Universal Newbie- one night stay questions

[KJay]

I'm just now learning the very basics here- I'm a WDW vet but just found I may have the opportunity for a very brief (two days, one night) solo stay because of a business conference nearby. I definitely want to stay onsite. I've read about how I can check in super-early and get onsite benefits before my room is ready- what a great deal! Two days of perks with one night stay is great!

I've been checking rates & availability the past few days. My stay wouldn't be until early November. It looks be that HRH is the most affordable, hovering just under $300/night. Is this typical, and is there ever very much difference in price between the three hotels? I won't be able to confirm this trip until later in the summer- do rates fluctuate much, and do I have to be concerned about availability closing up if I have to wait a while to book?

I apologize if these questions have been covered here on another thread- I did a brief search and didn't find what I was looking for. I've also read through the sticky w/ the basics. I guess I'm just super-excited for info, and I have lots of questions! Thanks in advance.

Has anyone done a brief solo trip? Any advice?

 

[damo]

November rates are usually quite good unless they are around Thanksgiving. Just stay at the cheapest one. They are all nice! There aren't many discounts for 1 night stays, but call and ask. The AAA rate will be cheaper than rack rate. The website also shows when availability is getting low, so keep watching.

 

[Stitches]

Check mousesavers.com for various tips. It mentions possible discounts via Expedia, the Lowes site and Hotwire.

 

[Harry Potter]

I thought there was a minimum stay of 2 nights at all the onsite hotels, or was I just imagining that?

 

[Metro West]

I thought there was a minimum stay of 2 nights at all the onsite hotels, or was I just imagining that?

I think it depends on when you're going. If you visit during a slow period, I can't imagine requiring a two night stay but I can see where a minimum stay would be required during busy periods.

 

[damo]

Check mousesavers.com for various tips. It mentions possible discounts via Expedia, the Lowes site and Hotwire.

Expedia and Hotwire don't offer discounts that are as good as AAA.

 

[edamethyst]

Hard Rock is a great hotel and in November with a AAA discount you should get a much better price than $300...Royal Pacific usually is the cheapest of the 3 hotels.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Op - I did the same thing recently - a quick one night stay and I was a newbie to Universal (but Disney vet). The prices all hover around $300/night for the three onsite hotels. I chose PB and paid a little bit more than the other hotels were charging for the same night but I was with my family and wanted this hotel based on the feedback from the boards (although all the hotels sound nice!). We paid $280 for one night and that was through AAA. If you are by yourself, and just want to be near the parks and get the benefit of the hour early for WWOHP, you might be best off getting the 'cheapest' room. Totally up to you though! Keep in mind that PB where we stayed was one of the farthest hotels and the least easy to walk to. If you are alone, you would walk on a dimly lit path at night for 15 - 20 minutes. And while we thought it wouldn't be a problem because the boat always comes...well, that doesn't always happen! The boats shut down the night we were there due to thunder and lightening. We did end up taking a pedi-cab but you pay for that (you pay a tip and it is up to you what you want to pay). So just some things to keep in mind! Have fun!

 

[lpandorf]

I bet the rates will come down if not around Thanksgiving. Last wekk booked I booked at AAA rate for one night last wee in July at RPH for $242.

 

[n2mm]

I thought there was a minimum stay of 2 nights at all the onsite hotels, or was I just imagining that?

I've stayed one night many, many times and always on a weekend night. My next trip is August 13th for one night. Got a great rate for passholders (special email offer). Paying $199 a night for a Saturday night stay at PB in a Bayview room -- 2 rooms for us and the family. This was a huge savings as this room goes for $384 a night, so was happy to get it. I could've had RP for $179.

 

[Stitches]

Expedia and Hotwire don't offer discounts that are as good as AAA.

I was surprised to hear that AAA rate would always be better than Hotwire. I have gotten deals with Hotwire that were way better than AAA. Not for the Universal Hotels, but for other places. Are you saying that would never happen with the Universal Hotels? Do you have some inside information?

 

[ky07]

I was surprised to hear that AAA rate would always be better than Hotwire. I have gotten deals with Hotwire that were way better than AAA. Not for the Universal Hotels, but for other places. Are you saying that would never happen with the Universal Hotels? Do you have some inside information?

Damo is right about AAA rate being better for the onsite hotels cause Hotwire and Expedia rates are almost the same as the Loews site but have to say that those sites are typically better for packages with airfare but thats my opinion and I could be wrong but thats what I found to be case for my trip in July which is in peak season

 

[damo]

I was surprised to hear that AAA rate would always be better than Hotwire. I have gotten deals with Hotwire that were way better than AAA. Not for the Universal Hotels, but for other places. Are you saying that would never happen with the Universal Hotels? Do you have some inside information?

I can't predict the future but prices in the past have not been worth booking through hotwire. You can get better deals elsewhere that still allow you refunds and cancellations.

 

[Singinglizzie]

We too are looking for a 1 night stay in Nov. (anytime between No. 8-14) but aren't APH or AAA members. It looks like the best rate is RPR under $300 - which I found directly on the Universal Website. It's just me and my 11 y/0 who doesn't really like coasters but wants to see HP. so I'm thinking about just trying to go to US/IA for 1 day only - don't want to wear her out, since we are also going to Disney. Can anyone recommend a site to book the 1 night, that will allow cancellations?

 

[macraven]

I thought there was a minimum stay of 2 nights at all the onsite hotels, or was I just imagining that?

that policy is in effect for weekends during special events.
hhn is one event where you will find weekends requiring a 2 night stay.

all other non event periods do not have that requirement