Universal Newbie!

[Princess Mommy]

I am seriously considering taking DH to Universal for 2 nights on his b'day this year~ September.
The debate I am having~ with myself ~ is...
Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay?
The time we would be going, and during the week the price difference is only $10 a night. He will be turing 31, this would be our first venture away without our girls (who are 5 and 2). We are headed to WDW in Dec, but I don't think with everything we are trying to fit in our WDW vacation we'll have time to head to Universal, and DH is a HUGE ride fan- and I am too . That and this way we can stay onsite, cut the lines, and experience something other then Disney.

Which hotel is a better choice- in your honest opinions?
Royal Pacific only has suites available for whatever reason, or I'd book with there~ it looks the most relaxing.
Do they both have shuttle service to & from the airport? How is Universal's shuttle service? Reliable? How is the transportation to the parks? Can we realistically do both parks in 1 day (keep in mind we'd be traveling during the week)? Can I make special arrangements for his birthday- for example decorate the rooms and/or have cakes at dinner... ? Am I forgetting anything?

 

[gschmerl]

There is no shuttle service from the hotels to the airport. You have to arrange your own transportation. All three hotels have water taxis to City Walk and buses to Universal Studios. It's an easy walk to the parks from the Hard Rock and Royal Pacific. The Portofino is a bit further, but has the water taxi service running all day. If there is lightening, the water taxis don't run. Portofino is the most laid back and quiet. You can't go wrong with any of the on site hotels. They're all great.

 

[Bill Lumbergh]

If there is only a $10 difference, "splurge" and go for style! Go for the Portifino.

 

[tampaman]

Definately go for the Portofino...its more romantic and relaxing than the Hard Rock by far and its far more luxurious. Both parks are possible in one day with the Express Pass Room Key. Enjoy your first time without the kids!

 

[Princess Mommy]

Thanks so much! I thikn I willsplurge for the Portofino!
Now, can I arrange for dining before we go?
Where would you suggest?
The parks are only open from 9am-6pm when we are there so I am guessing we'll have a lot of down time.

 

[Bill Lumbergh]

I forgot what restaurant is at the Portifino. You can try many of the Citywalk restaurants. If you still want to splurge, eat at Emeril's or Emeril's Chop Tchop in the Royal Pacific Resort.

 

[tampaman]

I've heard great things about Chatham's Place, though I've never been...its on the list for this July. If you like steak, I like Vito's Chop House...and the prices are reasonable. Emeril's Orlando was outstanding last year, though it is pricey. I think it was a great experience and worth the price. That's my two cents.

 

[Princess Mommy]

Thanks so much!
My DH and steak go hand in hand!
I will sure look into those steakhouses- can I make advance dining arrangements there like you can in WDW?

Margarittaville also looked good- is this someplace worthwhile for a meal or just a drink? We also LOVED Pat O'Biren's when we used to vacation in Cancun (before we had kids, now we pretty much only go to Orlando )~ and we ate dinner and lunch there, but at City Walk it looks more like a club. Am I getting the wrong impression?

I saw this too:
http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/orlando/citywalk/cw_movie.html
Can anyone suggest a restaurant?
Has anyone done this before?