Bumping an old thread as I don't see another good spot for this discussion --

Planning a trip to Universal Florida in December, before Christmas. Debating where to stay and main choices I'm focused on are the Loews Portofino via FHR (to use my Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit) or a nearby Marriott hotel to use up some credit card free night certificates, was looking at the Residence Inn near Universal as an example.

Any thoughts? I am willing to buy the express pass direct from Universal if we stay off site, and AFAI can tell the purchased pass is just as good as the hotel key pass, so I think we'd be okay other than missing the 1 hour earlier entry to the park.

I do like the idea of staying at the Loews being a nicer hotel but not sure it's worth shelling out $$ for -- right now around $400/night for our dates. Looking at the map, it seems like the Loews is still kind of far from the parks, but maybe I'm misreading it? How much easier are we talking in terms of access to the parks by staying on site? I have a decent understanding of what the difference is for Disney World but I haven't been to Universal Florida before. We're two able-bodied adults so walking isn't a big deal, but I would like to limit hassle where possible ... but again debating how much I am willing to pay for that.