Which Universal Hotel and where to book?

[Karenpowley]

Hi Everyone,

Still busy planning next years fab holiday.

Well, we have got 4 nights left at the end of our 3 week stay and was thinking of doing Universal etc then.

Can anyone help with which is best of the 3 and any advice on cheapest website to book with. Room only (Room type suggestions would be good too.)

There are 4 of us Me, DH , DS (15) DD (7) Our dates will be 31st July 09 for 4 nights)

Thanks

K x

 

[pixiepower04]

Can't really help just yet but we are staying at the Royal Pacific Resort for the first 4 nights of our trip in 19 days time so will report on it when I get back

 

[scottishprincess]

hi there

we stayed at RPH for 1 night in July. It was brilliant. The rooms were lovely and the pool area was great.plus the FOTL with your key is great.

 

[Frances999]

We've stayed numerous times at both Portofino Bay and Hard Rock. Our preference from now on is for HRH, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the location. The HRH is just minutes from the two parks - it's an easy stroll so the bus and boat transportation is largely unnecessary. At Portofino we preferred using the boat since, with 3 children, the walk (15 minutes at least) was the last thing we wanted after a day at the parks. Secondly, our children prefer the pool at HRH - it's one of the biggest hotel pools in Orlando and has a truly electric atmosphere. There are always lots of fun games going on, and it's buzzing with people and good music. They have underwater music and dive-in movies, too. The pool at Portofino is nice, but doesn't really compare IMO. Lastly, the service at Portofino has, in our experiences, left a lot to be desired for. Considering it's supposed to be Universal's flagship resort we have been surprised to be greeted by inexperienced and, on occasions, rude staff members. At HRH, we've had nothing but excellent service. The Kitchen at the HRH also does a great buffet breakfast - we're not normally fans of buffets, but this one is hard to beat.

We always book on the Universal website and use an AAA or APH rate for the best price. They are now doing new "supersaver" rates for certain dates too, which can save lots of $$$.

Have fun choosing!

 

[wicket2005]

I have to totally agree with Frances on the Hard Rock. We have not stayed at Portofino Bay but found it a little bit far away compared to the other two. It appeared to be a lot quieter whereas we preferred the buzz of the Hard Rock.

We stayed at the Hard Rock this year and last year at the Royal Pacific. The Royal Pacific is lovely too, based on a South Pacific type island. It was closer to Islands whereas Hard Rock is only about 5 minutes away from Universal. Out of the two I prefer Hard Rock the best, nothing against RPR (in fact we are back there next year, booked up before experiencing the HRH).

We have had two rooms in both hotels with an adjoining door standard view. It was cheaper to book this through Virgin than to book direct with the Universal site.

The FOTL passes are excellent and a definate perk. We couldn't do without them now, plus being able to just walk back to the hotel.

I did a trip report and have included some photos of the Hard Rock under 'It's Nice to Share' if you want to see what it is like.

 

[kevin harrison]

I agree with all you say about the HRH. The buffet breakfast at the kitchen, whilst expensive is of the highest quality.

The pool is fantastic. Last time I was there I vividly remember laying in the sun on an inflatable with "Paint it Black" by the Stones blaring out throught the sound system, my daughter was happily playing on the slide, there were no clouds in the sky and I felt the happiest I had felt in a long time.

I am staying there from Sunday for 14 nights in a King Suite at the unbelievable rate of $183, try and beat that price

 

[Karenpowley]

I agree with all you say about the HRH. The buffet breakfast at the kitchen, whilst expensive is of the highest quality.

The pool is fantastic. Last time I was there I vividly remember laying in the sun on an inflatable with "Paint it Black" by the Stones blaring out throught the sound system, my daughter was happily playing on the slide, there were no clouds in the sky and I felt the happiest I had felt in a long time.

I am staying there from Sunday for 14 nights in a King Suite at the unbelievable rate of $183, try and beat that price

WOW!!! Who did u get that rate from?

Kx

 

[kevin harrison]

WOW!!! Who did u get that rate from?

Kx

I'll pm you later. Not for these boards..

 

[luke]

Thinking about booking a night at one of these hotels during our trip (already got acommodation/holiday booked thru Virgin as it's our wedding, but that's ok, someone else can use our room for the night lol) in October, just for our Universal visits - factor in the FOTL for two days and the room price doesn't seem expensive at all!!

Just need to look around for a decent deal now

 

[Karenpowley]

I'll pm you later. Not for these boards..

Great! Would really appreciate it!

Kx

 

[amystevekai&bump]

HRH - HRH - HRH - THE BEST! - THE BEST! - THE BEST! - - - - (Enough said??!!! )

No seriously - we have only stayed at the HRH out of the 3 UO hotels, so can't really compare - but we absolutely loved it !! (especially the breakfast at The Kitchen!! )

But if I say that we also stayed at the Poly and AKL (savannah room) on the same trip in May (and liked them enough to consider returning), but that we still think HRH beats them - then that should give you an idea of how highly we rate it!!

Oh and good choice ending your holiday onsite at UO - the fotl makes it so relaxing - we will always end our stay there from now on!!

 

[Karenpowley]

HRH - HRH - HRH - THE BEST! - THE BEST! - THE BEST! - - - - (Enough said??!!! )

No seriously - we have only stayed at the HRH out of the 3 UO hotels, so can't really compare - but we absolutely loved it !! (especially the breakfast at The Kitchen!! )

But if I say that we also stayed at the Poly and AKL (savannah room) on the same trip in May (and liked them enough to consider returning), but that we still think HRH beats them - then that should give you an idea of how highly we rate it!!

Oh and good choice ending your holiday onsite at UO - the fotl makes it so relaxing - we will always end our stay there from now on!!

Do you need to book breakfast in the kitchen in advance, or can you just turn up?

Kx

 

[SammieG]

we just got back from the Portofino Bay Hotel and have to say we thought it was wonderful. We loved the tranquility of it and the level of service and friendliness of the staff was outstanding. we are DVC members and it knocks the socks off any of the disney hotels imho.. (and I love disney!.. )

I love the idea of the HRH but Im not sure that i would like it if its very buzzy and lots of people.. although the location and the pool sound great

 

[kevin harrison]

I love the idea of the HRH but Im not sure that i would like it if its very buzzy and lots of people.. although the location and the pool sound great

It's busy at the weekend, but during the day in the week it's a lot calmer.

 

[kevin harrison]

Do you need to book breakfast in the kitchen in advance, or can you just turn up?

Kx

Just turn up. The food is more varied and of a far better quality than standard buffets. That's where I'm eating on Monday morning !

 

[leicesterbob]

We have stayed at all 3 and had no complaints regarding any. Preference would probably be just for HRH but the other 2 were fine. At RPR and HRH it is worth paying a little extra for a pool view(ask for a high floor in both cases) and at Portofino just go for the best you can run to. We have never found them cheaper than the Universal website but, as always, shop around.

Breakfast at all 3 is excellent(but pricey) while we love The Kitchen in the evening( Try the fillet steak with mashed potatoes). Whichever you stay at the other 2 aren't far away, Portofino and HRH are easy walking distance from each other.

 

[pauldents]

Hard Rock every time.

Advantages:

-Pool and music. Fantastic. Especially during the week when between 9-11am it feels like you have the place to yourself.

-Feel good factor and general "coolness".

-the HRH doesn't have huge conference facilities, so you don't have loads of suits walking round, just people enjoying their holiday

-The Kitchen restaurant. Ate in here many times and always had good service and great food

-proximity to City walk and parks. We hardly ever take the boat and prefer the walk back.

-Velvet lounge

-Great memorabilia

-Emack and Bolios.

-Occasionally see someone famous.

Disadvantages:

-HRH no longer participating in Loews YouFirst Loyalty benefit scheme.

-The hotel gets hijacked with "outsiders" every last Thursday of the month for velvet sessions.

-Weekends - The place is usually packed out.

-Pool view - only if you stay in floors 5 and above.

 

[rpbert1]

Do not think you will be disappointed in whichever one you choose ,as they are all excellent resorts.
Have stayed at PBH and our fav resort- RPR is lovely quiet and very relaxing, have stayed here the last 3 years for 3 weeks last year and this summer spent another 3 weeks at it, and never disappointed, have booked our rooms for next year as well.
Booking directly with Loews as you probably will not find it any cheaper, as they say they will price match if you see it cheaper.
Book your rooms and watch for special rates i.e Supersaver rates , Triple A rates [if you have AA membership here] or Annual Pass Rates if you have one, and just call and get the new rate applied to your room.
Summer rates this year where as low as $146 a night with Annual Pass, so might be worth while buying even 1 Annual pass if the discounts where good.

 

[wicket2005]

I love the idea of the HRH but Im not sure that i would like it if its very buzzy and lots of people.. although the location and the pool sound great

We stayed there for 14 days back in July. It definitely is not like Portofino Bay or RPR, each of the onsite hotels have their own theme to fit people's tastes better.

People term it has buzzy because it just has a vibrancy about it. The actual hotel just had the same amount of people about as we have experienced over at RPR. The biggest difference was the pool area which has music playing, this gave the pool a fantastic atmosphere. As Kevin said earlier he thought this was the life when he was lying on an inflatable on the pool, I thought similar when I sat by the pool with my legs dangling into it. I think the pool music gives the pool area a sort of party atmosphere which we all very much liked (and we are stay at home type of people).

All the staff dress in black and look cool (well at least inside - probably die of heat exhaustion if they were outside) and everyone who worked there smiled and asked if we were having a good time.

They had entertainment on at the pool for the kids which was funny and then some times the lifeguards and pool staff joined in which again added to the party atmosphere.

We had already booked to go back to the RPR before we had experienced HRH which is fine because we do like the RPR but from 2010 we will be staying at the HRH.

So basically I would not dismiss the HRH, basically it is the pool area that has the most life and soul and whether you like that or not depends on your tastes.

I know Kevin you will have a fantastic time, but I am wishing you a happy holiday anyway.

 

[kevin harrison]

Thanks. The last few months have been a struggle with Daniel and all that has kept me going for the last month is the thought of lying in that pool and de-stressing for a fortnight.