We Are at Universal`s Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
My family (the ten of us (1)) arrived here at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, Florida last Friday and we'll be leaving tomorrow after 5 fun-filled days in the sweltering heat.
Actually it rained at times for a few days, so it was not as hot as it could have been. This is our third time at this hotel and although some in my family like it, I find it over-priced. When I spend more than three thousand dollars for a 4 night stay (we needed two Deluxe Queen Rooms (2)) I expect to get a small fridge, wi-fi, and parking for free. Instead, the hotel wanted $15, $10 (but inexplicably free in the lobby and common areas), and $18 per day respectively for each.
What idiots at that hotel. I bought a cooler and filled it with mucho buckets of ice each day that probably cost them more than I would have used in electricity for the fridge. As for wi-fi, I don't need their stinkin wi-fi, I simply tethered my PC to my smartphone. Parking however, was a problem. I had to pay the absurd $18 bucks a day.
As a hotel guest I also expect a discount on park tickets. Didn't happen. I paid full price - in our case: over $1500 for 4 days of parks but which expired in 14 days.
I personally do not want to come here ever again.
But it's not all bleak: the pool is great, the proximity to the parks is convenient, and being a hotel guest automatically qualifies you for an Express Pass (worth about $35 per day per adult) without which waiting on lines would be unbearable.
I think it is cheaper to stay at a nearby hotel and buy Express Passes each day. With the money saved we could probably get a limo to drop us off each day at the parks. But that's just me.
Notes
(1):
My wife, my two sons, my two daughters-in-law, my three granddaughters (ages 14 yrs, 13 yrs, & 8 months), and my grandson (age 3 yrs).
(2):
With plenty of extra living area, this spacious guest room sleeps up to five with two queen beds and a pullout sofa. The adjoining sitting area is perfect for kicking back, stretching out or just plain grooving. Room size: 500 sq. ft.
