend day we'd be better off staying "on-site". They have an unbelievable "front of the line service" for the rides/attractions offered to persons staying at one of their 3 hotels.

I ended up getting a great rate for Portofino Bay (over $100 off the rack rate) using the entertainment card that I had heard so much about on the universal resorts forum. It is still pricey (as the Portofino Bay Resort is the most expensive & luxurious of the 3) at $170. for a Saturday nite stay, but typically these rooms go for 290 and up. I couldn't get the entertainment rate for the other 2 hotels (with the least expensive going for around $100 a night with the rate & the second for around $140) for the date we needed, but you may have better luck with your date and you could end up with a great room onsite with quick access to rides also. Let me know if you want further info on any of this---in reading this, I fear I have not been very clear!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Good morning Tammy.

I'm looking for a reasonably priced place to sleep that is close to Universal, easy to find and has decent sleeping quarters.

Sounds like a quest similar in design to that of the Greek philosopher Diogenes. I wish you a better success...


My son and I have been to Universal twice. On both occasions we took the VIP tour. This was in 2000 and 2001 at a cost of $120pp. Each time we were placed in a group of 11 or 12 and provided with a private tour guide for a total of 5 hours. Not only do you experience "back door" entry, but on each ride/attraction tour group members are provided choice seating. The guides are able to offer many insights about the park and share information not found in the plethora of brochures and maps distributed upon entry...

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Buckaroo's Dad
My son and I have been to Universal twice. On both occasions we took the VIP tour. This was in 2000 and 2001 at a cost of $120pp. Each time we were placed in a group of 11 or 12 and provided with a private tour guide for a total of 5 hours. Not only do you experience "back door" entry, but on each ride/attraction tour group members are provided choice seating. The guides are able to offer many insights about the park and share information not found in the plethora of brochures and maps distributed upon entry...

This sound fabulous and well worth the money....tell me more. Have you posted a trip report on the Universal board? Is there a website with more info? Too bad Disney doesn't offer a tour that includes the rides...you know it would sell out daily.

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I knew I could count on you all! I'm going to check into all the above mentioned options. And thanks for the heads up on the Universal board! I've been so wrapped up in Disney for so many years, I didn't even bother to think there would be a Universal board HERE! Woohooo!

Joanna- your stay sounds pretty darn good!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi Sonya. Sorry, but I never posted a trip report concerning Universal Studios. Since we went there long before becoming addicted to the Dis boards, I had kinda figured it was "exempt" - lol.

I believe you can find generic information directly on Universal's web site, possibly under the "ticket" information.

If the cost is within your budget, you and the family will love it! Upon arrival guest services will direct you to an administrative building right by the entrance to the park. On the second floor you'll enter an enormous suite with exceptional views, comfortable seating, morning beverages and breakfast items that include fresh fruit. Yes, you start feeling like a VIP quickly.

At the conclusion of the tour, guests are welcome to remain at the park and continue to enjoy the offerings on their own - although the back-door-access priviledge is gone. Your tour guide will, however, let you off at any attraction on their way back to administration with one final VIP entry. Both times my son and I (along with a majority of the members from our group) elected to use this last priviledge at the Nickelodean tour.

A similar tour is offered at Islands of Adventure, but my son and I decided to experience that park on our own.

No matter what you choose, Sonya, you and your family will surely have a terrific time!