Contemplating trip to Orlando in spring of next year - which of the two Universal hotels is best?

How do they compare with hotels at WDW?

Obviously "no-wait" feature for Universal is big plus but Disney hotels each have their own attractions that make them a lot of fun as destinations in themselves.......

can't talk much about the quality of Portofino as we only saw it, but the Hard rock is awesome. the service is fantastic, the rooms are big and very nice, and the overall atmosphere is great. we just got back from our second trip there (first with the kids). HR is within a short walk, about five minutes from any one of the parks or citywalk, or you can take the boat. We found the boat a bit slow, and only took it when the boat was already at the dock. as to how it compares with a Disney hotel, well it not only stands up, but some times it surpasses WDW. They still have direct to your room package delivery for one. and the price was less then the luxury resorts at WDW ($200 a night for HR, up to $285 for WDW for the same type of room.) also there is no parking lot views. the pool at HR is great, with a great slide.

the down side.

the pool is VERY shallow (4" deep at the deepest)

the phone system requires an advanced telecommunications degree.

there is no kid friendly restaurants at the hotel, requiring a trip to city walk for breakfast. or eating at the parks.

the boat system is slow and very inconsistent. this is not so bad at the HR, but is an inconvenience if your staying at Portofino.

over all they hotels are WELL worth the stay, my kids loved the resort and park, and the front of the line access is fantastic.
hope this helps.
Efoxx in Chi

efoxx:

Thanks for the updates!

Go Bears!

The Portofino Bay is fantastic. It is more upscale than the Hard Rock Hotel. I personally like it better than the Grand Floridian. The themeing of an Italian village is very well done.