Royal Pacific Hotel ... Universal Studios
 

Have you stayed here, and was it within walking distance of the parks (heat of August)? We stayed at Portofino Bay last year, but are considering this for a change. Thanks!

My daughter and I stayed there a couple years ago. It is within walking distance, maybe about a 10 minute walk to City Walk alongside the canal/waterway.

There is a boat that will take you from the hotel to City Walk.

After walking to the parks the first time after we arrived, we took the boat each time thereafter that we went to/from the hotel. We were there in early June and I suppose whether you want to walk depends on your tolerance to the humidity/heat.

We usually walk from the Royal Pacific to the parks and take the water taxi back when we are tired.

Same as schmerl; we walked to the park and took the boat back. In August, I'd definitely be taking the boat back to the hotel.

I stayed at the Royal Pacific because of the price. I believe it is the least expensive of the three hotels owned by Loews.
I don't know what the inside of the Portifino Bay looks like, but it is probably fancier. I thought the staff was wonderful. I went during my anniversary and was upgraded and they left a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered cherries in our room. I would definately stay at the hotel again.