Hard Rock and Portofino Bay renovations

Question

Hi All

We have booked to stay at the Hard Rock in August. I have been keeping an eye on the reviews and they have been pretty poor :( All the negativity appears to be related to the renovations which are currently ongoing. They are due to finish in October, but I'm feeling really twitchy about the whole thing! I booked club level as a treat for our silver wedding and it's so expensive!

I am now wondering whether to swap the reservation to Portofino Bay - that is currently undergoing major renovations which were due for completion last month. They have now been pushed to March, so I would imagine that they would surely be completed by August?

I suppose I'm asking for peoples opinions on whether to swap hotels? I've been watching the guy on youtube who posts regular updates on Portofino Bay and the work does appear to be winding down........any opinions?

TIA :)

Answer

It’s completely understandable to feel concerned given the timing and cost of your Hard Rock stay, especially since you’re celebrating a milestone. Here’s a breakdown to help you make a decision regarding Hard Rock vs Portofino Bay:

Hard Rock Hotel: The renovations at Hard Rock have been ongoing and while some areas are already refreshed, reviews indicate that guests are still experiencing noise, construction presence, and limited access to some amenities. Even if the renovations finish by October, it’s possible that some areas may still be under touch-ups or that residual impact may be felt in August.

Portofino Bay: Portofino Bay had major renovations scheduled to finish around March. If the work is indeed winding down as the updates suggest, by August the hotel should be fully operational with all amenities restored. Historically, Universal aims to complete these projects fully before the busy summer months. Checking recent social media or YouTube updates is a good indicator of progress.

Considerations when deciding:

If peace and uninterrupted enjoyment of club level are priorities, Portofino Bay may be the safer choice, as Hard Rock could still have active renovation zones in August.
Portofino Bay is renowned for its Italian-themed ambiance, more quiet and relaxed atmosphere compared to Hard Rock, which may enhance your anniversary experience.
Accessibility: Both hotels are on Universal property, but Hard Rock offers a more energetic, music-themed vibe, which may appeal if you enjoy that atmosphere despite the potential construction.

Additional tips:

Contact Universal’s reservations team to ask specifically about areas impacted by renovations at Hard Rock during your dates. They may offer alternative room locations or even temporary compensation if disruption is expected.
Check recent reviews on both hotels within the last month for the most current guest experiences, especially regarding construction noise.
Consider the overall experience: Portofino Bay may provide a quieter, more refined stay which might align better with a special celebration.

In summary, if minimizing construction risk and ensuring a seamless anniversary stay are your priorities, swapping to Portofino Bay is likely the safer option. Hard Rock, while iconic and fun, may still carry some disruption in August.