Off Site Hotel Recommendations

[Beckles]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you can't "escape" at Universal ...

I don't know what Disney has to offer that can compare staying at the HRH and being able to *walk* to two parks and City Walk in less than ten minutes from your hotel room. No buses ... no monorails ... no boats (if you don't want).

Besides that, regardless of being at Universal, the two Loews hotels would be worth the money no matter where they were in Orlando. If you were to take the CBR and put it on I-Drive and make it a non-Disney property, would it be worth the same money Disney is charging now? I don't think so ...

However, take the HRH or PBH and put it down by the Convention Center and make it a non-Universal hotel, and they're still worth the same money they charge now.

 

[DanG]

Robin, I didn't mean to insult you or imply that you weren't paying attention, though I can how I came off that way in my post. I only intended to release general frustration.

I won't belabor the point again, other than to say my experiences at Universal and with Universal reservations have been repeatedly frustrating.

Robin is right in that we all have the opportunity to vote with our dollars and that is what I will do. I only feel bad for those who have already made plans based on advertised commitments Universal feels it doesn't have to live up to.

I still love the parks and appreciate all the feedback on the off-site hotel options.

DanG

 

[kellymonaghan]

First, I'd like to second the positive comments of several folks here about the Universal on-site resorts. I've stayed at both and have always had a great experience.

But if you are looking for an upscale hotel that is NOT the HRH or PBH, you might want to consider the Grand Bohemian in downtown Orlando. I stayed there during my recent stay and it's a real winner.

It's a very sophisticated joint, aimed at the business traveler primarily, with lots and lots of original art in the public spaces and high-quality reproductions in the rooms. The rooms are spacious, a la the PBH. There's a first-class restaurant, La Boheme, on the lobby level which unfortunately I didn't get a chance to try out. It also has a nice pool on the 6th floor level and a 24 hour fitness center and 24 hour room service.

And in spite of what you might think, it's not all that inconvenient to Universal. The I-4 on ramp is a block and a half away and you can get to the park in about 10 minutes or so (if it's not rush hour).

Best of all, it's a real bargain compared to the on-site hotels. Recently rack rates for regular rooms were $140 during the week, $130 on weekends and 2-room "Rotunda Suites: that have jacuzzi baths, separate shower stalls, and shuttered windows in the baths (like PBH) were just $235 a night. A good travel agent might be able to get you a better rate, but I'm not sure.

For reservations call 888-GRAND 123 or 407-313-9000.

 

[willydoit]

Beckles,,,,if i had to use two words for the difference between Disney and USF they would be attitude and atmosphere. And they each go hand in hand with each other. Also let me add that Dis has lost some of that magic and has left the door open for USF. I guess that's what surprises me about all of these unannounced policy changes. It's a perfect opportunity to seize some of the magic and they are letting it go by them. Business is business I guess!! Thanks for your response, hope mine is a little more clear to you.

 

[disneydoc]

Robin,

As someone who is held to the highest standard as to how I treat my patient's/customers I really don't feel that asking Universal to notify it's guest of pending changes is asking too much. Maybe the problem with society today is that people have been given the shaft instead of the goldmine so many times that they take it for granted. We as customers should expect and recieve goods and services as advertised. If we get less then we've been taken advantage of and deserve compensation. As to speaking with our feet, I will certainly cancel my reservations at HRH if notified that Express access or FOTL is limited to one ride per day. The problem seems to be that no one knows when or if the changes will occur and that's frustrating. By the way it's not that one ride per day would not still be an advantage it's just not what I paid for. The principle of the thing still matters to me and if more consumers would stand up and not just take it then corporations would very soon get the message. I'm sure that Mr. Werner's company, whom I understand sponsers this site, is held to a standard far above what some seem to be describing as business as usual. For instance, lets say you book a room via his site that promises special perks only to find when you check in that rules have changed and you weren't notified. Who ya gonna call.....I bet not ghostbusters. He would be out of business very soon if his company handled a promotion such as FOTL in the manner in which Universal is doing.
Thanks for the site and allowing me to vent.

 

[disneyhottie]

disneyhottie wants to know if anyone else has stayed at the universal radisson,twin towers and what did you think of it?we will be there at the end of july.


thanks everyone.

 

[KimCon]

Willy, I had a much better "escape" at PB and HRH than I did at the Polynesian at Disney 2 years ago. I had hopper passes for Disney and had no desire to go there. I think I am going to sell my passes on E-Bay.

I just think that Universal is more of a relaxed pace, and certainly FOTL has a lot to do with my opinion. But I know, even without FOTL, when I go back to Orlando, I will be heading for Universal!

Kim

 

[willydoit]

Kim,,I didn't think that Marion, IL and "escape" could be used in the same post. LOL

Thanks for reply, to each their own I guess. But now that 7/1 has passed and folks are limited to one express pass at a time, I can't imagine things have gotten better pace wise at either park.

 

[robsmom]

was very nice. It is not too far from Unversal (at Sea World actually).

 

[Sherrilatte]

In MOST cases, you pay for what you get...The universal experience is not cheap and I definitely got what I paid for... On the other hand, Hyatt Grand Cypress is a great way to vacation. Love it as much as I loved HRH.