which hotel for Girls Weekend?

[johnsonet]

Hello! I recently ret'd from a fabulous visit (our first) to the Hard Rock Hotel. I think it is awesome and wanted to take a trip down to Florida with my best friend in September or October for some R&R without the kids. I was thinking she'd love Portofino but I have never stayed there and don't want to make a mistake! I was wondering if it is as "Ritz Carlton"-ish as it seems. If so, wonderful! We will not be going to the Universal parks - although we might hit one or two Disney parks while there. But here are our priorities:
Luxurious room
Lots of pool time - including drinks by the pool
Dinner at Tchoup Chop (sp?)
Great meals and wine
Spa treatments

I know PBH is the only one with a spa but we could always walk over for that... Our room at HRH was a massive suite so I have no idea what a basic room or a "deluxe" would be like. For two young-ish femaels looking to luxuriate, which of these hotels would YOU recommend?
Thank you!

 

[vernon]

We stayed at the PBH last month and I think it would suit your purpose well. It has a great pool area, the rooms were very nice (we had a standard room) there are a number of different restaurants around the Piazza area as well as a coffee bar and a "regular" bar where you can sit outside and watch the world go by. It gives a nice alternate option to have a relaxing time/drink or you have the choice of the more party atmosphere of Citywalk.

 

[PartyofSix]

I did a girl weekend with my friend and we stayed one night at PBH (my choice) and one night at HRH (her choice). Needless to say after staying at PBH she was highly dissappointed with the HRH and it was all i could do not to tell her i told you so. There's no comparing the too imho. We took our 11 yo dd with us and they both HATED the HRH said it was to crowded and noisey and the people were'nt as friendly. Sure it's close to the parks so what your on vacation what's 5 more minutes? Just be assured you are NOT making a mistake it's everything you are looking for an much, much, more! You must go to Margaritville the cheapest and best drinks on site!

 

[johnsonet]

Sounds like I should go for the PBH!! As it will just be the 2 of us, what room should I request? It sounds as though the Villa Pool will be our main "hangout". Is there a "Villa" wing or VILLAS? I have no idea of the hotel's layout. Since we will NOT be going to the parks, what "wing" would be most convenient to the Villa Pool and, perhaps, the Spa? Also the lobby b/c we'll be going out as well. Is everything very scattered? What are considered the BEST rooms? Although I can't go Presidential Suite...
The cabanas seem nice - does anyone have information on the cost and amenities? We just had the Yellow Submarine-themed cabana at HRH. Is it very similar except for the color scheme? Thank you!

 

[PartyofSix]

The West wing is more idea for the amenties you want to use. The elevator all but drops you off at the spa and the villa and beach pools. Just walk 35ft in either direction off the elevators and your at A pool just choose. The lobby is just a couple minute if that walk away may just over a minute. The Deluxe pool view with queens would work nicely and they have one that over looks the Villa pool that has a balcony if you like. It's really a great room.

 

[NUHuskies#1]

Hi there,
My gf's and I have been doing Super Soap Weekend at MGM in November for the last couple of years. It's like the biggest girls weekend in Orlando! We hit MGM, PI at night and the Spa at the GF. It gives us a chance to catch-up with each other, no hubbies, no kids, just some fun w/o the worries! We also do a little Christmas shopping at DTD. It's a great time!