Universal Orlando Resorts
With the opening of first Portofino Bay Hotel, later the Hard Rock Hotel®, and in 2002 the Royal Pacific Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort has established itself as a complete and self-contained vacation destination, offering some of the most interesting resorts in all of Orlando. All are within walking distance or a short boat ride to Universal’s theme parks, Universal CityWalk®, and each other, all are operated by Loews Hotels, and all are worlds apart in personality.
If rock music and contemporary guestrooms are your thing, Hard Rock Hotel should definitely be your choice, but if gracious accommodations with a European ambiance are more your style it should be Portofino Bay Hotel all the way. Or perhaps a tropical island ambience at the Royal Pacific Resort is more to your liking.
A weakness of all Universal hotels is the lack of room balconies. Disney has continued to indulge vacationers with a place from which to enjoy the glorious Florida weather, but Universal hasn’t mastered this lesson. Hopefully they’ll realize the error of their ways as they add more hotels to their repertoire. One definite plus is Universal’s concierge level guest rooms, and at less than $100 more per day, they are a bargain. I believe you’ll find the Universal concierge lounges more sophisticated (in particular the ones at the Royal Pacific Resort and at Portofino Bay Hotel) than Disney’s, with a higher level of service for less money and not quite as many children underfoot.
Those with pets will appreciate Loews hotels. Their exceptional “Loews Loves Pets” policy allows pets in the room, even a menu of special dog and cat bedding, pet toys and treats, and gourmet food.
Why stay at a Universal on-site hotel?
On-site guests receive exceptional entitlements. Included are:
- Bypassing the regular lines at both parks each day of your stay. Simply present your room key to the ride attendant and be directed to the Express Entrance with a wait of 15 minutes or less, simply heaven in busy season.
- “First available” seating at select table-service restaurants in both parks and CityWalk® (not available on Friday and Saturday or at Emeril’s).
- Room charging privileges at Universal Orlando® retail shops and restaurants.
- Package delivery directly to your hotel room from select retail shops.
- Complimentary transportation by water taxi or shuttle bus to both parks and CityWalk® and complimentary shuttle bus to SeaWorld® Orlando.
- Preferred seating at select shows at both parks.
