We just returned from a 5 night stay in a regular room and had a great time.
Pros:
Cons:
- The decor of the whole resort was a big positive for me. I loved the blues used in the rooms - the ceiling was painted a very pale blue, the curtains were blue and white, and there was lots of aqua too. Very pretty with a bright and summery feel! The common areas were beautiful too. The pool even had pale blue chairs with white trim.
- Beds and pillows were comfy - slept well.
- No noise from other rooms - I'm sure this could change depending on who is next to you.
- Lots of square feet in the bedroom (but bathroom is a bit small).
- Loved having a Starbucks in the lobby - went there every day.
- Staff was great! Check in was a breeze and room was ready at 9:30 am! They gave me a choice of locations, and they were very helpful when I had to check out a day earlier than planned.
- Everything was incredibly clean.
- Housekeeping did a great job with our room and left extra toiletries twice.
- Huge full length dressing mirror.
- Transportation was so easy. There was almost always a bus waiting each time we walked up. The two times there was no bus waiting, we only waited about 5 minutes before a bus arrived.
- Walking distance to local restaurants and shops.
- Value! For the price point I was very happy with the resort. We paid about $74/night plus $15/night for parking. I booked a long time ago and got a nice rate. If you have a large family the 2 room suite would be a great value.
- Towels were small and rough. The towels for the pool were larger, but still low quality.
- Bathroom sink is not closed off and the light for it is paired with the foyer light. The light switch turns on both lights, so if you use the sink at night, the light might bother others if they are trying to sleep. Also there is only one switch and it is at the front door.
- Pool music was too loud and lots of pop and dance music. I would prefer music that matched the beach theme.
- Closet is small and is only covered by a curtain.
- No magnified make up mirror.
We didn't try the onsite restaurant but it looked pretty. Menu didn't appeal to me. We ate at the parks and also went to Hash House a Go Go, Keke's, and Coco Thai. Coco Thai is right next to the parking garage so we walked there, but drove to the other two. All good - especially Hash House and their bacon waffles with chicken.
By the way, the Universal parks were very clean. We went to Disney for one night before Universal and I have to say it wasn't as clean as I'm used to. Bathrooms and common areas needed attention. I was surprised.
Volcano Bay was lots of fun and a very beautiful park too.
Would I recommend Surfside? Absolutely. If you go in realizing it is a Value property I think you will like it. If you want more luxury, then there are many other choices that would make you happier.
Where does the hotel bus drop you off at Universal?
This is such an unfortunate comment. A poster should be allowed to express their opinion be it positive or negative. Just because it was slightly negative doesn't mean they were trying to say Disney is better than Universal.I obviously haven't been to this hotel, but I have to disagree with your last paragraph. Kind of reads like you went in with the idea that Disney is better and looked for things to support your opinion. I have been to Universal many times and found nothing but clean parks and happy, enthusiastic TMs.
This is such an unfortunate comment. A poster should be allowed to express their opinion be it positive or negative. Just because it was slightly negative doesn't mean they were trying to say Disney is better than Universal.
I didn't say you said they couldn't but saying their comment reads like they were looking for Disney to be better is super dismissive.I never said the poster couldn't express an opinion. But I'm allowed to express my opinion too.
I didn't say you said they couldn't but saying their comment reads like they were looking for Disney to be better is super dismissive.
Agreed! I just feel like there is too much pitting Universal against Disney. Too often I see on the Universal Boards comments saying that Uni is way better than Disney and in the Disney boards I see people saying Disney is better, when in reality neither is better than the other as they are both amazing and DIFFERENT parks. I feel like every opinion should be considered valid even if its a negative one because there are good and bad experiences at both Uni and Disney. So if someone says they didn't have the best experience at Universal it should be welcomed along with the praises. Sorry if I misunderstood. I read your comment as more of "There's no way someone could have a bad experience at Universal; this person must be uber into Disney" which you probably didn't mean it that wayThat's my OPINION. The great thing about opinions is we all get to have our own. Like you can say my comment was dismissive and I can disagree with you.
Silly question, but will the shuttle bus take me back to the hotel in the morning?
I need to go to airport by 9:30am, but I have 1 free day to my ticket, so I'm thinking to enjoy the early admission 8-9am then go back to the hotel and grab my bag.
Agreed! I just feel like there is too much pitting Universal against Disney. Too often I see on the Universal Boards comments saying that Uni is way better than Disney and in the Disney boards I see people saying Disney is better, when in reality neither is better than the other as they are both amazing and DIFFERENT parks. I feel like every opinion should be considered valid even if its a negative one because there are good and bad experiences at both Uni and Disney. So if someone says they didn't have the best experience at Universal it should be welcomed along with the praises. Sorry if I misunderstood. I read your comment as more of "There's no way someone could have a bad experience at Universal; this person must be uber into Disney" which you probably didn't mean it that way