Which Universal Hotel?

[simonkodousek]

Hello,

I think in 2009 we will do a Universal/Disney split stay with 3 nights in Universal and 3 or 4 nights in Disney. I already have my Disney resort picked out (Wilderness Lodge), but I don't even know where to begin with picking out a Universal hotel since we have never been there.

I have friends who have stayed at the Royal Pacific a few times, and they just returned from another trip so I'll ask them when I see them tonight. Anyway, both the Royal Pacific and the Hard Rock sound nice.

If anybody could point me in the right direction as to which hotel I should pick, it would be greatly appreciated.

~Thanks!

PS: We are a family of four with two kids, who will be ages 15 and 12 in 2009.

 

[goofy!]

Hello,

I think in 2009 we will do a Universal/Disney split stay with 3 nights in Universal and 3 or 4 nights in Disney. I already have my Disney resort picked out (Wilderness Lodge), but I don't even know where to begin with picking out a Universal hotel since we have never been there.

I have friends who have stayed at the Royal Pacific a few times, and they just returned from another trip so I'll ask them when I see them tonight. Anyway, both the Royal Pacific and the Hard Rock sound nice.

If anybody could point me in the right direction as to which hotel I should pick, it would be greatly appreciated.

~Thanks!

PS: We are a family of four with two kids, who will be ages 15 and 12 in 2009.

What is important to you in a resort? Knowing what you like in a resort will help us help you.

All three are 4* AAA rated hotels, so all three are comparable or better than Disney's deluxes. All three have great pools (and pool hopping is encouraged), excellent restaurants and easy transportation to the parks.

With kids your age, my first recommendation would be the Hard Rock. Teens love it and it is the closest to the parks in walking distance.

If you want luxury, romance and more space - choose Portofino. Although it is the furthest walk from the parks.

If you love the tropical setting, choose Royal Pacific. It has the one of the luxury restaurants, Emerils Tchoup Choup. It is about a 7-10 minute walk to the parks.

 

[simonkodousek]

What is important to you in a resort?

Well, I like a comfortable room and a good pool, but all three Universal resorts seem to have both. I would prefer a large room such as the HRH's "deluxe" rooms. Club level would be nice, but with only 375 sq. feet, I can't really justify the price. I would rather have a large room.

We recently returned from a WDW vacation at the Polynesian and throughly enjoyed the tropical theme. If I went with the Royal Pacific, I would book club level because of the nice price.

 

[Kimberle]

They are are deluxe resorts. They all have several resturants and nice pool areas. RPR is generally the least expensive PBR is generally the most. US small compared to WDW so the travel time from each resort is not to different. HR would probably be the closest by just a few minutes.

Basically, I'd pick the resort who's theme is most appealing. Remember, pool hopping is ALLOWED! Stay at one, play at all.

 

[simonkodousek]

I just took a look at some pictures of both resorts (Hard Rock and Royal Pacific) and I think I decided on the Hard Rock. The Royal Pacific looks nice, but it just doesn't look so real like the Polynesian. Hard Rock, here we come!

 

[KLAIT]

We have stayed at all 3 and will always go back to Portoino. We liked the Royal Pacific and were disappointed in the Hard Rock...loved the Portofino. We are all about the relaxation and beautiful setting.