When it comes to enjoying a magical vacation in Universal Orlando, we love staying at the Premier Hotels. While all the Premier resorts offer Unlimited Express, Early Park Admission, Water Taxi Service, and fancy rooms, Royal Pacific Resort has undoubtedly won my heart. This tropical paradise-themed hotel offers an unparalleled experience, and it has become my go-to choice for every visit. In this blog post, I will share with you the top seven reasons why I believe the Royal Pacific Resort is the best for us and may be the ultimate destination for you as well!
That Lobby Scent
From the moment I step start walking across the bridge into the lobby of the Royal Pacific Resort, I start smelling the signature scent they pump in. I’m immediately in vacation mode, even after a long car ride, or a stressful plane trip. The cool air from the lobby and this scent combined let me know I’m about to have a great stay.
Location, Location, Location
The Royal Pacific Resort’s location is unbeatable! It is conveniently located a 4 minute walk from City Walk, closest to the entrance of Islands of Adventure. We usually chose to walk instead of take the water taxis, and I love being able to take quickly get to the parks and through the security, saving time and avoiding the hassle of transportation. Even better when you stay in Tower 1 and be dropped right into the walkway via the staircase. We were some of the first in line for Early Park Admission last week because we were so close to Islands of Adventure.
The parking lot is also along the walkway back to hotel, which makes it easy to get to your car if you are heading straight home after your stay.
Ambiance
Royal Pacific for me feels so serene and relaxing and simultaneously part of the theme park action. You can hear the rumble of Hulk while going along the pathway, so you know how close to the park you are.
While the other Premier hotels are also luxurious, Hard Rock Hotel for me feels a bit too pretentious and Portofino Bay feels too secluded. The rock-and-roll vibe and the VIP party atmosphere of Hard Rock is located throughout the hotel, from the mirrors with the Celebrity heights in the guest rooms, and the clothing and music memorabilia throughout. Portofino is like a resort in itself with all the pools and restaurants, and feels almost separate from the parks, which is not usually what I’m going for.
Jakes American Bar
After a long day at the Parks (or maybe just when we need a break), we love going and sitting at the bar at Jakes American Bar and drink a Jake’s Lager. The bartenders there are all fantastic, and its such an easy break from the craziness of the parks.
Situated downstairs from the lobby, Jake’s American Bar is open daily from late afternoon until late evening, providing the perfect setting for both a relaxing lunch or a fun-filled dinner. The menu features an enticing selection of American comfort food, including mouthwatering burgers, juicy steaks, and flavorful seafood dishes. The casual yet stylish atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind with friends or family, while the outdoor patio area adds an extra touch of enjoyment.
Whether it’s a refreshing cocktail or a sumptuous meal, Jake’s American Bar promises an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of the Royal Pacific Resort’s tropical paradise theme. You can even take food to go, which is what we did for our last drive home.
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar
Did you know you could get some amazing sushi at Universal Orlando? Just pop over to Royal Pacific where they have fantastic sushi rolls and drinks, usually accompanied by live music. Located to the right upon entering the lobby, Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar is a gorgeous restaurant. Don’t forget to try the Mexican Roll if you like spicy sushi! Open from 5pm to 1am, it is a great place to grab a late night bite and even bring it back to your room! And their drink selections are great! I found a Brut Rose (my drink of choice) and now I know where to find great champagne at Universal!
Super Quiet Rooms
The rooms at Royal Pacific, while being close the park are very quiet. Not as large at Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific Resort 3 towers house less guests, keeping the noise levels down. All of Universal Orlando’s Premier resorts are tucked away from the noise of the road and the highway, making the stay super restful.
The layout of the rooms have the bathrooms between the hallway and the beds to reduce noise, and the carpeting keep noise down as well.
And the blackout curtains are phenomenal! We accidently slept in one day past our alarm because it was so dark in the room!
The lighting in the Elevators
I know this is a weird one, but hear me out 🙂 My husband and I are weightlifters, and the lighting in the elevators are perfect for swole selfies. Most elevators at Universal don’t have mirrors, or the lighting is poor, but the overhead lighting and clean mirrors are perfect at Royal Pacific!
Other Amazing parts of Royal Pacific Resort
- The Islands Dining Room: Serving buffet breakfasts with bottomless mimosas
- The Wantilan Luau: On Saturdays at 6pm, a beautiful luau show including dinner and drinks
- The pool: while not as epic as Sapphire Falls or Portofino, it is still a fantastic pool. Or you could always pool hop 🙂
- Unlimited Express Passes: as with all the Premier Hotels, it includes Unlimited Express passes for the day you arrive through the day you checkout
- Early Park Admission: as with all on-site hotels, it includes early park admission
- Tuk Tuk Market: Quick grab-and-go market with pastries, snacks and breakfasts, and most importantly, coffee!!
- Jurassic World Themed Kids Suites: Some rooms include themed Jurassic World rooms
- Guest Services: You can pick up your tickets or annual passes here
- Leis: As you wait in line to check-in, each member of your party can get a lei
- Merchandise Delivery: Have your merchandise sent directly to your hotel so you don’t have to carry it all day
When it comes to choosing a Premier Hotel for my Universal Orlando vacation, the Royal Pacific Resort reigns supreme as my go-to choice. This resort offers an extraordinary experience that keeps me coming back for more. With exceptional dining, fantastic amenities, and friendly staff, it truly feels like I’m on vacation. If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay in the heart of the action, I highly recommend making the Royal Pacific Resort your choice for an enchanting and magical vacation.
