Need Help Choosing Hotel

[disneyfor3]

We are going to Universal 5/21 - 5/25 for the first time with our 4 year old DS. We are trying to decide between PBH and HRH. I already purchased a Preferred APH and my choices are between either a deluxe room at HRH for $199, HRH club at $259 (would this room be a deluxe size too?) or a gardenview at PBH at $169. Which would you recommend with a 4 year old who loves thrill rides at the parks and water slides in the pool?

 

[GIOny]

I stayed in the HRH club room, only because they said they had no other rooms. For us, it was not worth the extra money. We felt we didn't get very much for being at a club level. The HRH would probally be better then the PBH, although I have never stayed at PBH. The pool is very nice at the HRH and I believe a 4 year old would enjoy this pool more, it just seems more kid friendly. The RPR is also very nice and usually has the least expensive rooms, was that not part of the deal?

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I vote for HRH deluxe. We have stayed in a standard room, deluxe room and club room. Actually, I would have voted for a standard room if it was listed. The deluxe rooms are not that much larger and they always seem more worn. HRH is great because it is so close to the parks and the pool is a blast. Club level rooms are not worth it to me. The food was pretty bad and everyone piles in like vultures at 5:00pm for the mini hot dogs and cold meatballs! The staff in the club room was horrible when we were there too. Also, the club level room would be a standard - just to answer your question.

 

[JessicaR]

Since your son is 4 I would go for the gardenview at Portofino. The room size would be equivalent to the deluxe at Hard Rock. You son would love the pool at Portofino and they also have a great kids area with a pirate ship that my sons love. Portofino has many more food options over Hard Rock. The only drawback (I dont consider it one but many do) it that you would not have as close a distance to the parks and would most likely take the boat for transportation. We like the boat and we do also walk it as well. Just takes longer.

The beds at Hard Rock do not compare to Portofino's beds. They are heavenly! You could request an upgrade at check-in at Portofino and its most likely easier to attain there over busier Hard Rock. The grounds are beautiful and sprawling. Your son would have plenty of room to ramble! Portofino has 3 pools plus the kids pool area and more hot tubs and a cold plunge pool. The Piazza is beautiful especially in the evening and your 4 year old is sure to love the vespa's along the bay.

If your son was a teen I would say go for Hard Rock. The $ you were quoted for Portofino is terrific and I would grab in in a second! Whatever you decide, enjoy!!