Portofino Bay or Hard Rock?

[starousse]

My family and I (including two kids who are are 15 and 12) are heading down to WDW in August and have decided to add on two nights in Universal. I was able to get a good deal through my agent for standard queen rooms at Portofino or Hard Rock. I've always wanted to go to Portofino, but the reviews I've been reading haven't been good at all. I see one roach review and I flip out. Of those who have stayed at both, which one would you choose an why? Thanks.

 

[trishadono]

My family and I (including two kids who are are 15 and 12) are heading down to WDW in August and have decided to add on two nights in Universal. I was able to get a good deal through my agent for standard queen rooms at Portofino or Hard Rock. I've always wanted to go to Portofino, but the reviews I've been reading haven't been good at all. I see one roach review and I flip out. Of those who have stayed at both, which one would you choose an why? Thanks.

I don't trust reviews other than what is on here lol.

We did HRH which is great for location especially in August when it is HOT.

I am going to try PBR because I want to try something new and DD and I dont mind walking extra for a May trip.

 

[jolene63]

Both resorts are amazing. We love the theme of PBR, but HRH is so close to parks. You definitely don't need to take the boats if you stay at HRH. The rooms are bigger at PBR. The pool in very shallow at HRH, but we still enjoy it. We especially liked being there when they had live music. I'm pretty sure PBR doesn't have any laundry facilities so that is something to consider if you usually do some laundry on vacation. We love both resorts so I'm sure you will be happy with whichever one you choose.

 

[schumigirl]

Both resorts are amazing. We love the theme of PBR, but HRH is so close to parks. You definitely don't need to take the boats if you stay at HRH. The rooms are bigger at PBR. The pool in very shallow at HRH, but we still enjoy it. We especially liked being there when they had live music. I'm pretty sure PBR doesn't have any laundry facilities so that is something to consider if you usually do some laundry on vacation. We love both resorts so I'm sure you will be happy with whichever one you choose.

Portofino Bay does have laundry facilities now

 

[MamaKate]

I've stayed at both and you can't go wrong with either. However, PBH is my families preference. We love the size of the rooms, the Italian theme, and Sal's for a quick bite. Plus there's gelato! The main pool is my kids favorite. Location wise, HRH can't be beat. Our family is a more leisurely family so being a little farther away doesn't bother us at PBH because we love taking the boat. When we stay at HRH, we walk 90% of the time.

Oh and we've never seen roaches at any of the onsite hotels, but it's Florida and bugs happen lol.

 

[starousse]

I think I'm leaning more towards HRH now mainly because we're only there for two days and I want to maximize our times in the parks. One of those days we will not be able to go for the early opening because we'll be coming from WDW. If we were there for the week, then I'd say I'd like to try PBH.

 

[jolene63]

Portofino Bay does have laundry facilities now

Yay! We are staying there in June. I hate doing laundry on vacation, but I always end up doing a load or two. I'm happy that I'll have that option now. Thanks for letting me know.

 

[Minnie1222]

Portofino Bay does have laundry facilities now

Best news today!!

 

[jods]

I've never been to Universal so I'm no help. However, I have a 13 and 16 yo and we are going to disney and decided to add Universal to the end of the trip. We also were able to get a good deal at HRH or PBH. Before I knew of the deal my son asked for PBH. My husband liked the HRH pool. My son won out and we are staying PBH lol. I love the look of it. We don't mind taking a boat. We ended up changing our flight to Monday so will have an extra day. I'm wondering if you are going the same time as me.

 

[Nabas]

My family and I (including two kids who are are 15 and 12) are heading down to WDW in August and have decided to add on two nights in Universal. I was able to get a good deal through my agent for standard queen rooms at Portofino or Hard Rock. I've always wanted to go to Portofino, but the reviews I've been reading haven't been good at all. I see one roach review and I flip out. Of those who have stayed at both, which one would you choose an why? Thanks.

We have stayed at both but it's been several years.

Portofino Bay is a bit "adult". My spouse loved it, our children less so.

Given the age of your children and its location (walk to both parks), IMO the Hard Rock is the best choice.

 

[limace]

My kids-who were 9 and 13 last time-loved HRH. My now-15 year old preferred it to the Boardwalk DVC stay we did the same week.

 

[starousse]

I've never been to Universal so I'm no help. However, I have a 13 and 16 yo and we are going to disney and decided to add Universal to the end of the trip. We also were able to get a good deal at HRH or PBH. Before I knew of the deal my son asked for PBH. My husband liked the HRH pool. My son won out and we are staying PBH lol. I love the look of it. We don't mind taking a boat. We ended up changing our flight to Monday so will have an extra day. I'm wondering if you are going the same time as me.

We added on 8/25 and 8/26, leaving 8/27

 

[jods]

We get there the 27th and changed the 29th to the 30th. We are at Disney the 22-27th.

 

[puffkin]

My kids, 15 and 8, LOVE Hard Rock. For a short trip, it is just too convenient to pass up.

 

[nkereina]

Another vote for HRH. Closer/easier walk to the parks and teens probably appreciate the lively, laidback atmosphere compared to the more elegant/upper class type atmosphere at PBH. I do think PBH has nicer pools for someone spending a lot of time at the pool, but we still enjoy the HRH pool.