RPR Club Level - Worth $100 Per night???

[marvel]

We are planning to stay at RPR in May and the difference between a regular room and club level is $100 per night. Having gone through the numerous threads on this issue my first thought is that it is not worth the money. We re going for 4 nights.

Can anyone convince me otherwise before I book???

 

[E&B's Mom]

Personally I would, because I just love the convenience of club. You get a continetal type breakfast (with cereal, yogurt, fruit and pastries) drinks throughout the day, a snack at mid-day (although we've never been around for that), beer and wine and appetizers from 5-7pm, and then really nice cakes and pastries for dessert. You also get a 50% discount on cabanas, and free access to the health club.

If you're trying to see if you'd break even - it would depend on how much you'd pay for breakfast and drinks, and how many people there will be staying in your room. If you had older children you would probably break even at $100 easily.

 

[robvia]

You have to tell us how many are going.
If it's 2 adults and 3 kids, then it's probably worth it.

If it's just 2 adults, then you'd probably be better off eating in the parks. A crossaint sandwich is only about $6 and two people can share it. Some people find they rush back to the hotel to get the free food before it's gone. That would mean your vacation revolves around getting the most out of club level.

If you can visit the grocery store before arriving, and stock a cooler, then you don't need club. Some people don't have the patience to do this before check in. For $400, I'd stock the cooler, and eat in the parks each day.

 

[lookingforward]

I agree with Robvia. We are a family of five and love the convienence of RPR's club ammenities and also, since we are five, the extra room we have in the club to relax, etc. I think RPR has the best club floor.

 

[marvel]

We are two adults and two kids, 6 and 8, and my initial thinking is that over the 4 nights we would be spending most of our time at the parks, so we wouldn't get that much out of any offerings they had around lunch time. I am able to get the rooms for $239 per night and that includes two adult tickets for the entire stay. I figured that is a pretty good deal, from what I have read on DIS.

 

[AlexandNessa]

We are two adults and two kids, 6 and 8, and my initial thinking is that over the 4 nights we would be spending most of our time at the parks, so we wouldn't get that much out of any offerings they had around lunch time. I am able to get the rooms for $239 per night and that includes two adult tickets for the entire stay. I figured that is a pretty good deal, from what I have read on DIS.

First, they don't **have** any offerings out at lunch time! Well, they do, but nothing you'd miss, unless you just had to have that small bag of chips and maybe an apple! Seriously, here is the schedule:

6:30 am: fresh squeezed juices, coffee and tea.
7 - 10:30am: - continental breakfast, drinks from above
10:30 am - 5 pm: nothing to write home about (see above), and drinks by request (bottled water, soda)
5 - 7 pm: beer, wine, appetizers, sodas, bottled water
8 - 9 pm: dessert selection


Only you can decide if the cost of club is worth it to you. If you are going to be worried that you're missing out on a service, it may not be. If you avail yourselves of the lounge during service times, you may find it worth it. It is just me and my hubby, and it is not about $$ for us. It is a matter of convenience and relaxation, which for us, is worth the premium of $100 per night, even though hubby doesn't eat breakfast or eat any of the appetizers.

What you can't put a price on: we love RPR. But, the rooms are small! Perhaps I am a spoiled vacation princess, but honestly I really don't know how families of 4-5 manage in that small room. Families who do are either not claustrophobic or can buck up better than Mike and I can. The lounge is a refuge for us and helps us "spread out" a bit.

Here's another thing ... if you're discreet and you think you might want some cookies for bedtime, but you don't plan on being in the lounge during dessert hour, ask one of the staff if she can wrap you up some cookies for later because you can't make it to dessert. Unless she's having a very bad day, or you manage to make your request loudly in front of 20 people, she will most likely be happy to oblige.

 

[marvel]

Thanks alot for that. It gives me something to think about. I didn't realise the rooms were that small. From what I had read, RPR is in the best position in regards to the parks, which was the main reason for deciding on that. PBH sounds really good but a bit far. hmmmm, more research needed I think.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

marvel, actually Hard Rock Hotel is very close to Universal Studios and Royal Pacific Resort is very close to IOA. However, all three onsite resorts have shuttle and boat transportation to the parks as well as being able to walk. Pick your resort by what appeals to you most getting to the parks is a piece of cake.

Rooms size from largest to smallest is PBH, HRH, RPR. The rooms at RPR are approx. 335 sq ft. HRH 375 and PBH 463 this is comparing the standard room sizes you can get larger rooms/suites at each resort for more $.
http://www.universalorlando.com/ht_comparison.html