re: Looking for Universal Studios Recs

Yep, Royal Pacific is the way to go. The others aren't really giving you anything nicer for the extra money - especially the Hard Rock. The 2 newer cheap hotels don't give you the express pass thing, and you definitely want that. So Royal Pacific is the way to go.
Watch online for specials. They always have good deals, like stay 4 nights for the price of 3, or a 3rd day free with a 2 day park pass. Only a couple of the newest rides don't let you use the express pass, so take advantage of the 1 hr. early park admission when you stay on site and hit those rides first. Because of the express pass, Universal blows away Disney. In 2-3 days you'll be able to hit every ride in both parks. There are plenty good restaurants there too. Once you arrive on site, you won't have to leave for anything til it's time to go home. And there's a Hart & Huntington on site in case you want to get tatted up while you're there. I got my first tattoo there.