We stayed at Holiday Inn Sunspree.............yuck! It was one of those free ticket deals, though, so we got our money's worth, but did we ever hate the room! It made us absolutely KNOW we are always staying on-site from here on!
We also stayed at Royal Pacific. It was nice .... great location, great Express pass privileges for Universal and IOA and very, very friendly staff. They didn't do anything special for our son for his bday, though, his first ever away from home, and only offered to makea cake for $50. We drove to find a bakery, instead, and finally came to a panaderia, where we got a lovely pineapple cake for $7, and used decorations I'd already brought (spiderman) to make it "his". However, if we couldn't speak spanish, we'd never have made ourselves understood.........they kept the cakes in the back in a cooler. I thought Royal Pacific should've offered SOMETHING.......if not for free then at least for a reasonable price. Like the other poster said about someone sending a cookie and balloon bouquet up. Also, one day there was a flea in the bathroom. I asked at the desk, and they do allow pets in all Universal hotels, and I guess the rooms aren't restricted, so that's something to think about!
We are happy to see Hard Rock towards the top of the list, as that is what we are going to try for our next Universal trip. I think the Express pass you get for staying on site there is a major incentive!