which universal hotel?

[canadianmickey13]

We are thinking of staying at US for our next trip. We have always stayed at WDW resorts in the past but are thinking it may be time for a change. We would appreciate any advice on which of the US resorts may be best for us. We enjoy quiet, upscale hotels. Our favorites at WDW are the Grand Floridian and the Yacht Club. We enjoy sitting on the balcony in the mornings and late evenings. At WDW we always stay on club level, are these worthwhile at the US resorts? Our children are ages 12 and 10. All advice appreciated!

 

[bubba's mom]

You might like Portofino Bay the most.

Unfortunately, many of the rooms onsite do not have balconies.

 

[ruzer28]

I would say that the Portofino is the best bet for you. As the previous poster said, many of the rooms do not have balconies, but it's a very peaceful, quiet, and beautiful resort. It's the most upscale of the three Universal hotels (although I love all three), and based on the type of hotel that you seem to prefer, I think you'd really enjoy it.

 

[K&C]

Agree with PP on the Portofino. I think I prefer it as a hotel to the GF.
The GF can get VERY busy, noisy with people going to the character meals but we found the PBH much calmer and peaceful and much better bathrooms.

It would be even better if they would bring out the Stay More Save More rates for our October trip

 

[Worfiedoodles]

We stayed at the Portofino, club level, last summer with ds then 11. We found it it to be a good mix -- there was an active pool with a slide, but also a quieter, more adult pool which was great for adults to relax. We had a patio, which functioned very similar to a balcony. We didn't request it, I think we just got lucky. Anyway, it was above the quiet pool, and separated from our neighbors by bushes. We were on the 2nd floor, and we found it a great place to sit out and relax. I haven't stayed club at Disney, so I can't really compare it. I will say that we enjoyed the club offerings, and I could have made dinner out of the early evening snacks. My dh and ds, not so much. We appreciated the convenience of the breakfast, and the evening cookies and treats were also a big hit. There is always something available in the lounge, and if we were bigger drinkers, it definitely would have been a great value.

PBH has some nice restaurants, and also great places to grab a pizza or sandwiches, and the gelato is a great treat. Based on your description of what you like, I think it is the hotel for you. I haven't stayed at the Yacht Club, but we have stayed at the Beach Club, and this hotel would definitely be more comparable based on the quiet and more understated them.

Maria

 

[BrerFoxx]

We stayed on the first floor in a bay view at Portofino. We had a little sitting area outside of our room with two chairs. We were located right next to the boat dock. It was very nice to sit out there and relax. There are plenty of places to enjoy quiet time. I really love that hotel.

 

[rpbert1]

Agree with other posters, PBH would be the quietest for you