You’re Larry? That was my nickname for many years.
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I stayed at Aventura for 1 night last year and really liked it. The small size and easy walk to Sapphire Falls to take the boat to the parks was great. I did not book a view either since I was just there to sleep, and was perfectly happy.
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This was actually what made me go ahead and change. I’ve been on the boats for fun, but always envious of people that do it for transport!
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I have now stayed at every resort there except for Cabana Bay. Surfside was great for the 2 bedroom suite with my kids fpr such a cheap AP price, but after so many trips with boat/walking transportation I did not like the bus/main security situation. I felt like a day guest versus a resort guest. It was fine for 1 night, but we moved to Portofino the next day which is more my speed. 
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I’ve never done it any other way! I’ve always thought the CityWalk security is pretty efficient! I love CityWalk and start to feel like “I’ve Arrived” when I see the Hollywood Drive-In Golf as I move along the walkway! CityWalk is a big part of my ritual.
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It’s probably because we stayed at all of the deluxe options multiple times before trying the non-deluxe options. So we were used to that level of service. Don’t try one of the deluxes if you want to continue to stay at the others, it will ruin you!
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I’m more about quantity! I will have done 6 weeks worth of trip this year, but staying almost exclusively, except two nights, at Dockside. The resorts are nice, but I’m there to be in CityWalk and the three parks. I have been on the water taxis to the others. Portofino looks amazing!!
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We don’t go as often (much prefer WDW and DLR), so want it to be top notch when we do. I love Portofino almost as much as going to the parks.
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I love this !!! 
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This is the 1 reason I don’t stay at Cabana Bay every time. If we’re not going to have late nights then I am fine with it, but most of the time when we go we’re going to an afterhours, and after doing the busses for one of those trips I really don’t want to do it again.
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Portofino would be my favorite if it was where RPR is, and if it had Cabana Bay’s QS. If ICL is an option then I’ll choose Portofino over the other two. If I’m on a budget and don’t care about Express (i.e. I’m going an OIM) then Sapphire Falls or Aventura.
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I’m excited to step out of my comfort zone and try two different hotels next trip! I’m going to keep my options open for my final February 2023 trip
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Another cool thing about Aventura is it has a 575 sq. ft. Kids Suite with 3 TV’s. It’s a really odd curve shaped room but very cool. A curtain closes off the main bed from the 2 small beds. And an additional area has a sofa couch.
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I’m truly excited! My wife says I am definitely “Universally Addicted”, but is enjoying how happy it makes me!
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Interesting!!! Thanks for adding that. Haven’t figured out what type of room for our family of 5 (18 to 12) next time we go.
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Nevermind! Random thought…
Sure! The kids can sleep in small twin beds for a short trip right? 
Although that pull out sofa bed is probably bigger.
Any recommendations for an off-site Universal Hotel for one night? I’m looking to add another date in September. However, all the Universal hotels are booked.
(I figure I’m not having to use vacation time from work to go, so I might as well if I can find a great rate!)
I have a rate at the Crown Plaza for $115 / night (fees & taxes included).
Input?
EDIT - I have booked that room. When I changed my flight I got a $20 credit and an earlier depart time + non-stop flight! I get to do a solo night of HHN now too! 
Still looking for hotel input though! There were a couple places under $100 that had mediocre Trip Advisor reviews.
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I’ve read good reviews about Hyatt House across from Universal, but I cannot vouch for them myself.
I’ve changed it to the Holiday Inn ($119) as it has a hotel theme park shuttle. That will save a good chuck of Uber / Lyft fees.
The Hyatt was $200+ on the night I needed. Thanks for the input!
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