Does anyone know both the Royal Pacific and the Hard Rock resorts at Universal Studios? We can't decide which resort to stay in. Any opinions? They both look nice and Universal says that which ever resort we pick, we can use the pool at both resorts. How close are they to one another?( I know they look close on a map, but so does the Disneyland Resort and the Grand Californian, but in reality they are quite a little stroll from one another.) Are they both within walking distance of Universal Studios? Thanks!

We stayed at the Royal Pacific over Thanksgiving and loved it. You may use the pool at the other resorts and Hard Rock does have a nicer pool, especially if you are taking children. The rooms are also larger at Hard Rock but are cheaper at Royal Pacific. There is a boat shuttle and a bus shuttle (boats run more frequently) between all the resorts and the parks. The Royal Pacific has a nice atmosphere (a toned down Poly) and is newer. We got a great rate there-Entertainment Card. Sometimes it is harder to get good rates at the Hard Rock. Both resorts are great and you can't go wrong with Front of the Line Access. Breeze through the parks in the morning and still spend the afternoon poolside. Both of the hotels are a pleasant stroll from the parks but not that close to each other.

The hard rock is a short walk to everything. RP you have to take a boat or walk a lot farther.

We stayed at RP this past October and HR the previuos year. Thay are both great. My kids loved both pools. The HR has a 240ft slide and the RP has a large kids play area ( water fountains,etc,). You shouldnt concern yourself over the walking distance to the parks and City Walk between the two resorts. They are each a 5 to 10 minute walk.The difference is what atmosphere do you want? A music influenced one or a South Seas beach feeling. You wont go wrong with either.

They are both great hotels and neither is a long walk to the parks. The Hard Rock is a little closer, but NOTHING like Disney. Everything is so easy to get to at Universal. For all the info you could ever want on Universal, go to www.disboards.com and scroll down to the Universal forums. There are threads there that give facts on the hotels and tell about the different discounts.