Universal Partner Hotels - your rec?

[toonaspie]

I'm still weighing my options hotel wise. While I am strongly considering a package with CBBR, I would like to see how the Universal Partner Hotels (mainly those with the same benefits) will weigh in for the sake of saving some extra moola.

The free transport between the hotel and UOR is the top essential of course as we won't have a car (but would still need to figure out airport transport on top of that). Early entry into WWoHP is an added bonus that I'm aware some of the Partner hotels will provide. Would prefer being close to the resort as possible.
I have looked this up on Universal's website but would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[bchbetha]

What's the price difference between ones you're looking at and Cabana Bay? Being right there on property is so nice that it'd have to be a really good savings.

 

[wagman67]

Wow, surprised nobody has offered up any advise, yet.

Realistically, it is going to come down to how much money you are comfortable spending for everything to be less of a hassle. If you stay onsite, it is much easier to go back to your room to relax, or change, or hang out by the pool...and you can hop around to the other onsite hotels' pools. You can have items you buy sent back to your room and you do not have to concern yourself with shuttle times too and from the offsite hotels.

If you are someone who wants to hit the park early and stay all day, without a break...and travels light (not a lot of bags)...and your travelling companions (family or otherwise) are the same, then an offsite hotel, at a substantial price difference, might be your thing.

If you are doing a single day (maybe two), offsite is less of a hassle...the longer you stay, the more of a hassle it becomes.

 

[pcstang]

To add to wagman, I see a lot of people say they walk to the park from the offsite hotels on kirkman. That is a very busy road, no way I would walk across it!

 

[keishashadow]

I'm still weighing my options hotel wise. While I am strongly considering a package with CBBR, I would like to see how the Universal Partner Hotels (mainly those with the same benefits) will weigh in for the sake of saving some extra moola.

The free transport between the hotel and UOR is the top essential of course as we won't have a car (but would still need to figure out airport transport on top of that). Early entry into WWoHP is an added bonus that I'm aware some of the Partner hotels will provide. Would prefer being close to the resort as possible.
I have looked this up on Universal's website but would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

Have never seen a package price out cheaper than booking a trip. Their restrictions & modifications/cancellation policies also give me pause but some appreciate the convenience. Both are probably part of the reason there isn't much chatter re offsite/partner hotel pkgs.

Have known people who booked offsite properties on their own & complained that they provided less than reliable shuttle service. I'd be sure to check out the hotel reviews on tripadvisor before committing.

When are you going & for how many days? Asking as if non-peak, the onsite hotel rates may be discounted closer to the date via promos/length of stay deals or eventually have APH rates that make picking up just one AP worth it.

If your party fits into a car, transport available to MCO in range of $100 RT & up.

 

[ruthies12]

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Across the street from Universal twice now and the walk was no problem. I don't think we got early entry though. But as far as crossing the road, we've always crossed at the crosswalk and it has never been an issue. Nice thing about the walk is you get to enter city walk through the valet parking area and there has never been a line at that security station that I've ever seen.

 

[wookiebeck]

Agree with Keisha's views re: don't book a package. Some of your flexibility to change things (dates, room types) becomes restricted (unless you pay their change fees). Book hotel separately, buy tickets, eat where you want and it can be cheaper anyway.

CB prices are really great for an on-site hotel. You are in the Uni bubble, free transportation, pool hopping to the other resorts, and you get early entry to the parks. For that reason, I have never stayed off-site.

 

[macraven]

Did a package years ago and have no plans to do one again

You have a $50 fee each time you make a change to a package

 

[toonaspie]

Welp, we've already booked the package (including the Superstar Shuttle). No biggie though since my friend's mom is paying for the trip. I'll be sure to share my thoughts on the craziness when I get back. Plus it was just easier to do it this way.

I don't travel much and we booked through a AAA agent. Is it like a requirement for the TAs to book through whatever package the main resort offers? I'm just curious.

 

[macraven]

I have the aaa membership and have booked thru then for non Orlando packages

No idea how their UO packages are set up
Don't know if aaa has different set up than what UO offers in a package

 

[Seeker615]

Where did you end up booking?
A few years ago my daughter and I booked a package and stayed at the Holiday Inn and Suites. We had early entry, breakfast at Three Broomsticks and also the shuttle to the hotel and back to the airport.

We did walk once to the parks from the hotel and it was an okay walk. Didn't like crossing that busy road at night. We took a cab the next time we left the parks and it was only like $5. There were shuttles but they ended early and we wanted to stay in City walk.

The hotel was nice. We were upgraded to a very nice suite. Had a fridge, microwave and living room.

 

[toonaspie]

Where did you end up booking?

Booked CBBR. The onsite transportation was a big plus and so far it sound goods. Plus I can't imagine going to Universal OR Disney anymore W/O staying at an onsite hotel. I guess I just had a bout of financial paranoia when I started this thread since I wasn't sure at the time if my friend's mom was still paying for the trip.

If we ever do future trips where we have to pay out of pocket, then we'll definitely consider booking outside of the Universal offered packages.