Question about Resort pools at Universal

[breebella]

Of the 3 resorts, HRH, RPH, and PBH, which resort has the best pool overall. I'm traveling with 3 kids in August (ages 5, 14, & 14) who all love swimming. A cool pool would be great. I know pool hopping is allowed between the 3 hotels, but much rather stay in the hotel with the best pool & dining options.

Also, what are the pool hours? I know at Disney the lifeguards go off duty in the evening, but you can still swim. Is it the same at the Universal hotel pools?

Thanks for your help!

 

[damo]

Toss us between hard rock and portofino. Both have cool slides.

 

[Kimberle]

RPR has the largest pool in Orlando. It is really nice. It has a zero entry area, 2 basketball hoops, water volleyball net. Plus there is a large area next to the pool with water squiters/cannons. You can bring pool toys in as well. The only thing it doesn't have is a slide. What is so nice is the poolside bar/casual eating area. You can have lunch in you swimming suits.

We went to the HR one afternoon. The pool seemed to be about 1/2 the size of RPR. My dd loved the slide. The day we were there, you really couldn't swim. Adults were standing in the water drinking.

We didn't visit the other resort.

 

[gschmerl]

As stated, the RPR has the largest pool. There always seemed to be a pool vollyball game going on when we were there. The HRH pool is smaller, but has music under the water and has the slide. You can always pool hop, so it doesn't matter!!! Guests of an on site hotel can use any of the on site pools.

 

[tlinus]

we love the Hard Rock Pool & the Beach Club (food and drinks)

zero entry, slide, volleyball courts, poolside games/activities, music, sandy beach, kiddie pool and 2 hot tubs.....

you can see the pictures of our day at the pool in my Universal trip report.....lots of fun

the only downfall is the deepest area of the pool is 4'5 or 4'6 but that was ok for our group - we sat in loungers an at the side of the pool with no worries...the lifeguards are there until the pool closes.

 

[rpbert1]

Not sure about HRH and PBH but the RPR pool was closed and gates locked at 10pm approx , and you where not allowed in to the pool after this time.

 

[scoobysmom]

I am glad that you can bring toys in the pool at RPR. I have made goodie bags for the girls with swim tubes in them. The $2.oo from Wal Mart.
We took these with us to Mexico used them them left them for others to use.
Only 32 days !!!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

As stated, the RPR has the largest pool. There always seemed to be a pool vollyball game going on when we were there. The HRH pool is smaller, but has music under the water and has the slide. You can always pool hop, so it doesn't matter!!! Guests of an on site hotel can use any of the on site pools.

Thats exactly how I feel. Lots of people ask this question and there is no right answer. Each pool has its own charms and I really love them all for different reasons so pool hopping each trip satisfies us best. the kids will love ANY and all of the pools.

Pick the resort with the theme that appeals most to YOU.

Portofino Bay has three pools and 3 hot tubs as well as a kids pool and a cold plunge pool. They have live entertainment on summer weekends as well as a pool table and games. Their Villa pool remains open the latest (midnight). There is a beach bar/cafe poolside with waitress service and cabanas can be rented at the Beach Pool or The Villa Pool. Great slide! Waterfalls in the beach pool.

Hard Rock has one large pool with 2 hot tubs. The best selection of cabanas and a fun charged atmosphere. A poolside bar/cafe with waitress service, lots of games and live entertainment. Pool table. The slide is cool and long!
Underwater music. This pool has the coolness aspect and it always draws a crowd.

Royal Pacific has the largest of the three pool. No slide but a neat water cannon area with water activities. Nice sandy beach area, poolside bar/cafe and waitress service. The pool has deeper areas than the other two. Lots of activity and the atmosphere is laid back tropical. Two hot tubs (I think?) and three small cabanas.

Something that we do is rent a cabana for the day at HRH even if were staying at one of the other on-sites.

Overall it is easy to pool hop, encouraged and fun to do! The kids will have a ball at any of the three! We have been going for years and we rotate each trip and its hard to pick a favorite. We really love them all.

Let us know what you decide.