Royal Pacific or Polynesian?

[AspiringCindy]

I was wondering if anybody that has stayed at both RP and Poly can comment on which hotel is better and why? I know it is like comparing apples to oranges, but they are supposed to be similar in theme. Any info is appreciated!

 

[CPM]

They are completely different. I really can't even think of any similarities. I prefer the RP, but it's new and close to IOA & US. The rooms are bigger at the POLY. I don't like being in lodges like the POLY, I like a main lobby & rooms off of it. Maybe if you tell me what you're looking for in a resort that will help. Are you going to WDW or IOA/USF.

 

[damo]

Our room at Poly was very musty smelling. The room at RP was fresh and new. RP has a different feel to it than Poly, more of a modern feel.

 

[AspiringCindy]

I was thinking ahead for our next trip in 2004. I would probably stay 7 nights at Poly or split 7 nights between Swan/Dolphin and Royal Pacific. I would like to experience a pacific-tropical hotel and everyone seems to rave about the Poly. The real benefit of staying at RP is price and line priority for the rides. Not only was I quoted a rate of $129 for RP with entertainment, but I could also get Dolphin for $129 a night on a teachers rate.

 

[CPM]

If you are going to IOA or US I would certainly consider the RP stay. You will find it's a beautiful resort. It's not that hawaii feel you get at the POLY, it's more like a Bali, Indonesian feel. It's is well worth the express for the rides alone but has much more to offer.

 

[gschmerl]

We split our last stay between the Dolphin and the HRH. When going to the Disney Parks we wanted to be on site there. While at Universal we DEFINITELY wanted the perk of staying on site.

 

[Muushka]

This past December we stayed 2 nights at RPR then switched over to VWL for 5 nights and then spent the last ight at the Poly. My husband had never stayed there before and wanted to give it a try.

We were so unimpressed with the Poly. While it was nice having the monorail for easy transportation, the hotel room left much to be desired. It was a very large room, but very stark. Minimal decorations, yucky drapes, it was actually depressing to me. As was metioned above, there are separate bulidings, so you must walk outside to get anywhere.

RPR was pretty nice. Of the 3 USF hotels, it is our least favorite, but we did like it much better than Poly. The rooms are smaller. But they are well themed and we prefer the indoor corridors. The lobby at RPR was nicer than Poly's. Hope this helps without casting too much negative on Poly.

 

[Redmic]

Haven't stayed at RP (loved PBH though!), but our family was underwhelmed by the Poly. The lobby felt like Grand Central Station, it is very spread out, and the main pool was very cold. It wasn't even mentioned when we discussed where to stay on our next trip. On a positive note, the food was very good there and the monorail was fun to ride.