Venturing off Disney property for the first time, which resort should I try?

[Debs Hill]

We have always stayed in WDW, but I'd like to try one of the Universal hotels for a couple of days. Which one would you recommend? Royal Pacific looks beautiful on the Universal video, but I know some people have said that the rooms are small. Help!

 

[MsDisney]

Originally posted by Debs Hill
We have always stayed in WDW, but I'd like to try one of the Universal hotels for a couple of days. Which one would you recommend? Royal Pacific looks beautiful on the Universal video, but I know some people have said that the rooms are small. Help!

I guess it would depend on your taste and budget...
The Royal Pacific tends to have the most affordable rates, but yeah, the rooms are somewhat small compared to the HRH and PBH. It's also a convention hotel and I can attest, the food/drink prices are a bit out of control there. (all those expense accounts, so I guess they figure nobody will care! )
Anyway, the HRH is pricier than the Royal pacific. They have a fun rock and roll theme, with music even playing in the pool, I've heard! They have dive-in movies at night, which sounds like fun for the kids...
Finally, the Portofino Bay is even more upscale than the other two, with some extremely comfy beds (I've heard!) and a much quieter atmosphere than the others. It seems on par with the Yacht&Beach Club at WDW if I had to compare what I've heard about it to a DisneyResort.
Check the "what is your date and rate" thread at the top of these forums for different rates and deals others have gotten, that may help you decide...I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, they're all wonderful and the Express privilege is a great perk!!!

Karen

 

[gschmerl]

Call Loew's and see which hotel has discounted rates for the dates you want. You can't go wrong with any of these hotels. They are on a par with WDW deluxe hotels. My nephew stayed at the RP and loved it. We have always stayed at the HRH.
You don't say if you have children and if so, their ages. That could make a difference too.

 

[jelly-beans]

I have stayed at Disney several times including Poly twice, Boardwalk and the Contemporary. Although I enjoyed Disney and all of the resorts very much I took a shot and visited the Hard Rock Hotel in April of 2001 for the first time and loved it. Will be there for the third time this October for HHN. Give it a try.

Don't forget to join Loews First, it's free.

jb

 

[crazyme5kids]

I loved PBH, but couldn't tell you anything about the other hotels. My children range in age from 1 to 16 and they loved the hotel as well. When we go in Dec., I am going to visit the other hotels (didn't have a chance last time), and I have two days worth of cabanas reserved at the Hard Rock. I might even pop over to test RPH's pool it sounds fun for the kids. I also want to see all the beautiful orchids at RPH. Other then room size, I don't think you can go wrong at any of the resorts.

 

[Shooter]

HRH is one of the nicest hotels that I have ever styed at. Makes you feel like a real rock star.