Which Universal Hotel?

[Southernswthrt1]

My hubby and I are planning our very first trip to Universal from Dec 12 to Dec 16. We've never been there before, so I'd like some advice on where to stay. We're looking for a great place to relax...quiet. I've heard HRH is loud and full of teenagers. I've also heard that RPR is in need of refurbishment. Is PBH worth the extra money? I would appreciate any comments and suggestions for a great trip for a 30 year old couple with no children. Also, how are the crowds at this time of year?

 

[LukenDC]

I'm 34 and I love Portofino Bay. The resort is gorgeous and the rooms are large and well-appointed. There are several peaceful and secluded courtyards around the resort and three pools to enjoy. At night opera singers appear in the balconies above the piazza to seranade the guests. Portofino is really a wonderful place and I highly recommend it.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Well, we are a couple in our mid 30s as well. No kids here either.

We have stayed at all three. And, it really depends upon what you want. I know you said "quiet." But, what are your other plans? City Walk at night? Do you like to have a drink before walking to the parks? Lots of pool time? Mostly time in the parks?

Your perception that the HRH is loud and overrun with teens is absolutely false. You will find families at all 3 resorts. We loved the HRH and will have stayed a total of 15 nights there this year alone. The HRH is a hip place, but there were times we walked through the pool to go the parks and no one was at the pool, and we didn't see a soul beyond the pool/bar staff until we got to the walkway. Mid-December when you are going is not a busy time at all, so I can't see the HRH being Spring Break/Christmas week crazy then anyway.

The RPR is undergoing renovations now and will be done by December. Some of the rooms may be a little worn, but the outside is still beautiful, and I love walking out of Tower 3, through the pool area, to the paths to the park. It really is a lush, tropical-feeling resort.

The PBH is quaint and quiet. But, our least favorite, actually. We stayed there when it was sold out, and the place felt like a morgue. Since you want quiet, you may like that. We would have a drink at the Thirsty Fish every night before catching the boat to the parks/City Walk, and we found all the bartenders to be totally aloof to the point we felt like we were bothering them just by being there. That put us off. Everyone has had a bad experience or other at some resort, and PBH is ours (we had front desk and housekeeping issues there as well). There are many who will not stay any place but PBH. The PBH does have the largest, nicest rooms, however. One more thing to add as to why we don't care for the PBH: the RPR has the Bula Bar and the HRH has the Beach Club. We loved sitting outside near the pool at either of these bars to grab a bite to eat and to have a drink. I don't recall anything like that at the PBH.

 

[macraven]

HRH, you won't regret it..

 

[matysgrandma]

I voted for PBH. Very elegant, quiet and I find it to be very romantic. I've stayed at all 3 and PBH is, hands down, our most favorite hotel, not only at Universal but ANYWHERE. We're huge Disney fans and have stayed at all the deluxes there, but they don't hold a candle to PBH, IMHO.

 

[Cinderella822]

We've only stayed at PBH and will be returning in a couple of weeks. We fell in love with it! It was quiet, but there were still plenty of people around. We found everyone who worked there to be very friendly and helpful. We stayed a week and got to know the waiters and waitresses at the villa pool and the Thirsty Fish Bar by the end of our week. They were very nice and took time to chat with us. I know some people have said they found PBH stuffy, but not us. There were families and couples there. The rooms are wonderful - nicest hotel I've ever stayed at. You have 3 pools to choose from, although I never made it to the one small pool. The villa pool is great as there aren't many kids there - very quiet and relaxing. The beach pool has the slide and is lots of fun too. It's a little further from the parks and City Walk than the other two hotels, but that makes it a little more quiet and secluded also. It's a nice walk along the path to get there or just a quick boat ride. I'm very much looking forward to returning soon.

 

[calgarygary]

For us, the PBH wins hands down. We have experienced the opposite of Jodi in our 2 trips to the PBH. The staff have been among the friendliest in our travels, surpassed only by the staff at a Secrets Excellence resort. They all seem to willing to strike up a conversation and/or satisfy your needs. Also, there is a bar at the main pool with great drinks and a limited menu.

 

[disneyfreakk]

The HRH is lound and constantly buzzing with action, but that is what DH and I love about it. We are also a childless couple in our *cough*30's*cough* ( man, where is the time GOING?!!???). The kinds dont get in our way.... but then agian, I dont think they let them in the bars ... lol. If you aren't there for the party, then you should stay at PBH. It is really nice and relaxing there. Be sure to go to the spa, its wonderful!