Need Advice on extending stay!

[hannahouse]

We've decided to stay in Orlando 3 extra nights, and are trying to decide where to stay. We've nixed a few days of Disney, mainly because the ticket pricing structure isn't friendly for short visits. We go to the beach often, so that isn't a priority. We've just about decided to stay at Universal, but I'm having trouble deciding whether to just stay at HRH, or move to one of the other hotels. I don't really mind 'hotel hopping', so that isn't a big issue. I would love to try both Portofino and RPR. I have 3 boys, ages 6, 9 and 15. Any suggestions?

tia!

 

[JessicaR]

Hi hannahouse,

How nice to be able to extend your vacation, lucky you! I have 2 boys ages 8 and 12. We have had numerous stays at all 3 on-sites. I think your boys will love HRH and also think it would be nice to try another one out while there. We have done this a few times as well. Loews makes the move effortless and you are able to move over as early or late as you like. If a room is ready early they will be happy to arrange for an earlier than usual check-in.

I would say you will most likely at some point want to give each on-site a try so any choice will be a good one. When we first started going we stayed at Portofino first then HRH and last RPR. My boys really love Portofino and it is our favorite. Many just love the easy walk from HRH and IOA and thats dictates where to stay. I like the themes and the boat ride isnt bad at all and we have also walked many times from Portofino. It is more expensive than the other 2 but more luxurious as well. A perfect relaxing ending to a busy trip! The pool area is gorgeous and there is plenty for the kids to do. The slide is great!!

One trip we were booked at HRH for 6 nights and my husband said why not extend it a few nights and stay at Portofino. If you are going at an off time and occupancy will be low you could easily change the last 3 nights from PBH to RPR once your there and after seeing it first hand.

On the same token RPR is spectacular too! The pool is great but no slide but you can pool hop so that isnt a problem. The rooms are smaller and you would have more space at PBH.

Decisions, decisions...and I didnt help you at all! LOL

 

[hannahouse]

Decisions, decisions...and I didnt help you at all! LOL

LOL, just adding to my confusion. I think they both sound wonderful. I'm almost leaning towards RPR - I like that tropical ambiance. However, PBH sounds heavenly, and I agree, the pool looks awsome. What are some other things at the hotels my kids would enjoy? What about your boys...is Portofino their favorite, also?

 

[robvia]

The HRH is closer to the parks, has the slide in the pool, and has music playing all the time. It's a more "hip" place to be.
The 15 year old could take the 9 year old to the parks. The walk is short, so they'd have no problem going back and forth. You could stay in touch with a cell phone. We did that with our 13 year old daughter and her friend last year and it worked out great.
That would leave you with the 6 year old to take your time. He won't make the height requirement for the big kid rides, so you could stay with him and let the big boys visit on their own.

The short walk to the parks and the pool is what made the HRH great. This year we're staying at the RPR for the first time.

 

[hannahouse]

Robvia, we'll be at HRH for the first 5 days. Now we've decided to stay another 3 nights, and I wanted to try one of the others. Have you stayed at Portofino, or just HRH?

btw, love your pics and trip reports!

 

[JessicaR]

LOL, just adding to my confusion. I think they both sound wonderful. I'm almost leaning towards RPR - I like that tropical ambiance. However, PBH sounds heavenly, and I agree, the pool looks awsome. What are some other things at the hotels my kids would enjoy? What about your boys...is Portofino their favorite, also?

Well, at least if you stay at RPR you can still walk to the parks. Rooms will be smaller than at HRH. Ambiance is terrific, really very beautiful. My boys like Portofino best, however they really have no problem staying at any. Its gotten to the point that we love them all and just rotate now. There may be more activities at RPR for the kids than at PBH. To tell you the truth outside of the pools we spend our days at the parks and at City Walk. The dive in movies are at all the hotels. There is an arcade that my kids liked at RPR.

 

[robvia]

Now I understand. No, I've only stayed at the HRH, but this year it's the RPR. When are you going? One of the reasons were staying at the RPR is for the fireworks, which start after July 4th and run thru the 1st two weeks of August. We'll get a room in tower 1 that faces the parks. We're going July 6th for two nights. If you read the thread of RPR room assignments, you'll find the best room is 1733 going backwards to 1719 odd numbers. That's tower 1, 7th floor, end of the hall. The same can be said for the 6th floor, starting at 1633, and going backwards to 1619. I'm hoping to get one of these rooms with a view.

 

[hannahouse]

Thanks to you both! We've picked RPR. So far, this is our itinerary - arrive 5/29 - 3 nights at Renaissance Sea World, doing seaworld and dc. Check into HRH June 1-6, then RPR 6/6 thru 6/9. Besides Universal, we also want to go to Busch Gardens and probably a water park, so I think we'll have plenty to do, with some down time, which is very important to us!!

Does this sound like a good plan? Thanks again for your input!

Oh, one more question - I'll be Loews Gold after the HRH stay (already have 2 nights). Will it credit that quickly - in other words do you think I could upgrade to a suite at RPR? We'll be fine in a regular room - we always stay in one room, but it would be nice to spread out.