Switching On-Site Hotels??

[msplanner]

We have ressies at HRH but I am getting nervous after reading all of the bad reviews. I have two pre-teen boys though so I want to at least try it. Has anyone tried to switch hotels after arriving? (I realize that there may be an additional cost.) Any thoughts?

 

[hannahouse]

I too am getting a little nervous. We have reservations for 6 days in June. Before the hard rock, we are staying 5 days at Marriott World Center, for a much cheaper rate. If we get to HR and it's rundown and/or poor customer service - at these prices, I'm going to be very upset.

 

[damo]

I love HRH. Have never had a problem and have stayed there at least 6 times. If you have a problem, deal with it the way you would deal with any problem. Speak to the manager and don't give up until you get your problem settled. Don't just leave it and then come home and complain on the message boards like some people seem to do. Many more people will post a complaint rather than praise. Especially when it is for Universal. No hotel is going to be perfect.

My son and I will be staying at HRH this Saturday through Wednesday. I'll let you know if it still meets my expectations.

 

[robvia]

Keep the reservations.
Most people who have problems are those who want something special, like a welcome gift, and don't get it for whatever reason. Or the reservation is missing or not correct, check before going. Or a few have found their room is unavailable and were offered an upgrade or had to wait.
The rooms are not run down. The carpets are slightly worn but that's expected with all the traffic on them. There is a chance your room will not be ready at 4pm because many abuse the late check out thing. But there is no reason to cancel before even trying. Our trip was great, and I'd recommend people going.

 

[RyGuy]

I have stayed at HRH 10 times and will be back again on Feb. 4th. I have only encountered minor problems and they are always handled quickly and professionally. If you do encounter any problems ask to speak with Mark Shouger. He is the rooms division director and a very nice guy.

 

[hannahouse]

Thanks, that makes me feel better. There are a lot of complaints - not just on these boards. I'm pretty easy going about things, but you start to get worried after reading so much negative stuff, especially since you can get a room at the Ritz cheaper during the same period. One tends to have high expectations @ such lofty prices!

 

[damo]

You need to remember that you are getting a lot more than just a hotel room when you stay onsite. You can walk to both parks and all the restaurants -- you can't get that anywhere else --- and you get Front of the Line Access (which in my opinion is worth quite a bit). So, if your time means anything to you, onsite at Universal is the way to go.

 

[hannahouse]

Yes, it does sound like the best option if you are going to go. My boys are really excited about Hard Rock - we let them pick which resort to stay at. I just want the whole experience to be great, not just front of the line access.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

We love, love, love the Hard Rock Hotel! We have been about a half a dozen times. We have a pre-teen boy and we have a difficult time getting him out of the pool. I do not understand how you can be hearing that the hotel is run down. It is very well maintained. We have never had an issue with service.

Have a great time!

 

[hannahouse]

Okay, I'm feeling better already! One question, are the bathrooms really small? I saw a picture on a web site, and it looked tiny.

 

[RyGuy]

They are pretty small. Not any smaller than a normal hotel bathroom though. The bathrooms have a sink, toilet, and tub.

 

[robvia]

The bathrooms are what you would find in any hotel room, small.
You can look at my site for a couple pictures, scroll down.
http://www.nogodforme.com/IOA.htm
In the bathroom to the right, there is a small wash sink. Most use it as a cooler to put beer and ice into, then cover it with a towel.

I agree, the short walk to the park and the pool is what makes the HRH so special. Your kids will spend hours in it at night after visiting the parks.

 

[spotowner]

You need to remember that you are getting a lot more than just a hotel room when you stay onsite. You can walk to both parks and all the restaurants -- you can't get that anywhere else --- and you get Front of the Line Access (which in my opinion is worth quite a bit). So, if your time means anything to you, onsite at Universal is the way to go.

Hi Damo... I too am new to the boards, the Info here is invaluable. I have booked for Mid-July and committed to the the HRH because of the comments that people have said about the closeness to the parks, the FOTL, and the atmosphere of the hotel. In your opinion would it be easier to rent a car at the airport and use it to visit WDW during the stay.Or take a transfer from the airport and rent the car at the Hertz counter as listed at the HRH Website. We have been to WDW before and have a day left on passes. We would hit 1 park in the A.M. and finish up in another for 1 day? I will usually rent at the airport rather than off-site. Thanks to all in advance. Spotowner

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

The bathrooms are not large, but they are adequate. What I like is that there is a 2d sink just out side the bathroom with a hairdryer and shaving mirror. This is invaluable to us and sorely missed when we stay at RPR.

 

[damo]

Just got back from the HRH for 4 nights. We had absolutely no problems with the hotel (other than people letting their doors slam shut in the morning). We got our upgrade from a regular to a deluxe after spending one night in the sold out hotel. Both our rooms were spotless. We got our welcome gift of fruit and water without even asking for it!!! Our carpets were a little worn but really were fine. Chalk up another great trip!