Should WE stay all six nights or......

[crazyme5kids]

I have reservations Dec. 27- Jan 2 at Universal (Royal Pacific Hotel), a rate of $199.00 per night, 2 rooms a night. Now after reading the great reviews on Marriott World Center, I thought maybe we should stay there for three nights instead. I booked 3 nights, 2 rooms per night for a rate of $150.00 a night (each room). So I can save $300.00, not much in the grand scheme of life. We are not going to Disney, maybe a character meal, but no parks. WE do have the plus option left on our tickets from our stay in April, so we might use it then. My biggest question is about the pools. The money saved is not really that big of a deal, but I wanted a place with great pools. Should we split our stay, or should we stay at Universal for the full 6 nights?I really need opinions on this. Has any one stayed at both places? Are the pools heated in Dec.? What else can the kids do at the Marriott? Can you see fireworks from Disney at the Marriott? Pros Cons anyone? Is it worth checking in and out of two hotels for only six nights?

 

[DisOrBust]

Are you going to the USF/IOA parks? Then for sure keep the ressie at RP for FOTL acess. BUT, I would think you can get a better rate at any of the Universal hotels. They offer AAA, Fan club and Entertainment rates up to 50% off. I got an Entertainment discout over Easter in 2000 so it is possible. Check out the Univ. board there is a thread on the top titled "What is your date and rate? " that might help/

 

[crazyme5kids]

yes we are going to universal parks, but really only need the three full nights there. Saving the couple of hundred is not that big of a deal. I guess what I really want is a few days to just relax by a great pool for the kids, something where I can sit and have a drink or two...........

 

[f7prez]

The Royal Pacific has one of the best pools you will find anywhere. I mean ANYWHERE. Plus the fact that you will not have to wait in long lines at the theme parks. Because you are staying at a Universal hotel you get preferential treatment by going to the front of the line. In my opinion those two things alone are worth the $300, not to mention staying in a brand new hotel and not having to spend part of your vacation checking in and out twice. Enjoy the pool instead.

 

[DisOrBust]

Also, if I remember right...you get pool hopping privileges for Hard Rock and Porto Fino Bay. HR pool has been rated the best in Orlando. I would still call for a better rate at RP. They were running specials for the club level rooms for 129.00. Check the website also they have some great specials too. I think you should be able to stay at RP AND save 300$, the best of both worlds! Just an FYI some have come back from RP complaining the food prices at the resort restaurants are high but there is always Citywalk a boat ride away!

 

[crazyme5kids]

Here is my updated plan. I called Portofino to see if they had any entertainment, fan club rates etc..., but they didn't. The woman said let me see if they aren't offering them or if they aren't out yet. She get's back on says they don't seem to be out yet, but we are running a promo rate, would you like that info? OK let me hear it. Well the Deluxe pool veiw (that's the one with seprate shower and bath) is $219 per night. The standard room........ I didn't hear the rest, because I'm thinking for $20 more than RPH I get a deluxe at PBH???? Well now, there is just no question about what I am going to do. This was the type of room we had in March. All I can say is AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!