Universal Hotel Worth it or not?

[Rick Walmsley]

Hi all

My amended itinary is-

1. 17 days at HIFS
2. Family sleepover at Discovery Cove
3. 8 days at Hilton Grand Vacation Club
4. 4 days at AKL

Now toying with the idea at this late stage of leaving HGVC early and having 2-3 days at one of Universals hotels. This is because I like their front of the line guest priviliges and obviously the hotels look great.

Is it worth it and which hotel should I go for?

If I do where is the best place to book (have used hotel kingdom predominantly up to now)

Bombard me with your opinions.

Thanks again

Rick

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Rick, that's some holiday you're planning!

Although I've not stayed at the Portofino Bay Hotel we did go for a look around and a drink in the bar. It looked fabulous, and I'm sure that we'll stay there one year. The on-site priviledges at Universal are very good, so I say 'go for it'.

Regards

Rob

 

[GarryK]

Rick

We're just back and spent our final 3 days at the HRH. A bit expensive but for the FOTL access alone it's worth it (especially if you can secure a reduced rate using an AA card or Entertainment Card).

To give you an idea we had no wait for any ride or attraction. Shrek was constantly 90-100 mins and we viewed it 3 times with absolutely no wait. DW was actually embarrassed the time we walked on when the wait was 100 mins. The Jimmy Neutron ride was the same.

I'd say go for it and although I loved the HRH I'm sure the other 2 are just as nice. You'll get the booking number on the main Universal site - think it's usescape.com (if not, just try universalstudios.com).

Garry

 

[DisneyBB]

We stayed at the RPH for 4 nights and it was excellent. The hotel was really nice, but the most important reason for staying there was the distance from the park (5 min walk) and the FOL for all rides. We did get a very good rate of $159 when it first opened for the cons. level. I would do it again as it made the trip so much easier.

 

[UKANGEL]

definately go for it Rick!
we've done the same thing a couple of times now, staying at HRH and think its great! The front of the line access alone is worth it, plus we got into Universal Citywalk restaurants front of the line too!....a big advantage when there are massive queues!

We love HRH and would stay there all the time if we could

 

[SimonY]

We have decided to do this for our next trip.

They are doing a 4th night free deal at the moment:

Universal Hotels - 4th Night Free

Also seen recommended getting the Loews First Card - gives you a free room upgrade, choice of wine/nuts, fruit etc. in your room and some other bits and pieces. Free subscription. Follow links from:

Loews Hotels Website - you can book from here as well.

Also check out Mousesavers:

Mousesavers Universal Page

 

[richard3330]

Go for it, Rick!

Staying in a Universal hotel resort is just as much fun as a Disney Resort, IMO.

We’ve stayed at Portofino Bay twice and each time it has been brilliant. The rooms are amazing, with huge Italian bathrooms. The theming of the resort is lovely and the Roman themed pool with its slide is fantastic for children. Our DS loved the Campo Portofino kids club whilst we were here with its themed games room. The health club was lovely and there are some exceptional restaurants. Delfino Riviera has to be IMO one of the best restaurants in Orlando and Mama Della’s family style restaurant is great as well.

This is definitely our favourite hotel that we have ever stayed at, and although we like the look of Hard Rock and Royal Pacific, we just have to keep coming back here! The setting is very peaceful and it is an easy 10-15 minute walk from the parks.

Like everyone else has been saying, the benefit of F-O-T-L is basically wort it alone! and aren't they doing early entry now?

If you have any specific questions please ask.

Richard.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

YES!

Just for the FOTL access - it is so cool! We went on Spiderman four times in a row last year when everyone else was in a line for about 50mins.

We stayed at HRH - going back again this year for just one night. Like on-site Disney hotels, you can check in early and then get to use all the priviledges all day. We checked in at HRH about 10am (and our room was actually ready - at AKL when we stayed there last year the room wasn't ready until we came back in the afternoon, but they keep all your luggage for you so not a problem). You still get all the privildges the day your leave.

From HRH it is literally an 8 minute leisurely walk to USF and IOA, with all City Walk the same on the other side.

The HRH is superb - the pool was the best, according to DD Katie (then 9). You can get the river launches to the parks/City Walk if you like too.

Each room at the HRH has rock memorobilia - we had the Beatles (oh well, there was bound to be something that wasn't quite perfect ).

How old your kids are would probably depend on which Universal hotel would be best, I would guess.

I got a great rate this year using my Loewes card - I have a fan club, but all that quote had gone (Halloween time), but when she checked the Loewes special rate it was even better than Fan Club.

 

[vernon]

I was very impressed with the PBH, we got this using the entertainment rate at $155 a night. as been said it's worth checking for AAA rate as well.

FOTL is worth the extra IMHO, particulary if there are 4 of you in the room, PBH has a great pool as well and the Italian style buffet in the Trattoria restaurant was very good food and value. Your FOTL pivilage is good for day of check in and out so if, for example, you stay 2 nights you get 3 days of fotl access .

 

[XAVIER]

FOTL is worth every penny! It takes so much stress out of going around the parks.
And the hotels are spectacular. The HRH was terrific if a little pricey but well worth the extra $$$$$. With the Hotels so close by it's easy to pop back for a cool refreshing dip in the pool (and a few cocktails!) for a break.

Go for it!

 

[chunkster20uk]

You have got to do it, it is worth every penny!!

 

[Rick Walmsley]

Hi all

After all the good advice it was too hard to resist.

I have managed to book three nights at The Royal Pacific Resort, water view room , entertainment rate of $125

Have also joined Loews first club 1 which was free.

Thanks for all the help

Getting happier!

Rick