Universal Hotel for one night

[juliebro]

Although we are staying in a villa on our next trip - we would like to stay over for just one night at a Universal hotel - mainly to get front of line access.

The thing is that we are going to be there during the 2 weeks around Easter - and the rates that they are quoting seem rather on the high side to me - $239 plus taxes for a room for one night.

Do you think I might be able to get a better rate if I wait till nearer the time? Should I risk waiting till we arrive in Orlando, and then calling the hotel to see if they may discount the rate?

All advice appreciated!

 

[btab]

Depending on how many times you plan to visit Universal, it may be worth buying an annual pass - this costs around $169 but includes free car parking 25% discount on all food/merchandise and discounted rates at Universal hotels. An annual power pass is around $110 and includes some black out dates. Buy 1 normal pass, for the others purchase power passes

These can be purchased on line from the Universal web site. We did this in October and were pleased we did !!

 

[AlisonB]

The only nights over the Easter fortnight that the rooms are cheaper is 15th April (APH rate is $149ish).

Hope that helps!

 

[Hilary]

I was stuck with the same dilema.

I eventually decided to take the room offered by Expedia at HRH for a total of £166 for one night! . It was far more than I had hoped to pay but, as out itinerary means our two IOA / USF days will be Good Friday and Easter Saturday, I felt the front of line perk was essential for us.

Going at a busy time of year I didn't want to risk missing out on a room altogether, but I'm a control freak and couldn't have taken the strain of waiting to see whether I could find a bargain nearer the date! You might have better luck if you're prepared to sit it out - I just don't know.

 

[Astrid]

If you apply for a Loews Card which you can do on-line for free, that will also give you a discount on the rack rate. Plus, don't forget if you're a member of the AA you can get an AAA card which will entitle you to discount.

HTH

Astrid

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

I agree with Astrid, get a Loews card. Mine got me a much better rate last October. I have a Fan Club card, but the quota for good discount on these had all gone so I mentioned I had a Loews card and the rate came down from $299 to $160 Apparently some promotion was on . . . it's always worth a try with any hotel chain's loyalty cards, they don't cost owt and are sometimes worth the form filling.

Being onsite at Universal is far better than Disney IMHO. You are literally onsite. It's a 5 min walk from HRH to USF, add another couple of mins on for IOA. The HRH is fantastic, the pool superb and the whole experience brilliant. Especially so the front of line access, although be aware that you can "buy" this priviledge these days, although you can only use it for each ride only once, whereas the onsite perk is as many times as you want.

It will be worth the extra $ at Easter, expect queues, but not anywhere near as bad as without the FOTL.

 

[juliebro]

Thanks everyone.

btab - we already have 5-day bonus passes for US/IOA - so don't need tickets. It's the front of line access we want - as we are expecting long queues around Easter.

Alison - unfortunately, we go home on 16th April - so wouldn't really fully benefit from the 2 days front of line access.

Hilary - I know what you mean - I am a control freak too - being cool and sitting it out isn't really my style either!!

Astrid & Mrs Dazzle - yes - I already have a Loewe's card and an All Access Pass for Hard Rock - neither of these seem to be attracting a discount on the dates we are looking for - 5, 6 or 7 April

We may just settle for buying the front of line access on the day - but I love Hulk & Spiderman - one ride on each just won't be enough!!!


Thanks

Julie

 

[UKDEB]

All the Universal hotels have a 5 day cancellation policy (i.e. you can cancel within 5 days of your arrival with no penalty), so it's worth booking to guarantee your room and then checking nearer the time. If you find a better rate you can switch the reservation.

 

[juliebro]

What a great idea! Thanks for the tip.

Julie

 

[Scotfan]

I recently booked Hard Rock for Presidents day, they had no availability in any of the hotels when I phoned direct, but expedia had a room so I took it. If we had been more organised and booked it sooner I'm sure I would have got it much cheaper. You cant beat FOTL we had it in Port Aventura.

 

[richard3330]

Hi,

We have booked our 3 nights at POBay this Easter for the rack rate of $309 + taxes per night . However, Deb's adive is excellent - I'm checking the rates often and as soon as (if!) a cheaper rate comes along then I'll cancel that reservation and re-book. You can cancel and receive your deposit back as long as you cancel within 5 days before.

Richard

 

[juliebro]

Well, I've done it! Gone and booked for 7th April at Royal Pacific Resort. I booked online via the Loews website and the rate is $239 plus tax. Like Richard I'll keep an eye on the rate for any special offers.

Does the Loews' site have the best rates on offer? Or is there a better way of getting a good rate? I tried ringing them - but the rates were higher than the on-line rates.

Julie