If you choose to stay near Universal Orlando Resort (where you'll find Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk), this area contains three conveniently located, on-property hotels. In conjunction with your stay at any of these properties, special theme park admission deals and travel packages are available. To make reservations for any of the following hotels on Universal Orlando Resort's property, call (888) 322-5541 or visit www.uescape.com.

The Portofino Bay Hotel

The Portofino Bay Hotel (owned and operated by Loews Hotels) is within walking distance from the theme parks and CityWalk (however, complimentary transportation is provided). This resort offers Mediterranean architecture and landscaping. The buildings surround a beautiful man-made bay.

In addition to offering all of the amenities you'd expect from a prestigious resort, the Portofino Bay Hotel offers several advantages to Universal Orlando Resort guests. For example, guests of the hotel are invited to enter the theme parks one hour before the general public. This means that for the first hour, there are virtually no lines for the most popular rides and attractions offered within either theme park.

The Portofino Bay Hotel is an upscale, family-oriented resort with eight restaurants (with many more dining options available at City-Walk). There's also a 10,600-square-foot, fully equipped spa (offering Swedish massage, wraps, aromatherapy tubs, and a full-service salon). Outdoor activities include a Roman aqueduct — style pool with a water slide, a private villa pool, three whirlpools, and a children's pool. On Saturday nights there is a dive-in movie at the pool. In addition, you'll find an outdoor jogging, walking, and bicycle path, and two bocce ball courts. There are also child care services for $12 per hour per child, and a meal is available for $12 at Campo Portofino.

The Hard Rock Hotel

Rock legends and families alike will receive superstar treatment at the Hard Rock Hotel. Designed in the architectural style of a California mission, this resort caters to a hip crowd, offering 654 guest rooms, suites, and bungalows. The resort also offers two restaurants and bars, a music-filled pool area, a fitness center, retail shops, and a children's activity center called Kids' Crib.

Guests of this resort receive early admission to the theme parks, priority seating at certain restaurants, plus the option of purchasing length-of-stay theme park tickets. This is definitely a more adult-oriented hotel and will appeal to guests looking for an upbeat party atmosphere. It's ideal for spring breakers, young business travelers, honeymooners, and adults traveling alone. There are also child care services at Camp Lil' Rock.

Royal Pacific Resort

This 1,000-guest room property offers elaborate landscaping, waterfalls, and lagoons, plus it provides a unique design that will make guests feel as if they've been transported to the enchanted isles of the South Pacific. A variety of dining options includes a restaurant, a pool snack bar, and the Village Bazaar featuring a medley of fast-food options. Every Saturday night the pool has a dive-in movie and every night there is a dinner show called the Wantilan Luau. The luau is $49 for adults and $29 for children under twelve. The price includes gratuity, tax, food and unlimited beer, wine, and Mai Tais. There is also a nightly Torch Lighting Ceremony poolside every night at 6:30 P.M. There are retail shops, a business center, fitness and children's activity centers, plus meeting and function facilities, including a 28,000-square-foot ballroom. There are also child care services at the Mariner's Club. The cost is $12 an hour per child and a meal for $12 is available.