Radisson Universal or the Holiday Inn and suites Universal?

[Krispe]

Hi, before we head over to the Disney resort, we'll be checking out the Universal area. We've narrowed our hotel picks down to two: The Radisson Universal or the Holiday Inn and Suites Universal, both are right across the street from the main Universal entrance.

If anyone has stayed at these places I'd really love to hear your imput! Of the two which place was nicer? Which had nicer rooms? etc.....

Thanks a bunch!

Krispe

 

[ScottMccarthy]

Hi,

I'd also love any info on the Radisson. I've just booked for October and got a great rate - love being this near get to walk to Universal (and play chicken on Kirkman - those lights change fast!)

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

I'm curious too!!

 

[ScottMccarthy]

BTW - when I sadi great rates, they are a little higher than you'd get from priceline but seems way lower than everywhere else I seached on the web- thru' besthotels.com

Not an ad guys but seriously they were $20 better than everywhere else I searched!

 

[Krispe]

Thanks Scott!! That will help out!

Seems like no one really has info or reviews on the Radisson, seems a bit odd huh?

Krispe

 

[Robinrs]

Sorry guys, I'm just getting to this!

I have a close feeling for the Radisson because it was my very first hotel in Orlando. We stayed there in the summer of 1999 right after Islands of Adventure opened.

Back then it was the ONLY nice hotel around USF until Portofino opened and stole it's thunder.

Now it's the nicest offsite hotel close to Universal Orlando. I always call it a 4 star disguised as a 3 star. It is a very nice property and it's location is ideal for USO.

BTW, a little bit of trivia. When we went it was called the Twin Towers. I can only imagine why THAT name was changed. They light up with an outline of green lights every night and you can find them from just about anywhere in Orlando.

If you got a good deal I would highly recommend it.

 

[ScottMccarthy]

Thanks Robin thats great - Krispe hope you have fun deciding. I'm going in October so a little before your date..I'll post when I come back if your interested..unless you make your decision before then.

 

[Krispe]

Thanks Robinrs! That helps out wonderfully! Was there a good size tub in the bathroom? How did you like the onsite resturaunts? did you spend any time at the pool? I'm surprised that we don't hear too many reviews on this hotel, actually your's seems like the first! Do you have any other comments about the hotel? Thanks!!

Scott, That would be wonderful if you could post when you return! I would love to hear a review of the hotel and also about how close it really is. If it is close enough I'd like to be able to walk there if I could. If you could try to take some snap shots too, hope I'm not asking too much!

Thanks guys!!
Krispe

 

[ScottMccarthy]

Krispe

Yes you can defintely walk there - we stayed at the Days Inn that's a little further down Caravan Court. It's about a eight minute walk at most. Quite nice along the back of the Hard Rock hotel and you get up the escalators from the valet parking.

I'll send you a PM with a pic took from the back of the Car Park at Universal to give you an idea of how close it is!

 

[Robinrs]

As I said, the onsite hotels by Loews have cut deeply into the Radisson's popularity. It is the only "upscale" hotel outside of the onsite properties and it's rack rates are almost the same as an entertainment rate on the Royal Pacific, the Hard Rock and the Portofino. The Universal Express perk is WAY too attractive to turn down if you're willing to spend the money already.

Now I NEVER consider the offsite properties because you can get very spoiled by FOTL. Unless your rate is VERY good, I would suggest you call 1-800-BE A STAR and check for Entertainment rates for your dates. You might be surprised.

 

[ScottMccarthy]

Well I got a rate of $54 per night including tax and all surcharges. I don't think that Entertainment rates will quite get that near even though I'd certainly love the perks!!

 

[Krispe]

I just called about the Universal resorts for rates. I asked about the Royal Pacific. We are going during holiday season (yikes, I know! We're staying in the Universal area a few nights before heading over to CBR in Disney for New years!!) so the only discounts that would apply so far was the AAA rate of $197 a night! OUCH!! She said that they don't offer an Entertainment rate during the holiday season.

I called the Radisson and they offered me $79 a night during the same time, a HUGE difference! Just wish we could get that FOTL perk. oh, do you show your hotel key or is it a card of some sort?



Krispe

 

[Robinrs]

Yes, that is quite a difference.

I've stayed at the Royal Pacific for as low as $99 a night and it shows up quite regularly on Hotwire for $114 a night. I know it's harder to get in high season, though.

You do show your hotel card key which has your name and the dates you'll be there on it to the ride CM. You go through the Universal Express line and in about 5 mins you're on the ride. It can spoil you to death! Also the onsite hotels are a 5 to 10 minute walk or boat ride from the parks which is also a big plus.

I'm staying at the Portofino next month for the first time. I've done the RPR and the Hard Rock so it's time to do the flagship. I always sigh when I see the Radisson, though.

 

[kylara]

I haven't stayed at the Radisson but I have eaten there when I was attending conferences. They have a cute little deli with an outside eating area. And the resturant is very nice and not as pricy as some other conference hotels. They also have the added benefit of being very close to other resturants. There is a TGI Fridays, Orlando Ale House, and a japanese resturant (not sure but think it is Kobe) right withing walking distance.

And Robin, I still call it the Radisson Twin Towers since that is the name I am so use to, but I can understand why Radisson felt the need to change the name.

 

[Krispe]

Thanks for the input! Choice of food is pretty important to us! Eating is one of our favorite pasttimes!! ha ha! I love the fact that there is a Japanese AND a ale house close by! Woo-hoo! We're gonna have a great time!

Is there a Walgreens or anything similar to that in the walking distance?

Thanks sooo much everyone!
Krispe

 

[kylara]

Yuppers, Walgreens is just a little beyond the ale house...still within walking distance. I also didn't mention the BK since many don't count is as food, but if you are looking for something quick, that is there also.