Portofino or Hard Rock??????

[disneysnob]

We are heading down in August...Which hotel is best for a family of 5? It seems to be only a few $$ difference in price. The HRH has a nice pool, but PBH has bigger rooms. We've never stayed at Universal before. Can you pool hop at the hotels? (I know it is frowned upon at Disney) How is the extra bed in the rooms? Any help would be appreciated....Thanks

 

[CPanther95]

Pool hopping is "officially" fine.

The rollaway beds (can only speak for the PBH, but assume they are the same at the HRH) are plenty comfortable. They aren't cots, just portable beds with a fair amount of substance.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I personally prefer Portofino's atmosphere.. but I would say that's entirely up to you. But for some reason, I've found I enjoyed Portofino's service to be better than the Hard Rock's.

 

[Aptor]

We just finished debating that exact question and having only stayed at the Portofino we decided to go back to the Portofino Feb.6. We had a wonderful experinece and really liked the atmosphere at this hotel....so you will find us once again at this hotel

 

[mayesq]

Of the 3 hotels, Hard Rock is our least favorite and we've been there twice to make sure our assessment wasn't a fluke. Too noisy and the service is not as good as the others.

 

[bubba's mom]

Hmmm....PBH rooms bigger.... HRH closer walk..... tough choice.... why not 'split' your stay?

And yes, hotel hopping (pool, visiting, restaurants, etc...) IS encouraged!!! *gasp!*

 

[disneysnob]

Thanks for the replies. Since I now know that pool hopping is okay, I'm leaning toward PBH. What was drawing me towards HRH was the pool...the kids thought the 'music under water' might be cool. (I'd rather have the bigger room )

 

[CPanther95]

My kids thought the same thing, plus I had told them that the HRH slide was reviewed better.

However, after our first visit (stayed at PBH, but got a cabana for 1 day at the HRH) they've only been back to the HRH once, and that was primarily so a friend that was along with us last year could see the HRH pool.

All 3 kids (DS15, DD18, DD19) preferred the Beach pool at the PBH since our first trip in 2000.

 

[Disney owl]

If taking teenagers I'd say HRH our s loved it.

 

[BAST]

We have stayed at both and prefer PB. The reasons are (1) it is much quieter - HR seems to draw a younger and louder crowd and I like to be asleep at midnight, (2) bigger rooms, (3) pool is also less wild (the HR crowd was wild in the pool and the lifeguards did not seem to care).

Only downside - the longer walk back to the room (especially if you are pushing a stroller with two sleeping kids).