to RPR or not RPR, that is the question

[WDW Princess]

I think I may have just booked a stay at RPR… I was just looking at different rates for my DH’s B-day and the next thing I know…. “your confirmation number is….” I found a fabulous rate but not sure if we want to stay at RPR. You see, we are actually not doing Universal this time (Discovery Cove and Sea World) and I was thinking about JW Marriott with lazy river @170$ per night. The rate for RPR is $134 (FL resident). Besides, we LOVE RPR. Ok, that was the preamble. Here is my dilemma. Since we are not doing Universal, does it really make sense staying there? I know it’s not that far from SW and DC, but still… What do you guys think? On the other hand, there is a slight possibility we’ll be traveling with our Dogo Argentino we’ve just rescued from a shelter (he is still very insecure and skittish, has been abused and beaten and I don’t know if I can put him up in the kennel – I’ll spend the entire 5 days wondering if he is ok and that he must be thinking he’s been abandoned again). Are the pet-friendly rooms disgusting or are they ok? Can we get an upgraded room with a pet, or a pet-friendly room is pretty much it? If we choose JW Marriott ,we definitely have to come up with some kind of arrangement for the dog (the owner of the shelter actually agreed to keep him at her house) So sorry for all the questions – I just want to make sure I make it very special for my military hero (talking about DH, not the dog of course!) I don’t even know what exactly I am asking… I guess I just need opinions whether staying at RPR is a good idea…Thanks guys!

 

[damo]

It's always nice to be able to do Citywalk in the evenings.

 

[WDW Princess]

It's always nice to be able to do Citywalk in the evenings.

True! I didn’t even think about it… I don’t think there is much to do at Seaside (or whatever it’s called at SW) late at night…. We don’t drink and don’t do bars, really, but I still like the nightlife at CW…

Ok, now I am thinking… should I do Portofino Bay instead… to make it more special? The FL resident rate is 164 for September so it’s only about 30$ more per night… Either way, I am just concerned that pet-friendly rooms are not really nice…

 

[rpbert1]

Lat July we stayed at RPR, and i passed a few pet rooms [not sure if thats the correct name] they looked similar to Standard, but the entrance looked a bit bigger, to me anyway and some had a cage for the dog in the entrance, rooms looked fine.
we stayed here last year and enjoyed our stay so booked to go this year again, we are going to sea world ,also bought tics for Universal as i know DD will want to go, but more a holiday without the running to parks everyday, and like Damo said , Citywalk is an extra bonus.

 

[WDW Princess]

Thank you rpbert1! I was really concerned that pet-friendly part of RPR would look horrible (I pictured half-torn hallways and rooms with partially eaten furniture...) We may be able to find a nanny (or whatever they call them for dogs...) so that we don't have to take our DA with us; this way, we can actually upgrade to a much nicer/bigger/with better view room. I spoke with RPR today and they mentioned that pet-friendly is standard room only. By the way, she also mentioned that refurbishment and redecoration will be finished by the end of June. We won't get to see the beautiful and rich Bali decorum we love so much! Oh well.

I am pretty sure I want to stay at one of the universal resorts once Damo reminded me of City Walk (can't believe I forgot about it!!!!) I am just debating if I shouldn't switch to Portofino. We are definitely not going to Universal this time (this is specifically Discovery Cove/Sea World trip) since we'll be going for a Universal vacation in November and will be staying at Portofino. Portofino seems to have less kids and be a little more romantic and that's why I was thinking about it. But then we'd be staying at the same resort twice and I like variety. I've never been so indecisive in my life! I always try to make my DH's birthdays super special and lavish and always stress out about details.

 

[rpbert1]

Wish my wife would take up the vacation arrangments sometimes.
I moved our stay this year a bit , i booked an APR at the Portofino for the last 9 days of our trip, as it was only $9 a night more than the RPR AAA rate.
We both loved our stay at the RPR , so hopefully will enjoy the Portofino just as much.

 

[damo]

The Portofino is really nice in the evenings to eat out on the piazzo or stroll around the grounds. There are lots of peaceful, beautiful spots.

 

[rpbert1]

have been reading about it on some Trip reports, and looks really good, If it is like last year we where at the pool on quite a few occassions until they closed it at 10pm.
Damo what time does the pool close at PBH,
and do you need to make dinner reservations at the piazza for the evenings

 

[WDW Princess]

There are lots of peaceful, beautiful spots.

Damo, you've said the magic word (well, magic 7 words, to be exact!). Really look forward to November! Well, it probably makes sense to stay at RPR in September then.. This way, we can have two distinct experiences! Besides, we can use PB facilities, if choose to, even if we stay at RPR, correct?

Wish my wife would take up the vacation arrangments sometimes

rpbert1, I am an engineer's daughter - I've thrived on making lists, planning and organizing since I was three

 

[dsmom]

For romance I would definately chose the Portifino. We just got back and it was very peaceful and relaxing. My husband said today that this is what a vacation is all about. I think we spent more time at the resort that the parks. The beach pool had people in it past 10 p.m. while we were there. The singers at the harbor were incredible! Good luck deciding!

 

[WDW Princess]

Dsmom, a silly question, but were bathrooms clean at PBH? This is my greatest pet peeve! We’ve stayed at some of the priciest resorts at Disney and I’ve seen mold on shower curtains and corners of the tub. I am a clean freak and sometimes carry a bottle of cleaner with me (ok, we’ll just pretend I didn’t admin to this!). We’ve been fortunate with RPR and never encountered dirty bathrooms. Also, there were a couple reviews I’ve read on trip advisor that said that the rooms are just not on par for a 4-star hotel (stained furniture and carpets etc). What are your impressions?

We normally take off a couple of hours early from work on Friday and get to resorts around 4pm. I was kind of looking forward to hanging out at RPR’s pool and having a relaxing dinner poolside. It’s just seemed more tropical and relaxed then PBH. Is PBH pool and poolside dining as relaxing? Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!

 

[dsmom]

The bathroom and the room in general was the cleanest hotel room I have EVER stayed at. I know what you mean about disney- the GF and the CR were two of the dirtiest bathrooms we have ever had.
I really can not pick a favorite between the RPR and the PBR- they are both perfect at what they do. If you want tropical I would go with the RPR- my husband said it is still his favorite.
Both resorts have wonderful pools- we ate at both resorts this time and enjoyed both. We walked around the Villa pool and I thought it was incredible. I think you will be happy with either one of the resorts. One of the most beautiful sights I saw this trip was the boat ride back to PB when you go under the last bridge and the harbor opens up - it was just georgous!

My son also loved the boat rides and the boat captains were so friendly- Steve was the best- he was wonderful with my son.

One thing I should mention- I thought the walk to the parks from PB were not bad at all. It is a beautiful walk and if you are used to disney distances it is nothing at all.

 

[WDW Princess]

Dsmom, thanks so much for your input! I feel pretty good about PBH so far.. This is for my husbands b-day in September (going to discovery cove and SW and are not doing universal), but in November, we’ll be back for the actual Universal vacation. Either way, we’ll get to stay in both resorts, but I am just trying to make sure I pick the perfect one for my DH’s b-day. Listening to your comments, I think I’ll switch to PBH. Besides, he causally mentioned that PBH would be a nice hotel to try. Would you happen to have a couple of pics of the PBH (specifically, rooms/hallways/pools)? Thanks again!

 

[dsmom]

MY husband took lots of video but no pictures this time- I know Damo has posted some incredible pictures in the past- you could do a search for them. We had room 2663- it was a beach pool view, top floor, a deluxe club room-with a balcony-it was incredible! I just found out my husband wants to take me and our son back to PB for my birthday!! IT is June 18th- he said to pick the week-end before or the week-end after so it looks like we are headed back down in a few weeks! I will be sure to take pictures this time.

 

[WDW Princess]

yes, yes, yes - take lots of pictures!!! I've seen some, of course, on varios websites, but I'd like to see what everything looks like from patrons rather then advertisements! If we don't "talk" until then, hope you have a LOVELY weekend there!