RPR and other questions

[dox]

Hi y'all. Just have a few questions and I was hoping I could get some help and/or advice and any tips on making our stay at RPR fun and memorable. This is my first time staying at a universal resort and I will only be there for about 3 nights/4 days. The trip is just myself and my best friend, who will luckily be there already for two days before me on business.

With respect to the hotel, what is the quality of the RPR restaurants? Any good views or floors to ask for?

In reading the other threads I registered for the Loew's first card and selected the red wine/nuts gift option. Do you know if you get a bottle on each visit or do they just give you a gift once? Are there any other gifts or perks you receive.

I have already booked at Emeril's for dinner one night. I have read about the other restaurants and lounges at the other resorts. Does anyone have any recommendations for lounges and/or restaurants I should visit? I remember reading about an upscale italian place at PBH , is that place any good and worth it?

finally, is it possible to pool hop around the resorts? I would really love to visit the PBH pool, after having seen that on the travel channel.

Again any advice, hints or tips would be more than welcome. Thanks.

 

[themepark]

I think I can answer some of your questions.

Yes, you can pool hop. The PBH pool is beautiful. We have visited it and the HRH pool while staying at RPR.

Depending on what rate you used to book your room, you will receive your Loews First welcome gift once per stay, usually on your first night. You will also receive a newspaper daily and have free use of the hotel fitness center. Many people report not receiving the Loews First gift if they have booked with a ET, APH, or FAN club rate. I have used a discounted rate on each of our stays and have received the welcome gift each time. Possibly it depends on who checks you in. If you have booked a AAA or non-discounted rate then you should receive the gifts.

You didn't state if you will be going to USF or IOA, but if you are then your room key gets you access to the Express line on most rides and attractions. This is an invaluable perk.

Restaurants at RPR are Emeril's Tchoup Chop, Islands, and Jakes. Sorry to say I can't comment on these as I have never been to them. I have read good reviews for all 3 on these boards.

As for views at RPR, that depends on what type of room you are staying in and what view you might like. We like a view of IOA, but did once have a view of the hotel front which we found very peaceful and pretty. Waterview (pool) rooms are located in Towers 1 & 3. Views of IOA are found in some standard rooms in Tower 1 and some water view rooms in Tower 3. Views of the front of the hotel (water, beautiful plants, very tropical feeling) are found in Towers 1 and 2.

HTH!

 

[sherries]

My family has been to Tchoup Chop and it is fabulous. We plan to go again on our trip next week. Also, Mythos is really good (it is located in the Islands of Adventure Park). I think you can go to the restaurant without having a ticket for the park. I read somewhere on another thread that one of the restaurants at PBH is changing its name. Sorry I don't remember which one. I have also read about Momma Dellas (sp?) and everything I read about it is very good.

Hope you and your friend have a great time.

 

[dox]

Thank you so much for your responses. I'm looking forward to the trip although it is a short vacation. It seems like any view at this hotel is good from your descriptions. I definitely want to check out the PBH hotel and pool. As for theme parks, we willprob. only visit US for half a day and then half a day at epcot. As we have both been to disney/universal/seaworld recently. Our goal is to just go and relax and of course, have some nice meals. I saw some definite recommandations for Tchoup Chop but I opted for the regular Emeril's over at City Walk.