Please help Travel man

Amethyst

Hi,
I am a first time user and am trying to book a holiday to the Port Aventura Hotel Universal park Spain.

I have checked out travel agent prices and also costed it through Martin's flightchecker. Just wondered if you can help get it any cheaper!!

Flights - Ryanair (£94 approx for 2 people including taxes)
Hotel - used somewhere2stay.com (£498 approx for 2 people)
Dates are - depart 12/06/05 return 17/06/05

Thanks for any help you can give
Amethyst

joa

Hi Amethyst,

My partner and I went there last year for my birthday (26/6). One thing I would recommend is staying at the El Paso on site hotel instead of the Port Aventura one.

The reason is that the Port Aventura one is directly at the main gates of the park so although you have no walking to do, you do get all of the noise (we stayed only for one night). At midnight, the fireworks and show start so if you're hoping for an early night one night, forget it at this hotel.

The El Paso is about a 5-10 minute walk up the slope (depends how slow you are) ... it's still 4 star, it's still an 'on site' hotel but you're far enough away to get all the fun with none of the noise.

My top tips to you are:
1. Go to the park when it opens, spend a couple of hours there then come back to the pool for about 11.30, soak up the rays all afternoon and then go back to the park after dinner when it's quieter. You have unlimited entry with your hotel passcard so use it to the maximum.

2. When we went, we were told that our passcards allowed entry to Costa Caribe only once in every one week. With a bit of delving at reception, we found out that we could have unlimited entry until July started !!

3. Go to Costa Caribe first thing in the morning. Through the entrance, over the bridge to the left (cannot cross until all lifeguards are in place & park officially open). Turn left directly after bridge and you will see some sunbeds under a big covering. This was by far our favourite place to be as it had sun & shade and it wasn't in a direct route so no people trudging past you every minute. When you've found suitable sunbeds 4 your party, go and get a locker for your valuables. Enjoy the sun and fun.

3a. Staff will charge you for the sunbed (think it's 1 or 2 euros), they walk round and check if you've paid. Each bed has a number on it so if you've paid for it, no one can take it. It works.

3b. Don't hire the rings. If you work the times correctly, you won't have a need to as there are plenty of Costa Caribe ones at the bottom of each slide. Only if you're planning on staying all day should you consder hiring one (these also come with numbers so no one can 'borrow' it).

4. When it starts getting busy in Caribe (normally about 11.30-12 noon), pack up your things and stuff everything you can (towels etc) into your locker. Make sure you have your passcard, footwear and a top (not bikini). Leave it all in the locker as it saves you buying another one. No need for money as you can charge everything to your passcard.

5. Walk back towards the entrance and find the fountain. Go straight on at the fountain (entrance will be on your right) and keep walking. This is the 'secret' way to Port Aventura. No going through the main gates. You'll have to show your passcard and ensure you have a top on (men too).

6. When you get tired of the queues, come back to Costa Caribe, cool down a little in the pools, then collect your stuff from your locker and head back to the hotel for a Pina Colada. You can go back to the park after dinner.

I think that's it, we had a great time but we worked the timings to our benefit. We also spoke a little Spanish to the bar staff and never had empty glasses in the whole 2 weeks. Have fun. PM me if you need any more specific info !!

Amethyst

Thanks for the info - I am booking for son's honeymoon, they love theme parks and enjoyed the US parks so we thought we would treat them!

Currently trying to book hotel but can't find out from agents if the passes are included!

Amethyst

joa

Anyone staying at a resort hotel will get a passcard (looks like a credit card) .. this card opens your room door but also gets you into the parks throughout your stay.

Another thing that I remembered was the air con .. you're supposed to put your passcard in the slot when you get back to your room but somtimes you get in and your room is baking. It takes the air con about 10 mins to cool it down. Just take a well known supermarket loyalty card and pop that into the slot when you go out each day. When you come back, your room will be lovely and cool.

Amethyst

Thanks for all your help and advice - the honeymoon is booked. I will pass the info on to No.1 son and daughter-in-law!!!

TRAVELMAN_2

Amethyst-will PM you later/or 1st thing 2morrow-have got some discounts for you. Been off with flu!

Chris

Amethyst

Hi Chris

Sorry I haven't been on the board recently - flu bug is going around!!!

I tried looking at PM box but no messages there - can you send again please??

Thanks
Amethyst