Disney's Polynesian Village ResortvsHard Rock Hotel Orlando
Both properties are rated highly by travel writers. On balance, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando ranks slightly higher than Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando comes in at 86 with praise from 12 publications such as Fodor's, Star Service and Condé Nast Traveler.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830
From $442/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Oyster
Upscale
"The crowded, 853-room Polynesian remains one of Disney's most popular Deluxe-category resorts for families." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Lush tropical gardens and waterfalls, a white sand beach, and a lagoon swimming pool with a steaming volcano and torch-lit walkways create the illusion of an island paradise."
Travel + Leisure
"Commanding an enviable position on the Seven Seas Lagoon, and a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom’s front gates, the South Seas–inflected Polynesian is a circa-1971 Disney original." Full review
Fodor's
"You may not think you're in Fiji, but families with kids can have fun pretending in this South Pacific-themed resort directly across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom." Full review
Gayot
"An impressive rainforest setting and exotica ambience---even to discerning Tikiphiles."
The Telegraph
8.0
"Facilities and amenities that make its South Seas style even more appealing, from the Tiki God in the lobby to the grand bungalows built over Seven Seas Lagoon." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"The Polynesian has been around since 1971; its great location and fun atmosphere never get old, even as newer choices crop up around it." Full review
Time Out
"Want to see what $2,000 a night will get you at a Disney property? Set your search to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort—specifically, the private, eight-person, over-the-water Bungalow...." Full review
Frommer's
"The longhouse-style thatched-roof complex remains one of the most transporting of the Disney resorts...a notch above for families as the monorail is steps away and rooms are on the big side" Full review
Lonely Planet
"With faux-bamboo decor, a jungle motif in the lobby, and coconut-shell cups and shell necklaces in the store, you just may think you're in the South Pacific." Full review
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Show All Reviews
5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
From $247/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
DK Eyewitness
"Mission-style architecture, an impressive collection of musical memorabilia, and an underwater sound system built into the impressive pool make this the hippest of Universal’s luxury resorts."
Rough Guide
"Stuffed with rock memorabilia, and with familiar tunes blaring out at poolside, this is the least tranquil of the park’s resorts – and the most popular with the younger generation."
Star Service
"Overlooking Universal Studios from its privileged locale inside the park, this hotel is situated on a waterway that connects it to its equally impressive siblings." Full review
Zagat
3.7
"Guests "have a blast" at this "lively", "upbeat" Orlando resort that's set in a "terrific" location within "walking distance of Universal's parks"."
Gayot
"California mission-style architecture, thoughtfully chosen music programming, an on-site concert venue and authentic rock-n-roll memorabilia make this resort an attraction all by itself."
Afar Magazine
"I walked into my hotel room and there on the bed was my personal invitation to rock." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"This ultra-hip deluxe hotel is themed as a rock star’s mansion and Universal Orlando Resort treats every guest like a VIP." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"With “thoughtfully designed” rooms and the “absolute best suites ever,” the Hard Rock Hotel will make you feel like rock and roll royalty." Full review
Fodor's
"The Hard Rock is perfect for large multigeneration family trips and for smaller families looking to keep children entertained." Full review
i
Rooms have black-and-white photos of pop icons and 32-inch flat-panel TVs.
2010 Fodor's 100 Hotel Award Winner
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, but this is a fact the Hard Rock chooses to ignore (and we're glad they do!
Travel + Leisure
"Ever wondered what it feels like to live like a rock star? Find out at this upscale resort, which features 650 guest rooms, including the 2,375-square-foot Graceland suite" Full review