The Resorts at Universal Orlando
Staying onsite at Universal Orlando is a personal must. While I am sure there are many reasons people stay offsite, I only get a certain number of vacation days a year and I want those days to be as stress free as possible. I can proudly say I have stayed at each onsite resort. While I will always have a fondness for my first, Portofino, I will gladly stay at any of them.Depending on what I plan on doing for each trip is how I decide where I am going to stay.
Just going down for HHN and some easy park days, Cabana Bay works perfect. (Sapphire Falls too when i opens)
Bringing friends for their first trip? I will select a hotel with Express Pass that fits our budget.
Service is great at all levels of resort categories, which is a far cry from even 10 years ago. Universal has really upped not only their park game, but their customer service game as well. I am not sure what they are doing, but glad they are doing it and hope they keep it up. It used to be the parks across town that were noted for service, but on my most recent trips that has not been the case. So ignore those people who tell you otherwise.
Universal Orlando Resort has three hotel categories: Premier, Preferred, and Prime Value (and let me tell you, the Prime Value far exceeded my expectations!)The difference between the categories is the perks you receive at each level
Premier Hotels are Portofino Bay Resort and Hard Rock Hotel. Luxury and pampering are the key notes to these AAA Four Diamond Award hotels. Rooms are a little more spacious, luxurious and the property becomes an escape at the end of the day.
Preferred Hotels are the Royal Pacific Resort and Sapphire Falls Resort. Only Royal Pacific has the same perks as the Premier Hotels. Sapphire Falls will not be included in the Express Pass and will be priced accordingly.
Prime Value is the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and as I said, it was a great value in my book. With Family Suites that sleep up to 6, the price point is great for any family and the resort itself feels more upscale than any value hotel I have ever stayed at. In fact, I do not think I ever had a happier “vibe” at ANY resort I have stayed at.
All categories receive:
♦ Early Park Admission one hour before the park opens
♦ Complimentary transportation to the parks
♦ Package delivery to your Hotel (Cabana Bay deliveries go to Luggage Services, the other hotels deliver to your room)
♦ Charging privileges with your room card
♦ Complimentary CityWalk Party Pass by presenting room key at select CityWalk venues
♦ Free Wi-fi.
Want more perks? Stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort for these additional benefits:
♥ Skip the regular lines at participating attractions in both Universal Orlando theme parks with Express Pass
♥ Priority seating at select Universal Orlando restaurants
♥ Pet Friendly rooms available offering room service meals, pet walking and pet sitting services
♥ Golf Universal Orlando benefits including tee times, complimentary transportation
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