If my wife and I want a resort hotel in Orlando with a big and tropical pool to spend several days just by the pool without going to the theme parks, which hotel would you recommend--Hyatt Cypress or Hard Rock? THANKS.

The Grand Cypress has a lovely pool area and is a true resort, with golf, tennis, horseback riding, etc. If you're not going to be doing Universal, I would skip the Hard Rock.

I agree with the above. The Grand Cypress Hyatt is one of my all-time favorite resorts. Has anyone seen the pool area at the new Ritz?

Thanks for the replies so far. Has anyone been to the Hyatt recently who can tell me if the resort is being kept up properly or if it is beginning to show its age at all? THANKS AGAIN!

I just recently stayed at the Portofino Bay and Grand Cypress last month.

One afternoon we decided to spend some time at the pool at the Hard Rock and check out the hotel. It was very nice, athough much louder than the Portofino.

At the end of our trip we stayed at the Hyatt just to relax and sit by the pool. I did not think the pool area compared to the Hard Rock. Two waterslides, jacuzzis, waterfalls. It was great. Drinks were a little pricey though.

My husband and I agree, when we are going to go to Universal we will stay on-site and at the end of our trip the Hyatt is a great place to relax. We can not wait to go back to Grand Cypress.

If it's the pool you want, then it's gotta be the Hyatt Grand Cypress. It's a great pool, but get there early because lounge chairs go fast!!! I thought Portofino had a nice pool area as well. Again, go early to get a lounge chair. Never saw the Hard Rock Pool, but liked the liked location of the hotel if doing Universal. Portofino had some great rooms though...

The adult pool at the Portofino is a very luxurious and peaceful atmosphere. Also you might want to check out the new Grand Lakes Resort area - there are a Marriot and a Ritz that share the lake - you can go between the two propertie.