Hard Rock or Royal Pacific - Need some advice! - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I'm working with a travel agent for my honeymoon and she originally found us a standard room at Royal Pacific for $250 a night. My mom and dad got me a AAA membership for Christmas and our agent found us a garden view 2 queen room at Hard Rock for $211.65 a night (AAA discount). Today, I was poking around the AAA website and found a standard king room at the Royal Pacific for $186.12. So what I need to know is, is the Hard Rock really that much better to pay the extra $25 a night? We don't really care about the view, so that's not an issue.
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I'd pick the Hard Rock just because it's closer to the parks. But Royal Pacific is beautiful and we enjoyed our stay there. I liked the pool at the Hard Rock better than RP.
One negative thing we encountered at HRH - last time we stayed there we were unfortunately struck with a horrible stomach virus - the whole family was sick. That night there was a concert at the Hard Rock, and we couldn't rest because of the noise. So many people parked at the Hard Rock that my DH was afraid to leave to go to the drug store because he thought he wouldn't have a parking space when he returned. So I'd check and see if they have any concerts planned while you're there. But then again - it might be someone you want to see. I found out after the fact that the band there that night was Velvet Revolver (Slash's band). If I had been able to get out of bed I would have loved to hear them.
But during that time we encountered some fantastic employees at the Hard Rock Hotel. The maid came by our room and I told her we were sick and if she would just give me some clean sheets I would change the beds myself. I didn't want her to come in and catch what we had. She insisted on helping me. When I tried to give her a tip for doing that, she refused. One of the nicest ladies I ever met. The next day (when everyone had recovered) my husband went to the front desk and asked if we could stay an extra night so we could enjoy the parks. This was right before Memorial Day, so we were afraid they would be booked. The desk clerk worked it out so we could stay another night at the same discounted rate we had.
If you wanted to save the $25 I don't think you'd be disapointed in RP. Either resort will allow you to walk to the parks and the best perk: "front of the line" access with your room key!
We've never stayed at the HRH, but we love the RP. I originally chose it because it cost less, and the island theming is my favorite by far. We've stayed at the RP 3 times, I think, and love it. I don't even want to try the other hotels at Universal because we like the RP so much. Theming is gorgeous, rooms are spacious, staff is friendly.
Honestly, first of all I'd think of your budget. $25 will buy a counter service lunch for 2, a souvenir shirt, or a few butter beers (once you get hooked on them, and you will , you'll want more than one!)
I'd go with RP if you are staying more than one night. My favourite is Hard Rock because I love the theming and how quickly you can walk to the parks from it. So to me, for $25 I'd stay with HRH. But if it was going to be more nights, saving $50 or $75 would make it worth it to me to stay at RP. I've stayed at both, and I like both. I just like HRH a smidge better, but not $50 better. That's dinner and drinks at a place like Margaritaville or the breakfast buffet at the hotel.
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I stayed at Hard Rock in a room with a view of the parks. Nice hotel, but thin walls. I did a tour of Royal Pacific and decided it was probably more our style resort and the price IS better most of the time. RPR is much more "vacation-y" feeling. With a price less than $200 a night, I'd go for it!
We have stayed at both & loved both of them. I don't think you could go wrong on either one. My kids (teenager) prefer HRH because of the location & theming. RP is definitely quieter & less crowded feeling
We have stayed at the RP twice and loved it both times. The location for the HRH can't be beat, but there is a boat that you can take from the RP or the bus. The walkway is very nice and it's not too long. They did have "rickshaw" bike taxis in the morning if you wanted to ride instead of walking. The only cost was a tip for the driver. I'm not sure if they were there in the afternoon/evening or not as we took the boat or bus back each time.
Whichever hotel you select, you'll love. All of the Universal resorts are beautiful so be sure to go over and walk around at the one's you aren't staying at.
Like others who have stayed at both I don't think you can go wrong with either. I actually think RP is closer to IOA than HRH. Depending on where you are located in the hotel the walk is less than 10 minutes.
We have dined at Tchop Chop which is Emeril Lagasse's restaurant at RP and loved it.
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