There are hotels you walk into and immediately feel a sense of relaxation, and Universal’s Aventura Hotel is one of those hotels for me. It is Universal Orlando Resort’s chill pill in hotel form.
From the moment I enter Aventura Hotel, the sleek design helps calm and clear my mind. This tower hotel offers stylish simplicity throughout, from its grand and open lobby to its sleek room design and modern take on amenities ranging from a roof-top bar and international food hall to some pretty cool in-suite technology enhancements.
ABOUT THE HOTEL
Located within walking distance from Universal Volcano Bay, Aventura Hotel is, simply stated, the cool place to stay on property at Universal Orlando Resort.
Price Range: $$
Perfect for: Families, couples and groups on a budget who want a high-tech, stylish place to relax when they aren’t hitting the parks.
Theming: Encased by sleek floor-to-ceiling windows, this tower-like hotel is an experience in stylish simplicity that is a welcome break from the busy theme park pace. After arriving through the front circular drive, you will notice the gleaming exterior of curved windows going all the way up to the 17th floor. Through the large sliding front doors, the stylish and bright lobby opens to a view of the gleaming pool area to the right, with all the hotel’s amenities right in front of you.
Rooms: All of Aventura Hotel’s 600 rooms are an oasis from normalcy. Upon entering, you will immediately notice serenity, surrounded by soothing colors, simplistic-yet-sleek décor and floor-to-ceiling windows. Bonus: every room can be upgraded to a skyline view upon request.
- Standard Room: Each Standard Room accommodates two to four guests with one king bed (238 sq. ft.) or two queen beds (314 sq. ft.), which can adjoin for up to eight guests between both rooms. From personal experience, I can say that booking adjoining rooms comes in super handy when traveling with groups of teenagers. They get their space and you get yours.
- Deluxe Room: The 395 square-feet Deluxe Room gives you a little more space. In addition, every room offers separate bathing and vanity areas, allowing the entire family to get ready for the day in the theme parks at the same time.
- Kids’ Suite: Offered in many of Universal Orlando’s onsite hotels, Aventura Hotel is also home to the special Kids Suite room option. This suite sleeps up to five comfortably, with two twin beds for the kiddos separated from a third king bed via privacy wall. Also outfitted with a couch that converts into a deluxe foam bed out in the main area of the suite, this 575 square-foot room offers a little more space in addition to privacy for the entire family.
- In-Suite Technology: Each room showcases how Aventura Hotel puts technology at the center of the experience through an in-room tablet. With gadget in-hand, you can control room lighting and temperature, order pizza to your room and access your streaming services. In addition, the tablet allows you to request deliveries from Aventura Hotel’s mascot of sorts, Relay the Robot. This roving robot makes its rounds all day long delivering requested items to guests’ rooms.
Benefits
- Walkway to Volcano Bay: This is, perhaps, my favorite amenity of staying at Aventura Hotel — a beyond-convenient and private walkway that takes you directly to the entrance of Universal’s water theme park, Volcano Bay. In less than five minutes you can make your way from Aventura Hotel to Volcano Bay, which is extremely helpful when traveling with a large group or children, eliminating the headache of transportation.
- Early Park Admission: Aventura Hotel guests get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before the theme parks open.
- Onsite Resort Transportation: It is easy to get to the rest of Universal Orlando when staying onsite at Aventura Hotel. Grab a complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure or Universal CityWalk from just outside the lobby doors.
- Room Key Charging: With your room key, you can easily charge purchases to your room resort-wide (including in the theme parks and at Universal CityWalk).
- Complimentary Purchase Delivery: Select stores throughout the resort will deliver your purchases directly to Aventura Hotel.
WHAT TO DO
Aventura Hotel has you covered for both relaxing and healthy activities for the entire family.
The Pool
Aventura Hotel is home to a pool as modern and stylish as the hotel. Giving you the feeling of being at a coastal resort, the pool area has a sleek, modern design and includes a hot tub and splash pad for the kids. The layout of the pool area combined with its amenities create the perfect post-park relaxation moment.
Fitness Center
Yes, you are on vacation, but if fitness is a priority in your life, you have to check out Aventura Hotel’s modern fitness center. Not only does it provide a beautiful place to get your sweat on, it exudes the serene feel of the hotel’s vibe and provides the perfect place for some fitness-focused me time.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Food options at Aventura Hotel range from on-the-go necessities, to truly unique meal options for both large groups and special nights out for two.
Bar 17 Bistro
Aventura Hotel is home to one of the most unique dining experiences in all of Orlando. Located on the rooftop of this 17-story hotel, Bar 17 Bistro is an open-air restaurant with 360 degree views of all of Universal Orlando Resort and the city beyond.
Open every evening, Bar 17 is the best place to take in the sunset at Universal Orlando Resort. The rooftop bar has an internationally-inspired menu with signature items like Bao Buns, Chicken Katsu, Ceviche and Stir-Fry Egg Noodles. Naturally, there is a collection of crafted cocktails, such as the 17 Apples bourbon-based cocktail or the Lavender Liftoff, a lavender-infused gin cocktail, which just so happens to be my favorite!
Urban Pantry
Located in the hotel’s lobby, Urban Pantry is a modern dining hall that has you covered from breakfast to dinner and everything in between. Check out different cuisines from around the world, including sushi or wok bowls, classic and kid-sized pizzas or filling burgers. In the morning, you can also find a full breakfast menu, including hand-made waffles and warm breakfast classics. If you get an end-of-the-day sweet tooth, grab some gelato or cookies to satisfy your craving.
barVentura
What modern hotel would be complete without a sleek and inviting lobby bar? Aventura Hotel has the perfect option in barVentura. This chill bar is a great meeting space or place to relax with a cocktail at the end of the day.
Bar Sol
Located poolside, Bar Sol is the place to grab a cocktail or drink while lounging in the sun. I personally found it to be the perfect place to enjoy a classic chilled rosé while recharging from a long day in the theme parks.
Starbucks
Your favorite coffee beverages and pastry options are in the middle of the lobby. Starbucks is always great for grab-and-go options on your way to the theme parks.
WHERE TO SHOP
Shopping at Aventura Hotel provides all the last-minute things you need all in one place.
Universal Studios Store
Tucked into the lobby, this onsite store is your headquarters for all the last-minute essentials you need for your days in the parks. And just like you can throughout Universal Orlando when staying onsite, you can easily charge anything you buy to your room key.
Aventura Hotel is truly an oasis of cool calm, and the place to stay at Universal Orlando Resort when you are seeking sleek style while not breaking the bank. Who knows — maybe you will see me there getting some much-needed relaxation time in, lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand.
To book, click here to find the right room for your group; whether that’s your entire family, a girl’s group, or you and your partner simply seeking a night away from the craziness of life.