Which On-Site Hotel is BEST?!?!

[Nevada]

I am currently planning a 2006 Orlando trip. We expect to stay 2 nights at Universal and then move over to WDW. At WDW we will be staying at the Polynesian. We will have 2 children and 5 adults (grandparents, aunt etc).

Given those dynamics which on-site Universal hotel is best and which do you suggest for us. Money isn't an issue.

Brandi

 

[Motherfletcher]

Money isn't an issue.

QUOTE]
Will you adopt me?

If money is no object I'd go fpr Portofino's Presidential Suite! The Grandparents would most likely prefer PBH because:

The Portofino Bay Hotel, A Loews Hotel has 750 luxurious rooms including spacious Deluxe Rooms, elegantly appointed Villa Rooms and a variety of beautiful suites.
Deluxe Rooms:
Rooms with a king-size or two queen-size beds
Entry door with electronic lock and security device
Integrated entertainment center including remote control color TV with cable channels, in-house video channels, on-demand movies and video checkout services
Alarm clock/radio
Two phones with two lines, data port at bedside and desk, and one bathroom phone
Iron and ironing board
Seating for in-room dining
Bath and dressing area with two sinks
In-room safe
Hair dryer
Villa Rooms:
The Villa complex has its own pool area and exclusive access for added privacy. Villa Rooms are appointed with all the features of the Deluxe Rooms, plus the following:
Butler service
Fax machine
CD player/radio
Videocassette player
Separate shower and enclosure
Tub featuring shutters from the bath to the bedroom
Suites:
Even greater space and luxury is available in the Kids Standard, Executive and Presidential Suites. These feature:
Butler Service
Large screen remote television (Presidential Suite)
Wet bar with refrigerator (Presidential Suite)
Whirlpool Tub (Presidential Suite)
Mini-kitchens equipped with a butler’s service pantry (Presidential Suite)
Guest Services & Amenities:
Valet, laundry and pressing service
Curbside check-in and in-room video check-out
Voice mail
Designated handicapped accessible rooms with telephone lines for the hearing impaired
Plush bathrobes
Slippers
Cotton bed linens and terry towels
Guests in the Villa Rooms and suites enjoy these additional services and amenities:
Butler Service
Turn-down service with linen foot towel
Access to Villa Club Lounge equipped with Multi-function meeting rooms, snacks and beverages, and television

At Universal Studios Orlando everything is within walking distance, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios CityWalk. Guests at Universal Studios Escape on-site resorts will enjoy exclusive privileges throughout their stay, including:
Courtesy water taxis and bus transportation between the resort, theme parks and entertainment complex.

No-waiting-in-line access to many of the most popular attractions for the first hour of operation.
Priority seating at restaurants and shows.
Complimentary package delivery of in-park purchases to guest rooms.
Resort ID cards to charge merchandise, dining and entertainment.
Special length-of-stay ticket available for purchase to enjoy unlimited admission to the two theme parks.
Priority reservations for Character Dining experiences at the resort.
Dining, Recreation, Communications & More.
The public areas of the Portofino Bay Hotel, A Loews Hotel offer all that guests could desire. For their protection, the resort features state-of-the-art fire and life safety systems, as well as video security cameras. During their stay, guests will find every service and amenity they require, all without ever having to leave the grounds.
Lobby & Reception Area:
Safe deposit boxes
Concierge/guest services
ATM machines
Parking:
Valet and self-parking
Car rental agency on premises
Retail Area:
Resort apparel, authentic Italian gifts, jewelry and other fine shopping assembled around the harbor piazza. Also features an on-site Universal Studios Orlando shop with favorite memorabilia from the theme parks.
Travel desk to arrange ground transportation and tours.
Food and Drink:
24-hour room service
Trattoria del Porto Restaurant - serving three meals daily featuring an expansive antipasto/dessert bar
Delfino Riviera Restaurant - Delfino Riviera @ Portofino Bay Hotel, A Loews Hotel, Orlando FL, serves food from the region of Liguria, which is the region where Portofino is located with a breathtaking view of the Portofino Harbor
Mama Della’s Restaurant - serving homestyle Italian cuisine in an at-home environment
Sal’s Market Deli - a harborside café atmosphere with take-out available
Splendido Pizzeria - pool bar and grill with a wood fire pizza oven
Gelateria Coffee House - serving Italian gelatto and a collection of coffees
Thirsty Fish Bar
Bar America
Indoor Recreation Facilities:
World class spa
Swedish massage
Deep tissue sports massage
Wraps
Aromatherapy tubs
Full service salon with facial/treatment rooms including his/hers massage suite
Activity Center:
Child care area
Supervised children’s activity program
Outdoor Recreational Facilities:
Dramatic Roman aqueduct-styled pool with water slide
Private villa pool
3 whirlpools
Children’s wading pool
Jogging, walking and bicycle path
2 Bocci Ball courts

 

[robvia]

Most agree that it's best to do Universal at the end of your trip.
Why? Because you'll have your magic keys (FOTL), and you won't wait in any lines.

You could consider staying at the HRH because you can walk to the parks, it is much closer. But the PBH is more quiet and pretty, the grandparents would probably like it better, even if it means having to take the boat to the parks. Therefore, I'll also vote for the PBH.

 

[TracyK]

I've stayed at all three and the Portofino is my favourite.

Tracy

 

[mcefalo]

If possible I would do Universal after Disney because of the FOTL benefit you get with staying on-site. I just stayed at HRH and it was nice but we did walk around the other two and I would select PBH if I had the money and went again. HRH is closer but I think PBH would have a better variety for the mixed crowd you have.
I found waiting in lines at Disney after using the FOTL express pass at Universal was a let down. Plus I found it was more relaxing at Universal knowing we never had to rush since we had that FOTL privilege. You would end up with a more rested trip if you did Universal last!!

 

[JessicaR]

How old are the children?

I vote Portofino Bay!

 

[madthemouse]

PBH....Hands down

Come on Saturday !