Description: Universal Orlando's Royal Pacific Resort is an escape from central Florida. As soon as you enter the property, gone are the freeways, chain restaurants and gift shops. In their place are swaying palm trees, clear blue lagoons and tropical gardens full of waterfalls and singing birds. This is the South Seas... or at least Universal Studios' version. The Royal Pacific Resort is the most relaxing and gorgeous of the three Universal Orlando hotels, and it's actually the least expensive. While the Portofino Bay Resort is elegant and the Hard Rock Hotel is full of non-stop fun, the Royal Pacific Resort offers a more relaxing, laid-back vibe perfect for the end of a long day in the theme parks. It's actually my favorite Universal resort.
Standard rooms at the Royal Pacific Resort start at $224 a night. Each room offers a king bed or two queens, a flat panel television, two telephones, a hairdryer, iron and ironing board and an in-room safe. Standard rooms have standard views of the parking lot, walkways, or if you're lucky, one of the tropical gardens. If you want a more upscale view of the pool or lagoons, it'll cost around $30 more a night. I personally wouldn't recommend paying extra since not only will you not be spending much time in the room (this is a theme park resort, after all), but pool-view rooms can actually get pretty loud from all of the noise and commotion below.
If you're looking for something more spacious, there are several club level rooms available at the resort. Club level rooms go for around $320 a night, are slightly larger than the standard rooms, and offer either two queen beds or a king. The main benefit to these rooms is that they offer access to the 7th floor Club Lounge, where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, nightly hors d'oeuvres, and drinks throughout the day on every day of their visit. Complimentary concierge service is also provided, as well as daily newspaper delivery and nightly turn-down service. My family stayed in a club level room on one of our trips and loved it. It was nice not having to pay for breakfast every morning, and we appreciated the free drinks and snacks throughout our stay. If this is your one and only trip to Universal Orlando and the budget allows it, I would splurge for a Club Level room.
One thing to remember is that whether you're staying in a standard or club level room, high-speed internet access is only free in public areas, such as in the main lobby and the lounges. In-room internet access comes only with an additional charge.
There are plenty of recreational activities available at the resort for breaks from theme park touring. The giant, lagoon-style swimming pool has a sandy bottom and is surrounded by lush flowers, towering palm trees and plenty of lounge chairs for total relaxation. If you're looking for some added fun, daily ping-pong tournaments and hula-hoop contests take place daily by the pool which my little cousin loved. There's also a 5000-square foot fitness center free for all guests.
There are six restaurants and lounges in the Royal Pacific Resort, including a nightly luau and an upscale restaurant owned by Emeril Legasse. Most cuisine is Asian-based to go along with the South Seas theme (expect lots of sushi), but there are also American standards available to fill the needs and tastes of all guests. The food at the Royal Pacific Resort is truly top-notch.
If you're looking for a relaxing, peaceful play to stay on your Universal Orlando vacation, the Royal Pacific Resort is the place to be. It's the most laid-back of the three Universal resorts, offering a true getaway from the theme parks and the outside world. The royal Pacific Resort is also the most affordable of the on-site hotels, making it the perfect option for both families and guests visiting on a budget. I love this place!
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