Royal Pacific vs. Sapphire Falls vs. Drury Inn Universal ?

[NW1]

I understand these are somewhat an apples vs. oranges vs. bananas comparisons, so this question is from a value perspective. We’re a middle-aged couple traveling with a small dog, so we’re limited to pet-friendly options. We are looking forward to visit in early September. We’re familiar with Drury Inns and am wondering if it’s worth the extra cost to stay inside the Universal bubble.

It’s been at least 29 years since we’ve been to Universal so the experience will be largely new to us. Will likely stay away from Disney. Priorities are cleanliness, quiet and convenience. Will likely have a car.

Thank you all !

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Biggest thing from convenience standpoint is how often you foresee going back to the room? You could be at RP in 5min from Islands, Sapphire Falls in 10min (walk or boat, no bus required). Or, you could be at the parking garage in 5min, then (after finding the car, wending through to the exit, and fighting traffic lights) back to Drury maybe 15-20min after that.

You will pay to park in either the Universal garages or at the Universal hotels, so that's a wash unless you have an AP for parking discounts. You might consider going carless if you stay onsite. I wouldn't do Drury carless, especially since you'll need to stop back for puppy potty breaks. Do you plan other off-site activities, or is it pretty much a Universal trip?

Drury Universal is fine but definitely feels worn (unless it has been refreshed in the last few years?). The evening meals are surprisingly good though. But can be busy.

RP or Sapphire are both quiet. And lovely pools, much more "vacation resort" setting than Drury's pool... which again is fine, but basic.

 

[Lewisc]

RP gives you express pass access to attractions at US and IoA. Sapphire does NOT. Otherwise the hotels are similar

 

[tony67]

RP is great if you want express pass.
I prefer SF over RP in general - it has a much nicer pool IMO - but no EP.
I usual go with Aventura if I am staying in that area as its a more adult hotel - similar to a Marriott and usually less expensive.
You can also use the pool at SF.

I would recommend against a car unless you truly need it - the cost to park it is ridiculous - I stopped renting cars a long time ago - Uber works out much better in the rare case I go off property..

I would recommend against staying off property - the buses are excellent at Universal, if you are at SF\Aventura or RP there is also the boat. You can also walk which it what I do if I am in that area.

I really like Dockside for the price - its a great value - but its not going to be quiet or calm.

 

[musika]

I would also consider ease of getting back to your dog from the park, I assume you'd want a midday break to check on them? Given that alone I would strongly consider being on property. We loved having express pass on our prior trip, so if the cost difference between RP and SF is not terrible I'd lean towards RP for that reason.

 

[Rory607]

If RP is within your budget, that’s what I would do. You’ll be so close to the parks and have EP, so you will save time all around.