US Resort Experts - I need you!

[torsie24]

My fiance and I are in a dilemma!

We are dividing our upcoming trip between a WDW hotel (POFQ or CSR) and a US hotel so we can have a week shopping/US/SW.

Which resort should I choose and why?

RPR looks like it's the prettiest to me.

HRH looks super close to citywalk and US!

PBH looks the fanciest!

Which means I am having a super hard time choosing.

Also - should I go for a club room? Like would RPR Club be better than PBH standard?

Moeny isn't too much of an issue so please give me your honest opinions! It will be my DFs first time in Orlando and US will be our first stop, so I want to make the right choice for him!!

 

[frisco]

I've only stayed at HRH, and it was super close to Universal. From what I gather, all 3 are within easy walking distance of both parks and City Walk, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Much like Disney, it depends on what theme appeals to you. We chose RPR as we like the whole Polynesian feel. Portofino just didn't appeal to us, though it does have the largest rooms of the 3.

 

[torsie24]

I've only stayed at HRH, and it was super close to Universal. From what I gather, all 3 are within easy walking distance of both parks and City Walk, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Much like Disney, it depends on what theme appeals to you. We chose RPR as we like the whole Polynesian feel. Portofino just didn't appeal to us, though it does have the largest rooms of the 3.

Thanks - so did you choose RPR because you think you'll prefer it to HRH or just for a change?

 

[Bluer101]

We always stay at RPR because of the atmospere and it's relaxing. I have pool hopped over to HRH and really liked the pool, slide, and poolside restruant. We walked around the lobby, halways , and really was not impressed like RPR. Granted the rooms are the smallest of the three but everytime we walk into the lobby we say welcome home since it has that feeling. LOL

 

[damo]

We've stayed at all three and each person in our family has a different favourite.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

One suggestion -- I would stay at Disney first and then move to Universal. You are going to be spoiled with FOTL, and then the Disney ride lines are going to seem to take forever!

We have only stayed at RPR, and we loved it. The themeing was beautiful, and it was very peaceful, even with kids (including ours) everywhere. You can get to the parks and CityWalk via boat quite quickly and easily, they are all very close. It is not spread out like Disney.

 

[macraven]

stay at disney first, then go to universal.
that is how i do my 15 day vacations in orlando each year.


i have stayed at all 3 onsite universal hotels.
(24 different stays)


if money is not object, stay at pbh.
the rooms are lovely, the surroundings are gorgeous!
great dining available at this hotel.


if you prefer the polynesian look, stay at rph.
the lobby is breathtaking. the restaurants on site are very good.


since it is your first stay for universal, don't do hrh.
you will be disappointed in the service at the hotel.
It is the closest walk to one of the parks but for a first visit, try pbh. we want you to be wowed......

 

[rhw]

Have stayed at HRH and RPH many times. I love the pool view from RPH, but my teens ask everytime if we are staying at HRH. Never complain that we don't, but they talk about it all the time with their friends. Both seem to be about the same distance to walk (not far), and very enjoyable early in the morning. I think they like the HRH pool, because you can hear music under the water. Both have very comfortable beds and bedding and the cookies and milk in the room for Loews members add a special touch. We never have to wait to checkin. We try to do WDW then move to US hotel in the middle and then return to WDW. The above posters are right when they say you will be spoiled by FOTL. It is wonderful! We get through both parks in one day and then either go to the outlets or Blueman Group. Going back for both in June.

 

[mareed]

I voted RPR because the Hard Rock theme just doesn't appeal to me at all, and even though you said money wasn't really an object, I just can't see spending the extra for Portofino.

I absolutely love Disney (see my sig), but I echo what others have said to recommend doing Universal after Disney. If you're staying at a Universal resort, the parks can be done in such a relaxing manner!

And regarding the Club room, I'm just too budget conscious to feel that this is a good thing for the cost. I'd just take half of the cost to upgrade to club level and buy my own breakfast, beer, wine, snacks, or whatever else it is that would be available in the Club room - and I'd buy it when and where I want rather than being tied to being back at the hotel during set times.

 

[Bluer101]

I voted RPR because the Hard Rock theme just doesn't appeal to me at all, and even though you said money wasn't really an object, I just can't see spending the extra for Portofino.

And regarding the Club room, I'm just too budget conscious to feel that this is a good thing for the cost. I'd just take half of the cost to upgrade to club level and buy my own breakfast, beer, wine, snacks, or whatever else it is that would be available in the Club room - and I'd buy it when and where I want rather than being tied to being back at the hotel during set times.

This is how my DW and I feel about it also.

 

[cbsnyber1]

Our last trip was to HRH, club level, and because we're light eaters that was great, especially evenings (hate to admit it, but had several meals out of the club lounge, there was enough variety for me). Not crazy about the hotel decor, but the pool!! Huge! My best memory of the hotel was the pool.

Also, very easy walk from HRH to either park; I found it faster to walk than take the boat. I agree with everyone else who commented on the park visit order: go to Disney first, fight the crowds and lines, then enjoy the FOTL benefits at Universal. It is an amazing perk.

That same trip we did a split with HRH and the Yacht Club at Disney. If I had to repeat that trip and choose between them I would take the HRH. The rooms were as nice, but larger, less expensive as a bonus, and I thought the HRH pool trumped Storm Along Bay, the Yacht/Beach club pool. Also, the HRH club level was better than Yacht's concierge level; bigger lounge, and better variety of food.

This year we're staying at PBH, in December, club level, and am really looking forward to that experience, from what I've read about PBH. I've read a ton of great things about RPH, but we decided to try PBH this trip. I don't think you can make a bad choice among the three.