Imagine being immersed in the Universal Epic Universe experience from morning to night. That is exactly what awaits you as a guest at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel.
This Signature Collection Mediterranean-themed hotel sits within Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe and brings the cosmos to life with beautiful theming, lush rooms, stellar amenities, sensational dining, and one of the best features ever: its own entrance for hotel guests to access Universal Epic Universe.
Where else can you walk from your room directly into the world’s newest and most advanced theme park? Literally nowhere else.
About Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a central part of the Epic Universe experience. Nestled at the edge of Celestial Park and offering an abundance of amenities, this hotel experience is simply like none other.
Price Range: Signature Collection Hotel – $$$$
Perfect For: Virtually everyone, from families and couples to groups who want an elevated and extended theme park experience.
Theming
Universal Helios Grand Hotel was planned as an integral part of the overall Universal Epic Universe vision. From the beautiful lobby adorned with artwork evoking the sun and stars to the rooms appointed with soothing décor and windows showcasing sprawling views of Epic Universe, the hotel’s Mediterranean elegance can be seen in almost every detail of the hotel.
Read more about the origin and inspiration behind Universal Grand Helios Hotel and make sure one of your first selfies is with the iconic Apollo statue just outside the lobby in the Court of the Sun.
Rooms at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
The 500 rooms of Helios Grand Hotel are spread across eight floors, where art displayed in the hallways traces the journey from day to night as you ascend upward. Each room stands above the rest with innovative in-room technology controlled by the in-room tablet, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are ever-so inviting to the grand views of Celestial Park and the rest of Epic Universe*. Changing the lighting and temperature conveniently from one device? Count me in. You can also expect to see standard amenities such as a mini fridge and TV.
- Standard Rooms: Standard rooms include two queen beds or one king bed with a standard, pool, theme park, or skyline view.
- Club Level Rooms: Club Level rooms feature two queen beds and access to a private lounge featuring continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, and personal concierge service.
- Suites: Helios’ suites range from the 1,500-square-foot Presidential Suite and the 735square-foot Celestial Suites to the private King Suites. Featuring one King Bed and a sleeper sofa, with room connection, Celestial and King Suites also offer theme park view options.
- “How To Train Your Dragon” Kids’ Suites: These unique suites feature a separate room designed to make your younger Vikings feel like they’re tucking in for the night in the Isle of Berk surrounded by How to Train Your Dragon décor. Theme Park View Kids’ Suites sleep up to five guests.
*Not all rooms feature a view of the theme park.
Benefits of Staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
- Dedicated Entrance to Universal Epic Universe: Walk on down to the lobby, through your dedicated entrance, and out into Celestial Park. It’s that easy. (Valid theme park admission required)
- Early Park Admission: Helios Grand Hotel guests can enjoy early admission to all theme parks within Universal Orlando Resort to experience select attractions an hour before opening.
- Free Transportation: Free shuttle bus transportation to Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.
- Room Key Charging: Track your trip purchases in one place by using your room key for purchases throughout the entire destination.
- Complimentary Merchandise Delivery: Select Universal Orlando owned and operated theme park stores will deliver your merchandise directly to your hotel until 5 p.m. daily. No need to worry about carrying everything around with you.
- Vacation Planning Center: Located in the hotel lobby, from ticket purchasing to dining reservations, the Universal Vacation Planning Center can help with everything you need to plan your Universal Orlando Resort experience.
What to Do at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Resort-style Pool
Stepping out into the pool is akin to stepping right into a Mediterranean paradise. Away from the activity of the theme park, this zero-entry pool is surrounded by swaying palm trees, beautifully designed lounging areas and private cabanas (available for an additional fee).
In addition to nightly poolside movies, the pool features family activities throughout the year and yard games — successfully keeping everyone occupied between theme park days.
Game Room
Featuring an array of arcade games, the Game Room is open daily with game cards available for purchase.
MOM TIP: This is a great way to keep the kids busy when you just need a break for a bit.
Fitness Center
This state-of-the-art gym is outfitted with an array of cardio and strength-training equipment, locker rooms and a stretching area.
Business Center
The 24-hour business center is located in the lobby and offers computer access and printing.
What to Eat & Drink at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
The décor and design of Universal Helios Grand Hotel is stunning, but the food and its beautifully appointed dining options take the experience to another, one could say Celestial, level.
The hotel’s menus are built around Mediterranean flavors and carefully sourced ingredients, and the dining spaces bring the Epic Universe experience to life within this adjacent hotel.
Flora Taverna
This three-meal restaurant sits overlooking Celestial Park with both a lounge and restaurant featuring indoor and al fresco seating. The Flora Taverna dining experience starts in the morning with a full breakfast buffet served from the open kitchen. Lunch and dinner menus serve both specialty and comfort Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including a daily shawarma offering, wood stone oven pizzas, and small plates. The lounge serves one of the best espresso martinis in Orlando, and the cocktail menu features signature drinks created onsite by master cocktail craftsmen.
Bar Helios
Bar Helios sits at the top of the Helios Grand Hotel as the hotel’s signature rooftop bar. It is a destination-dining experience featuring views over the entirety of Epic Universe, and specialty cocktails and a menu that simply must be experienced in person. The menu focuses on elevated small plates and shareable dishes, including the tableside Tomahawk Steak Experience, the Seafood Tower, and interactive dessert experiences such as the Tableside Trifle based on the flavors of tiramisu. Cocktails sourced from the hotel’s beverage lab are also an experience, featuring celestial and element-themed drinks categorized by Water, Air, Earth or Fire.
My favorite, The Night Goddess, is a pomegranate and ginger-based cocktail perfect for sipping at the end of the evening while viewing Epic Universe from the Bar Helios terrace.
Aurora Market
As the hotel’s grab-and-go stop and coffee bar, Aurora Market offers specialty pastries (including a daily gluten-free option) as well as wraps, paninis, locally sourced gelato, and freshly brewed and made-to-order coffee drinks.
Lotus Lagoon
Located near the pool, Lotus Lagoon features a menu with some well-known pool side menu items such as Angus Burgers and Chicken Wings, as well as Mediterranean-inspired dishes like Greek Souvlaki and Kebabs.
MOM TIP: If, like me, you have family members with food allergies, make sure to keep an eye out for your pre-trip communication from the hotel. During this correspondence you can alert the hotel to your dietary needs so they are ready to accommodate them before you arrive.
Where to Shop at Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Universal Studios Store
Get a jump on your souvenir shopping or pick up a last-minute gift at the Universal Studios Store located in the hotel lobby, featuring Universal Epic Universe products — apparel, gifts, collectibles — and travel essentials.
As part of the Signature Collection hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Helios Grand Hotel is truly an iconic must-stay, must-eat and must-experience property.
I promise it is an intertwined hotel and theme park moment you, and your entire family, will remember for years to come.
Want to learn more about Universal Helios Grand Hotel? Check out our new episode of Checked In!
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.