Rookie hotel advice please :)

[tjmw2727]

Newbie here, not to the Dis but to the Universal boards

We are planning our first Universal trip after visiting Disney the past several years.

Looking at resorts, what would be a good choice particularly for our 12 and 14yo dd's? I am leaning toward Hard Rock, I think we would all enjoy that but the kids really like a pool slide and HRH's looks small.

What about room layout and size when our only real "requirement" is a balcony or patio? If we decide to spring for club level which do you recommend and why?

Do the Universal restaurants take reservations or ADR's like the Disney restaurants? If so what are the recommended spots, in the parks and or at Citywalk?

I love the idea of the FOTL privledge and having been to Universal twice just for day trips we are all excited to stay onsite and to visit citywalk.

Sorry so many questions but thanks for any help, info and opions you care to offer.

TJ

 

[damo]

Since the kids are both girls, you probably only need a room with two beds, so anything at HRH or Portofino would be good. If you want a patio or balcony, you are out of luck at HRH. There are a few at Portofino but not many.

 

[vellamint]

Newbie here, not to the Dis but to the Universal boards

We are planning our first Universal trip after visiting Disney the past several years.

Looking at resorts, what would be a good choice particularly for our 12 and 14yo dd's? I am leaning toward Hard Rock, I think we would all enjoy that but the kids really like a pool slide and HRH's looks small.

What about room layout and size when our only real "requirement" is a balcony or patio? If we decide to spring for club level which do you recommend and why?

Do the Universal restaurants take reservations or ADR's like the Disney restaurants? If so what are the recommended spots, in the parks and or at Citywalk?

I love the idea of the FOTL privledge and having been to Universal twice just for day trips we are all excited to stay onsite and to visit citywalk.

Sorry so many questions but thanks for any help, info and opions you care to offer.

TJ

For some strange reason I dont think any of the Universal Hotels have balconies?? Someone else please chime in but I thought I read that somewhere.... As for patios I am not sure.

Universal restaurants take reservations but everyone here is saying that you only need to make them the same day.....havent done this myself yet but will be doing it this summer.

Would love to hear the differences in the swimming pools myself.

 

[tjmw2727]

Wow, thanks guys! Interesting imput on the patio/balcony availablity as that is a must for DH on any vacation. He dosen't get much time off and one of his favorite things to do is have breakfast on the balcony and or an evening "beverage". Considering the price and the perks of onsite at Universal I think I need to find him a balcony.

So to clarify, DH needs a balcony and my dd's need a fun pool and I am happy when they are happy. So what do we need to book so we are all happy ????

TJ

 

[damo]

Wow, thanks guys! Interesting imput on the patio/balcony availablity as that is a must for DH on any vacation. He dosen't get much time off and one of his favorite things to do is have breakfast on the balcony and or an evening "beverage". Considering the price and the perks of onsite at Universal I think I need to find him a balcony.

So to clarify, DH needs a balcony and my dd's need a fun pool and I am happy when they are happy. So what do we need to book so we are all happy ????

TJ

Your only option is Portofino. You will have to call the hotel directly and ask if they will guarantee you a patio/balcony. I am not sure they will do that. Some of the suites have balconies. We stayed in the villa suite, and it had 4 balconies but we were just very lucky to get that.

If you look at this picture, you will see how few balconies there are. If you look on the first level, you can see patios. This is right along the major walkway, so I'm not sure if you really want that.