What would you do? Resort Conundrum

[captainkidd]

We currently have a standard view room booked at the Hard Rock for 6 nights this July. Just found out that we could get a Deluxe Room at Portofino Bay for a bit less with the AP discount. No AP discount at Hard Rock.

Obviously, it's a better deal, especially with 5 of us, as we'd have an extra 120 square feet of room. A few things about Portofino we don't like - No laundry, longer walk to the parks, more difficult resort to navigate with all the stairs (we'll have a double stroller).

So, what would you do?

 

[danpam1024]

I am a die hard HRH girl. Tried PB- twice- it really doesn't appeal to me. Did you try a kidsuite? They are so spacious. I'm sure there will be a PH discount soon, there always is.

 

[captainkidd]

The Kids Suites are ridonculously expensive. I should add we're members of the Hard Rock Club, so an upgrade is never out of the question upon check-in.

 

[danpam1024]

The Kids Suites are ridonculously expensive. I should add we're members of the Hard Rock Club, so an upgrade is never out of the question upon check-in.

I know, but they're SO worth it! Makes any other room feel tiny.

 

[GLaDOS]

Portofino is my favorite resort in Orlando, so I always have to vote for it.

 

[HTF]

The Portofino is top notch and amazing in every way, then again I prefer the Royal Pacific.

 

[luv]

I'd go PBH...but I don't like HRH. You should go to the ones that appeals more to you!

 

[FrontRowMike]

We stayed at the Hard Rock and loved it. Although you're not there to spend time in the resort are you? We found the short walk to the parks ideal.

 

[captainkidd]

The laundry, for us, is a big issue. I'm really surprised they don't have machines at Portofino. And that's a HUGE deal breaker for us with 3 kids. I like the look of the rooms at Portofino more. I stayed at HRH once, and I found the rooms boring. It's nice to come back at night and be completely immersed in a theme. The other issue is I'd have to cancel HRH, wait for the refund, then rebook PBH. I really wish switching resorts wasn't so difficult at Universal.

 

[disney fan 13]

The laundry, for us, is a big issue. I'm really surprised they don't have machines at Portofino. And that's a HUGE deal breaker for us with 3 kids. I like the look of the rooms at Portofino more. I stayed at HRH once, and I found the rooms boring. It's nice to come back at night and be completely immersed in a theme. The other issue is I'd have to cancel HRH, wait for the refund, then rebook PBH. I really wish switching resorts wasn't so difficult at Universal.

I believe the rooms at Portofino were recently redone so that's more food for thought

 

[captainkidd]

I believe the rooms at Portofino were recently redone so that's more food for thought

Yeah, I read about that. Unfortunately, can't find any photos or videos of them.

 

[disney fan 13]

Yeah, I read about that. Unfortunately, can't find any photos or videos of them.

http://orlandounited.com/2013/04/12/loews-portofino-bay-hotel-unveils-newly-renovated-rooms/

 

[englanddg]

Yeah, I read about that. Unfortunately, can't find any photos or videos of them.

 

[captainkidd]

So, we decided to switch and took the Deluxe Room at Portofino Bay. I'm glad we did, as now we'll have about 115 more square feet, but at the same time, I'm kind of bummed we'll be so far away from the parks and City Walk.

 

[luv]

Lol, it's not far away. It's like two extra minutes (very pretty minutes, too!) on the boat.

 

[captainkidd]

I am the most indecisive person on the planet. After cancelling Hard Rock and booking Portofino, we decided to cancel Portofino and rebook Hard Rock. Besides the things mentioned that I prefer at Hard Rock, the big thing for me is the rooms. I'm not ecstatic about the decor of the rooms at the Hard Rock, but I downright hate the look of the new rooms at Portofino. They looked so much better before (at least in pictures). And though we don't spend a ton of time in the room, it is important to me. The whole color scheme looks kind of freaky to me.

 

[Alexis]

Gosh, I am a HRH girl! I stay there every year. But under the circumstances that there are 5 of you. I'd go for the cheaper deal at RP. You gotta think too that you won't be in the room much either...

 

[captainkidd]

It's Portofino that's cheaper. Cheaper than Royal Pacific in fact. We stay at RP every year and love it. I guess if we can handle 5 in a room there, we can handle 5 in a room at HRH.

 

[Alexis]

It's Portofino that's cheaper. Cheaper than Royal Pacific in fact. We stay at RP every year and love it. I guess if we can handle 5 in a room there, we can handle 5 in a room at HRH.

(my mistake, sorry) I read after what you recently posted. Good for you picking the HRH. Portofino is kinda boring to me ;/