We stayed at HRH (Garden View) last year and both RPH and Swan (Club Level) last month. Of the three, I prefer RPH while DW prefers the Swan. Here's my take on all three.
The Hard Rock is a very hip and modern hotel. Lots of Rock & Roll memorabilia throughout the lobby and a fantastic pool with an cool underwater sound system. My daughters loved the water slide and enjoyed floating around on those funky purple mats! Our room had two queen beds, tv, cd player, shower/tub & toilet in the bathroom with separate sink/vanity. Great fluffy towels with a weird waffle patern.
The Royal Pacific has a modern "polynesian" theme. They definately wanted to avoid the Trader Vic's image that is so synonymous with Disney's Poly. Room was about the same as HRH but more wood/wicker throughout. Bath towels had gold emblem of "RPH".
Club lounge was fantastic! It was open all day from about 7:00 AM to 10 PM. Breakfast featured fresh fruit, muffins, danish, bagels, and single serving cereals as well as coffee, teas, milk, and juice. Through the day - canned soda, bottled water, coffee, and tea was available as well as small bags of chips. Evening appetizers featured veggie platter, chips/dip, assorted cheeses & crackers, and one hot dish. Over the two nights we were there, they had chicken strips and fries, and polynesian pork and rice respectively. There was also complimentary bottled beer (Heiniken and domestic!) as well as red and white wine. The last couple of hours had great cookies (choc. chip., oatmeal, etc) and milk.
The Swan has recently gone through renovation and the rooms are spectacular. All new "Heavenly" beds (pillowtops) with very comfy and very white down comforters. Free hi-speed internet connection for your laptop, shower/tub, toilet, sink in the bathroom and another separate sink/vanity outside.
The Swan (and Dolphin's) Club Lounge has limited hours. 7am to 10 am for breakfast and 5 pm to 8 pm for evening appetizers. With the exception of Mama T (and those yummy chocolate croissants), I was also disappointed with the lounge. All the same reasons Carol A mentions.
The Grotto pool shared with the Dolphin is great - it has a waterfall and slide. There are also two quieter "lap" pools for more adult lazing.
To sum it up, the Swan is great hotel and good for WDW touring. It's location to MGM, Epcot and the Boardwalk can't be beat. However, when there is a convention at the hotel, they can take it over it loses the Disney magic it had.
The Hard Rock and the Royal Pacific are, in my opinion, a cut above. Both in style, service, and themeing. And Front-of-the-Line /Universal Express access with your room card is an absoulte must!
Hope this helps, Steve
